Thermal transfer ribbon printing is an efficient and cost-effective way to print labels on a variety of substrates. With the right label printer ribbon, these systems can print on paper, polyester, polypropylene, Tyvek and other film substrates. However, for the best quality prints, it is important to match the transfer ribbon to the application. This process requires consideration of not only the substrate, but also application requirements such as print life.
Why choosing the right ribbon for your application is important
Thermal transfer ribbons are not completely interchangeable. The ribbon may be able to print on suboptimal substrates, but there may be significant quality issues. For example, incompatibility between these components can result in strange shades of gray or partial ink transfer. Likewise, using ribbon on a surface that is too rough may cause pinhole gaps in the final print. Choosing the right ribbon can prevent these problems and ensure smooth, durable printing.
Thermal transfer ribbon types
Close-up of light blue thermal transfer ribbon Thermal transfer ribbon can be coated with wax, resin, or some combination of wax and resin. Generally speaking, wax ribbons are more economical, while resin ribbons provide more durable prints.
wax tape
Wax ribbons can print dark, crisp images at a range of energy and speed settings. They provide a versatile, cost-effective option for printing on labels as well as coated and uncoated papers.
Resin reinforced wax tape
Resin-enhanced wax tape has a unique formula that minimizes static and produces a sharper edge than pure wax tape. They are also available on a wider range of substrates, including coated and uncoated papers, synthetic papers, polyethylene and polypropylene.
Wax/resin ribbon
Wax/resin ribbons are formulated with a higher proportion of resin. This ingredient helps eliminate static and creates cleaner prints. They are particularly useful for achieving clear quality on lower-end synthetic materials such as polypropylene, topcoat vinyl, polyethylene, and polystyrene.
Full resin ribbon
All-resin ribbons are the most versatile, capable of printing at high speeds on almost any substrate. Resin prints are also more durable than wax prints and can withstand mechanical and chemical damage. These tough ribbons produce excellent results on a variety of substrates including paper, labels, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyolefin, vinyl and polyester.
Within these broader categories, there are a variety of formulations to choose from, each with unique benefits. Codewel's printing experts can help you choose the specific ribbon that best suits your needs.
Thermal transfer ribbon applications
Thermal transfer ribbon is commonly used for retail labeling and product tracking. However, the applications differ in several key ways:
Print volume and speed
Printing substrate
Adjust the label surface after printing
environmental exposure
chemical exposure
processing frequency
These variables determine which transfer tape best suits the needs of the industry.
Universal Wax Heat Transfer Ribbon
As mentioned above, wax tape is best suited for general purpose applications such as:
retail label
Shipping and warehousing labels
Product Identification
Resin reinforced wax thermal transfer ribbon
Resin-reinforced wax transfer ribbons are available for a wider range of applications, including those requiring greater durability or higher print speeds. These include:
retail label
Shipping and warehousing labels
Product Identification
Logistics label
film label
Flexible packaging
wood label
Wax resin thermal transfer ribbon
Wax resin thermal transfer ribbons provide more durable prints and accommodate a wider range of substrates. In addition to the shipping and product identification applications listed above, other uses include:
Compliance label
health label
Textile labels
Nursery and Timber Labels
Flexible film printing
All resin
All-resin ribbons are used where quality and durability are priorities. They are also used when products are stored outdoors or exposed to harsh chemicals. Examples include:
chemical barrel label
Medical and pharmaceutical labels
Compliance label
Textile labels
Nursery and Timber Labels
Flexible film printing
