applications that cannot use thermal (thermal direct) label material because of heat source proximity or short label life, a more widely used material is the thermal transfer label printer. This material has the advantage of a much longer readable life and does not fade with time or heat. Most major manufacturers of thermal printers can be used for either thermal transfer (TT) or thermal (DT) labels. A thermal transfer ribbon will be required to print the labels. The cost of the ribbons + TT labels is similar to that of the DT labels on their own; Thermal transfer ribbon types: Wax is the most popular as it has some smudge resistance, and is suitable for matte and semi-gloss paper labels; Wax and resin are smudge resistant, suitable for semi-gloss paper and some synthetic labels; Resin is scratch and chemical-resistant, suitable for coated synthetic labels; None – labels can be printed directly on adhesive without using a substrate. Labels made in this manner are extremely fragile, however, and have been rendered virtually obsolete by other printing methods such as silk screen; The stock type will affect the types of ink that will print well on them. Corona-treating or flame-treating some plastics makes them more receptive to inks, coatings, and other substrates by reducing surface tension and improving the overall adhesion of the plastics. An alternative method of labelling is weaving the text directly into the fabric. Attachment Labels can be attached by: Heat-activated adhesives: for example, "in-mold labeling" can be part of blow molding containers and employs heat activated adhesives. Hot melt adhesives are also used. Pressure-sensitive adhesives (also called PSA or self-stick) are applied with light pressure without activation or heat. PSA labels often have release liners which protect the adhesive and assist label handling. Rivets used to attach information plates to industrial equipment. Shrink wrap for printed shrinkable labels placed over packages and then heated to shrink them. Sewing for fabrics such as clothing, tents, mattresses and industrial sacks. Wet glue such as starch, dextrin, PVA or water moistenable gummed adhesive. Yarn, twine or plastic tie, usually referred to as a swing tag. Static cling, where "stickers" have a static charge enabling them to attach without adhesive to smooth surfaces such as glass. Pressure-sensitive adhesive types Pressure-sensitive label adhesives are commonly made from water-based acrylic adhesives, with a smaller volume made using solvent-based adhesives and hotmelt adhesives. The most