Thermal Transfer Ribbons
Thermal Transfer Ribbon Types
Did you know that there are different types of thermal transfer ribbons? Are you curious as to why you may be using a wax/resin thermal transfer ribbon instead of a full resin ribbon? Or, why you are using a wax/resin ribbon if a resin enhanced wax ribbon will work? In this article, we are going to give you the rundown on the different categories of thermal transfer ribbons and various case uses for each.
What is a Thermal Transfer Ribbon?
Thermal transfer ribbons serve as the ‘ink’ in the thermal printing process. When printing, thermal transfer labels and ribbons pass through the printhead together and as the printhead’s sensors apply heat, the wax/resin is melted from the ribbon and transferred to the label. Thermal transfer ribbons are available in many colors and different combinations of wax and resin content; the higher the resin content, the more durable the barcode or image will be once printed.
Resin Enhanced Wax Ribbons
Resin enhanced wax thermal transfer ribbons are the most commonly used ribbons. Their low resin to wax content makes them the most economical choice as well. However, don’t mistake economical for low-quality. Resin enhanced wax thermal transfer ribbons produce crisp, durable barcodes and images for everyday applications like compliance labels, shipping labels, warehouse labels, barcode labels and more. Resin enhanced wax thermal transfer ribbons are easy to use and are considered a ‘drop-in’ replacement because few printer adjustments are needed.
Resin enhanced wax thermal transfer ribbons are highly recommended for general purpose labeling as the final printed image can tolerate light contact and normal wear during handling. High-quality thermal ribbon formulas also offer advanced anti-static technologies, which are ideal for RFID printing and superior backcoat protection, which helps extend the life of your printhead. Some thermal ribbons even offer a cleaning card built right into the leader of every ribbon!
Recommended for:
- Coated paper tag & label stocks
- Uncoated paper tag & label stocks
- Floodcoated paper labels (Colors)
- Synthetic paper labels
- Polyethylene, Polypropylene, & Polyolefin labels
- Some specialty papers like Valeron®, Kimdura®, Polyart® & UV varnished labels
Wax/Resin Ribbons
Wax/Resin thermal transfer ribbons have a higher resin to wax content when compared to resin enhanced wax. For this reason, they carry a higher price tag. Wax/resin ribbons print deep, dark barcodes and images with excellent scratch and smudge resistance that are able to withstand multiple scans over time. Wax/resin ribbons are used for everyday applications like industrial labels, pharmaceutical labels, chemical drum labels, nursery/lumber tags & labels, agricultural labels, barcode labels, etc. Due to the higher resin content, wax/resin ribbons print at a slightly higher heat setting. Therefore, some minor printer adjustments will need to be made when upgrading to this ribbon or changing brands.
Wax/resin thermal transfer ribbons are very durable and are recommended for any application where the label will be exposed to rough handling or outdoor elements. Some wax/resin ribbon formulas are also able to withstand occasional contact with common chemicals. High-quality wax/resin ribbon formulas offer superior backcoat protection extending the life of your printhead, and some do have a cleaning card built into the ribbon leader.
Recommended for:
- Coated paper & tag label stocks
- Matte, semi-gloss and high gloss paper labels
- Polyethylene, Polypropylene, Polyolefin, Polystyrene & Top-Coated Vinyl labels
- Polyester (specialty wax/resins)
- Specialty materials like Tyvek® & Tyvek Brillion®, Valeron®, Kimdura® & Polyart® labels
- UL/CLA recognized on specific label substrates
*The recommended list above is a generalization for wax/resin ribbons. Different formulas of wax/resin ribbons are recommended for different specialty substrates. If you are not currently using a wax/resin ribbon then please contact us for help to select the correct wax/resin ribbon. If you are using a wax/resin ribbon, search the OEM part number on our website for a replacement.
Resin Ribbons
Resin thermal transfer ribbons offer the highest resin to wax content making them the most durable of all thermal transfer ribbon categories. This is also why they are the most expensive type of thermal ribbons. Resin thermal transfer ribbons are used for applications like automotive labels, electronics labels, medical device labels, pharmaceutical labels, product labels, etc. Because of the higher resin content, resin ribbons print at higher heat settings and slower speeds. Heat/speed adjustments will need to be made to your thermal printer when upgrading or changing brands to ensure you are printing at an optimum level.
Resin thermal transfer ribbons offer the greatest durability and resistance to harsh environments and are recommended for the most demanding or extreme applications. There are general purpose resin ribbons and there are various levels of resin ribbons specially formulated for different applications. Some resin ribbons are designed for harsh outdoor environments, some are designed for industrial chemical exposure, others are designed for unmatched scratch and solvent resistance for the life of the label. High-quality resin ribbon formulas offer superior backcoat protection extending the life of your printhead, and some do have a cleaning card built into the ribbon leader.
Recommended for:
- Top-Coated & Print-Treated Polyester
- Polyimide, Polypropylene, Polyethylene & Polyolefin
- PVC & PET cards
- Top-Coated Vinyl
- Specialty materials like Valeron®, Kimdura®, Polyart®, Kromekote & Matte Kapton® labels
- UL/CLA recognized on specific label substrates
*The recommended list above is a generalization for resin ribbons. Different formulas of resin ribbons are recommended for different specialty substrates. If you are not currently using a resin ribbon then please contact us for help to select the correct resin ribbon. If you are using a resin ribbon, search the OEM part number on our website for a replacement.
Conclusion
Thermal transfer ribbons are available in three main categories – resin enhanced wax, wax/resin, and resin. Each ribbon category offers its own level of durability and scratch/smudge resistance all of which are more durable when compared to printing direct thermal labels. When selecting the proper ribbon, consider the following: What type of label am I printing on? How long does the printed label need to last? What environment will the printed label be exposed to? Will there be any chemical contact? Answering these basic questions will help you choose the proper thermal ribbon for your needs. If you are still unsure about which thermal transfer ribbon to select, please contact us and we will be happy to help!
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