Intermec Duratherm direct thermal paper tags provide excellent print quality with good resistance to abrasion and some chemicals, and a cost-effective price point. Direct thermal media does not require a ribbon to print. The media is coated with a heat-sensitive layer which is imaged through direct contact with the printhead, resulting in a pattern of black dots which forms text, bar codes, or graphics. With no need for ribbon changeover, Duratherm products require less operator intervention and training.