Country Innovation & Supply stocks direct thermal (DT) labels for same-day shipment from our Chicago, Atlanta, Reno, and Dallas warehouses. This page lists every stock DT configuration with size, core, OD, perforation, and warehouse availability.
Pricing tracks paper, topcoat chemistry, and freight markets, request a quote or call for current pricing on any part number.
Key Benefits
- Same-day shipment on high-volume DT shipping labels from the nearest CIS warehouse
- No ribbons required, lower cost-per-label and simpler operator workflow
- Topcoated and non-topcoated stock for both long- and short-life applications
- Compatible with every major DT printer (Zebra ZD/ZT, TSC, Honeywell PC, SATO)
- US-based warehousing in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, and Reno for fast nationwide delivery
Most Popular Stock Sizes
| Size | Construction | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 4" x 6" perforated | 3" core / 8" OD, topcoated | Shipping, pallet, e-commerce |
| 4" x 6" perforated | 1" core / 5" OD, topcoated | Desktop print-and-apply |
| 2.25" x 1.25" perforated | 1" core, topcoated | Receipt, retail, pricing |
| 4" x 2" perforated | 3" core, non-topcoated | Carton, short-life ID |
When to Choose Direct Thermal
Direct thermal printing uses heat-sensitive paper that darkens under the printhead, no ribbon required. DT is the right choice when:
- The label has a short service life (shipping, receiving, pick tickets, name badges, food service date labels, typically 6-12 months)
- The label is not exposed to prolonged heat, direct sunlight, or aggressive chemicals
- Operators benefit from eliminating ribbon changes and ribbon inventory
For longer-life, harsher-environment, or higher-density barcode applications, see our Stock Thermal Transfer Labels reference.
Topcoated vs. Non-Topcoated
CIS stocks both:
- Topcoated DT. A thin protective coating on the face stock adds abrasion, chemical, and water resistance. Topcoat also slows fade from UV and heat. Recommended for shipping labels, healthcare, food handling, and any application where the label is touched, scanned, or stored.
- Non-topcoated (medium sensitivity) DT. Lower-cost paper for short-life applications such as pick tickets and internal warehouse moves. Faster print, but more vulnerable to scuffing.
Both grades are medium-sensitivity, which is the most common print setting on industrial Zebra, SATO, TSC, Honeywell, and Printronix DT printers.
DT Rolls, Non-Topcoated, 3" Core, 8" OD
| Size | Notes | Warehouses | Labels/Roll | Rolls/Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4" x 2" | Perf | Atlanta, Dallas | 3,000 | 4 |
| 4" x 3" | Perf | Atlanta, Dallas | 1,900 | 4 |
| 4" x 4" | Perf | Atlanta, Dallas | 1,500 | 4 |
| 4" x 6" | Perf | Atlanta, Dallas | 1,000 | 4 |
| 4" x 6" | Fanfolded | Atlanta, Dallas | 2,000 | 2 |
| 4" x 6" | No perf, 12" OD | Atlanta, Dallas | 2,500 | 2 |
| 4" x 6.5" | Perf | Atlanta, Dallas | 900 | 4 |
DT Rolls, Non-Topcoated, 1" Core, 5" OD
| Size | Labels/Roll | Rolls/Case |
|---|---|---|
| 2" x 1" | 2,300 | 4 |
| 3" x 2" | 1,240 | 4 |
| 4" x 1" | 2,300 | 4 |
| 4" x 2" | 1,250 | 4 |
| 4" x 3" | 850 | 4 |
| 4" x 6" | 450 | 4 |
DT Rolls, Topcoated, 3" Core, 8" OD
The workhorse format for industrial shipping and receiving. 3/16" gap and 3 sensor slots between labels.
| Size | Notes | Warehouses | Labels/Roll | Rolls/Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2" x 1" | Perf | Chicago, Atlanta | 5,500 | 8 |
| 2.25" x 1.25" | Perf | Chicago | 4,450 | 8 |
| 3" x 1" | Perf | Chicago, Atlanta, Dallas | 5,500 | 6 |
| 3" x 2" | Perf | Chicago | 2,750 | 6 |
| 3" x 5" | Perf | Chicago, Atlanta | 1,200 | 6 |
| 4" x 1" | Perf | Chicago | 5,500 | 4 |
| 4" x 1.5" | Perf | Chicago | 3,600 | 4 |
| 4" x 2" | Perf | Chicago, Atlanta, Reno | 3,000 | 4 |
| 4" x 3" | Perf | Chicago, Atlanta, Reno, Dallas | 2,000 | 4 |
| 4" x 4" | Perf | Chicago | 1,500 | 4 |
| 4" x 6" | Perf | Chicago, Atlanta, Reno, Dallas | 1,000 | 4 |
| 4" x 6" | Fanfolded | Chicago, Atlanta, Reno | 2,000 | 2 |
| 4" x 6" | No perf, 12" OD | Chicago | 2,500 | 2 |
| 4" x 6.5" | Perf | Chicago, Atlanta, Reno, Dallas | 900 | 4 |
| 4" x 8" | Perf | Chicago | 750 | 4 |
DT Rolls, Topcoated, 1" Core, 4" OD
For desktop printers (Zebra GK/GX/ZD series, TSC DA/DH series, Honeywell PC42).
