Thermal transfer printers use the same basic technology as direct thermal printers, but replace the chemically coated material with a non-sensitized face stock and a special, inked ribbon. A durable, polyester ribbon film coated with dry thermal transfer ink is placed between the thermal printhead and label. The thermal printhead transfers the ink onto the label surface, where it cools and anchors to the media surface. The polyester ribbon is then peeled away, leaving behind a stable, passive image.