What is thermal transfer?
Thermal transfer map.jpgThe thermal transfer printer is a non-impact printer. For thermal transfer printing, a thermal printhead applies heat to the ribbon, melting the ink on the ribbon onto the label material to form the image. A typical thermal transfer ribbon consists of three layers: the substrate or ribbon backing, the hot melt ink, and a coating on the printed side of the substrate.
Thermal transfer printers are everywhere - from desktop and industrial desktop equipment to automated printing and labeling systems. Since different ribbons are made with different ink formulations, the heat transfer heat settings can be adjusted on the printer for a given ribbon/label stock combination. Zebra printers require the ribbon to be wound with the ink side out, called Coated Side Out (CSO). Datamax printers require the ribbon to be wrapped with an ink side (called the coated side) in (CSI). Sato printers can use either configuration.
How do you determine which type of ribbon will produce the best results and best suit your application? Label material and application environment/requirements will play an important role in determining the appropriate ribbon. In thermal transfer printing, the printer, ribbon and substrate work together as a printing system.
Ribbon Type
Ribbon.png Thermal transfer carbon ribbons are available in a variety of formulations, including waxes, wax resins, and resins, to meet the durability requirements of most labeling applications.
Wax Ribbon: This type of ribbon is designed for applications using paper-based materials in environments with little exposure to chemicals and/or exposure to moderate abrasion. In other words, these ribbons are suitable for light-duty applications where labels are only required for a short period of time. Think UPS shipping labels, short-term WIP labels, and general identification labels. Wax tape works well on coated and uncoated paper label stock.
