What factors should you consider before selecting thermal transfer ribbon?
The first thermal transfer printer was introduced to the market 40 years ago. It is currently one of the most widely used tools for printing markings (such as barcodes) in several branches. (retail, logistics and industry).
Thermal transfer printers can be used for a wide variety of purposes thanks to the concurrent development of hardware and supplies.
Higher printing quality and resolution were attained not only as a result of high-quality components but also carefully chosen, high-quality consumables made specifically for thermal transfer printing, such as paper, film, and thermal transfer ribbon.
The concise description of thermal transfer ribbons is the focus of this article. It will highlight crucial elements that deserve consideration while making judgments about purchases.
What factors should you consider before selecting thermal transfer ribbon?
In the case of thermal transfer ribbons, in addition to the ink itself, there are extra layers of the ribbon that make up each manufacturer's know-how and affect the print quality and tensile strength.
The three requirements listed below must be satisfied in order to guarantee a suitable quality level:
Label printing equipment that needs to guarantee proper ink transfer to the label
The correct surface layer must be present in the raw materials used to create the labels.
To provide the needed longevity of the printed image for a specific application, thermal transfer ribbon should use ink of the suitable quality.
These three components can be combined in a wide variety of ways, making it easy to choose the best option for each branch's demands in terms of cost and durability. We carefully assess the demands and particular requirements of the customer in order to select the best option. Then, based on our own experience as well as the results of our tests, we choose the solution that satisfies the customer's requirements.
How can I choose thermal transfer ribbon without making a mistake?
It is important to pay attention to the thermal transfer ribbon's "Ink Type," which affects its variety.
Wax ribbons:
The ink is created using wax as a base and could include a small amount of resin additive. The majority of labels printed on uncoated paper are created using wax ribbons. Because the printed image has a low resilience to abrasion, ribbons are only used to print temporary markers. Wax ribbons are mostly employed in settings where cost is a consideration. (in retail and logistics, for printing collective packaging labels). Its thermal transfer ribbon price is the lowest.
Wax/resin ribbons:
The ink is a mixture of wax and resin in this particular case on this thermal transfer ribbon. When there is a chance that the marking will be subjected to greater temperatures or abrasion, ribbons are typically employed. The wax/resin ribbon is mostly used to print labels on coated paper and a few different kinds of film. If the product with the labels on it is packaged into a plastic sleeve and then shrink-wrapped, thermal resistance is crucial. The ribbon is used to label goods and packaging during logistics and transportation procedures.
Resin ribbons:
The ribbon is intended for printing markings that are permanent, primarily in industrial settings and locations where the printed image is subject to harsh conditions including high temperatures and chemical compounds. On the basis of resin and a few ingredients, ink is created. Wax additives are occasionally present in low-quality resin ribbons. Such a strategy undoubtedly expedites and speeds up the ink transfer process to the label, but it compromises the printed image's resilience to solvents and abrasion. It also affects the cost.
Type of printhead versus thermal transfer ribbon
You should consider the printer head that will be utilized in the process when choosing thermal transfer ribbon. There are near-edge printers and flat-head printers for sale. An important consideration in choosing the right ribbon is the type of head.
Higher print speed and temperature are characteristics of near-edge printers, which, for instance, exclude the use of wax ribbons.
Are all thermal transfer ribbons black?
No...:), in addition to black ribbons, which account for 90% of the market, white, color (primary colors), and metallic ones are also in use.
Additionally, ribbons that enable the creation of a printed hologram and one that is only visible under ultraviolet light are available and are used to verify the products' authenticity.
Ask our experts if you need help choosing consumables or if the printed picture produced with your ribbon does not adhere to the rules and specifications of the procedure.
New articles about thermal transfer ribbons will be published soon.
