Thermal Ribbon
Thermal Transfer Ribbon (TTR) is the “ink” used in Thermal Transfer
printing. Instead of the liquid ink we are used to in our desktop inkjet
printers thermal transfer “ink” is melted plastic and wax on a thin foil
backing. TTR is available in three basic configurations: wax, wax/resin, and
resin. The labelstock, the application, and the durability
requirements determine which type of TTR is needed (the cost of the TTR
increases as the durability requirement increases).
Wax Ribbon
Wax ribbon is composed of a high percentage of wax based materials
with a low melting point that requires less energy than printing with
wax/resin or resin ribbon. The image durability and cost of wax ribbon
is less than that of wax/resin or resin. Wax ribbon is used for general
purpose labeling applications such as shipping, carton, retail, lot
tracking, compliance and general ticketing. Recommended receivers for
wax ribbon are coated and uncoated paper tag and label stocks and some low
end films.
Wax/Resin Ribbon
Wax/Resin ribbon is composed of a mixture of both wax and resinous
materials that contribute to a higher melting point thus requiring more
energy than wax ribbon. The image durability is longer and the cost of
wax/resin ribbon is more than wax ribbon. Wax/resin ribbon is used for
premium labeling applications such as pharmaceutical, horticultural, direct
packaging, ID tags, lumber, and licenses. Recommended receivers for
wax/resin ribbon are gloss paper, polyethylene, polypropylene and polyester
films.
Resin Ribbon
Resin ribbon is composed of the highest percentages of resinous
materials with the highest melting point and the most energy required to
print. The image durability is the best with resin ribbon and it is
the most expensive of the three types of ribbon. Resin ribbon is used
in super premium labeling applications such as chemical drum, medical,
outdoor, industrial, automotive, electronic component, and hazardous
material. Recommended receivers for resin ribbon are vinyl, polyester, and
polyimide films.
Email This Page