Simply put, thermal transfer printing is the process of using heat and pressure to transfer ink from a ribbon medium to paper or film. When the label passes through the print head and pressure shaft of the printer, the ink is transferred to the label.
The composition of thermal transfer ribbon
Thermal transfer ribbon is a polyester or other high-density film coated with wax-based, resin-based or mixed ink on one side. Apply lubricant to the ink-free side to prevent the print head from wearing and damaging. The handle and the front lead tape are in front of the ribbon, and the rear lead tape is at the end of a roll (some do not have a rear lead tape).
Thermal transfer ribbon is a polyester or other high-density film coated with wax-based, resin-based or mixed ink on one side.
Leader Tape:
The front lead tape is generally transparent or other colors, and it has the following functions:
* Easy to use: Convenient to load the ribbon onto the printer.
* Product identification: product name, company name, trademark, etc. can be printed for market promotion and promotion.
* Protection: used to protect the ribbon.
Original tape composition (Imaging Components)
The original tape is generally composed of five layers, top coating, ink layer, inner coating, tape base and back coating.
Ink layer
It is the most important, used to print and determine the characteristics of the ribbon, such as chemical resistance and anti-friction.
Inner coating
Mainly used to smooth the printed surface and make the ink release from the tape base uniform.
With base
It is the carrier of other layers and determines the performance of heat transfer.
Top coat
It is mainly used to improve the adhesion of the ink on the label and enhance the resistance of the environment.
Back coating
Simply put, it is a special coating applied on the back of the ribbon. Its main function is to reduce the abrasion of the print head; reduce static electricity generation and strengthen heat conduction.
Trailer Tape:
Generally speaking, it acts as a warning, allowing the printer to sense the end of the ribbon. Different printers determine different back-lead tapes. There are three main types:
Aluminum plating (silver): mainly for reflective sensors, the reflected light indicates the end of the ribbon.
Transparent: Used for transmissive sensors, allowing light to pass through to indicate that the ribbon is used up.
Used for mechanical sensing, the printer senses the change of tension to indicate that the ribbon is used up.
Core (core)
There are two common types of ribbon cores: paper and plastic. The main requirements are that they cannot be deformed and cannot slide during printing.