| Size | Warehouses | Labels/Roll | Rolls/Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2" x 1" | Chicago, Atlanta, Reno | 1,300 | 12 |
| 2.25" x 1.25" | Chicago, Atlanta | 1,150 | 12 |
| 3" x 2" | Chicago, Atlanta, Reno, Dallas | 740 | 12 |
| 4" x 1" | Chicago, Atlanta | 1,300 | 12 |
| 4" x 2" | Chicago, Atlanta, Reno, Dallas | 730 | 12 |
| 4" x 3" | Chicago, Atlanta, Reno, Dallas | 500 | 12 |
| 4" x 4" | Chicago | 380 | 12 |
| 4" x 6" | Chicago, Atlanta, Reno, Dallas | 250 | 12 |
DT Rolls, Topcoated, 1" Core, 5" OD
| Size | Warehouses | Labels/Roll | Rolls/Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2" x 1" | Chicago | 2,500 | 12 |
| 2.25" x 1.25" | Chicago | 2,100 | 12 |
| 3" x 1" | Chicago | 2,500 | 12 |
| 4" x 1" | Chicago | 2,500 | 12 |
| 4" x 1.5" | Chicago | 1,800 | 12 |
| 4" x 2" | Chicago | 1,320 | 12 |
| 4" x 3" | Chicago | 890 | 12 |
| 4" x 4" | Chicago | 700 | 12 |
| 4" x 6" | Chicago, Atlanta, Reno, Dallas | 460 | 12 |
DT Rolls, Topcoated, 0.75" Core, 2.6" OD
For compact handheld printers (Zebra ZQ, TSC Alpha series).
| Size | Warehouses | Labels/Roll | Rolls/Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4" x 1" | Chicago, Reno | 620 | 36 |
| 4" x 2" | Chicago, Reno | 325 | 36 |
| 4" x 3" | Chicago, Reno | 220 | 36 |
| 4" x 4" | Chicago, Reno | 165 | 36 |
| 4" x 6" | Chicago, Reno | 105 | 36 |
DT Topcoated Floodcoats, 4" x 6", Perforated
Pre-printed solid-color DT face stock for color-coded shipping, expedited orders, hazard or return-zone identification. 1,000 labels per roll, 4 rolls per case, stocked in Chicago.
Standard colors: Pantone Yellow, PMS 021 Orange, PMS 182 Pink, PMS 185 Red, PMS 251 Purple, PMS 2975 Blue, PMS 365 Green.
Specifications That Apply to Every DT Stock Label
- Medium sensitivity (compatible with standard industrial and desktop thermal printer settings)
- General-purpose permanent acrylic adhesive, 1/8" radius corners
- Topcoated grades: 3/16" gap, 3 sensor slots between labels
- No ribbon required
- Made in the USA
- Same-day shipment for in-stock items ordered before the warehouse cutoff
DT vs TT, Quick Decision Path
| Application | Recommended |
|---|---|
| Shipping labels (1-6 months handled & stored indoors) | DT topcoated |
| Receiving and pick tickets (short cycle) | DT non-topcoated |
| Asset tags, equipment IDs, GHS, rack labels | TT (see stock TT) |
| Cold storage / freezer labels | TT with cold-temp adhesive |
| Outdoor or UV-exposed | TT on polyester |
| Long-life barcoded product labels | TT |
How to Order
- Match the size, core, OD, and topcoat grade to your printer and application.
- Request a quote listing the part configuration, case quantity, and warehouse preference.
- CIS confirms pricing, freight, and ship date.
For sizes or constructions outside this stock list, CIS also produces custom DT labels with custom adhesives, removable formulations, and full-color flexo or digital printing. See Industrial Labels.
Compliance Notes
DT paper is a general-purpose face stock. For long-life, harsh-environment, or regulated labeling (GHS, UL, ANSI), switch to thermal transfer, see Stock Thermal Transfer Labels and the Industrial Label Materials Guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do DT labels last?
Topcoated DT lasts 6–12 months in normal indoor conditions. Non-topcoated suits very short-life uses (days to weeks). For 1+ year service, switch to TT.
Topcoated or non-topcoated, which do I need?
Topcoated for any label exposed to heat, light, chemicals, or abrasion. Non-topcoated when cost matters most and the label only needs to survive transit.
Will DT work outdoors?
No, UV and heat darken DT face stock quickly. Use TT polyester for any outdoor application.
What printer settings should I use?
Run the printer's DT calibration routine after loading, and use the manufacturer's recommended darkness for DT media, typically 2–4 steps lower than TT.
Are DT labels safe for food contact?
DT face stocks contain a thermal coating. Use indirect-contact labels for any food-contact application, or specify food-safe stock on a custom quote.
Next Steps
- Request a Quote, size, material, quantity, environment
- Talk to a Specialist, fast human answers on DT vs TT and roll selection
- Need a size or material not listed? Request a custom quote.
_Talk to a real person in minutes, no bots, no delays._
Related References
- Thermal Labels Resource Center, DT vs TT, cores, printer compatibility, and print-quality troubleshooting
- Stock Thermal Transfer Labels, TT sizes, polyester, floodcoats
- Industrial Label Materials Guide, face stock, adhesive, topcoat selection
- Warehouse Rack Labeling Best Practices, labels commonly used for rack and bin identification