PowerPro II
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CopyPro PowerPro II
Thermal Transfer & Inkjet CD Printer Comparison
The PowerPro II series of printers use thermal transfer technology to apply resin type ink
to the surface of a plastic CD or DVD disc. Thermal transfer printers have a print head
that heats portions of a ribbon as disc moves under the printer head, as the disc goes pass
the print head the resin type ink cools and adheres to the surface of the disc. Thermal
Transfer CD printers provide one of the few methods to print on CD discs in an office
environment.
CD Printer Comparison Chart
Inkjet CD Printer
Thermal Transfer
CD printer
Key Point
Fast Print speed
Slow
Fast
Thermal Printer is
faster
Waterproof Label
Not waterproof
Waterproof
Thermal Printer
label more durable
Requires coated CD
media
Yes
No – prints black
directly on Silver or
gold media
Yes – prints color
on white coated
media
Thermal Printer has
slowest cost per
label for black only
labels and media
Quality of output
Good Text
Excellent Graphics
Excellent Text
Good Graphics
Thermal transfer
Printer offer good
labeling
characteristics
Coverage of Disc
Can cover entire
disc with graphics
Can cover most of
the disc with
graphics. Some
unprintable areas at
edges of disc and
hub area
Thermal transfer
Printer label
coverage good for
most business CD
labeling applications
Best labeling
applications
Color photos on
white inkjet type
coated media
Black text and
graphics on silver /
gold media
Spot color on silver
Thermal transfer
Printer allows wide
range of label types
