Thermal Transfer Ribbons

Flathead Ribbons and Printers

Using a fixed and horizontal print head, these printers work by using heating elements located in the centre, which then transfer the ink from the ribbon to the label as it passes underneath.

• Operation - The ribbon and label stay in contact for a longer duration as they move through the printer, allowing the ink to solidify before the ribbon separates from the label.

• Pros - Produces excellent, high-density print quality (up to 600 DPI), making it ideal for fine details like small text and barcodes. Flathead ribbons are generally more versatile and come in a wider variety of wax, wax/resin, and resin formulations.

• Cons - Slower than near-edge printers due to the longer contact time required for ink transfer.

Near-Edge Ribbons and Printers

Near-edge printers have an angled, "floating" print head with heating elements located at the very edge. This design allows for a quicker transfer of ink.

• Operation - The ribbon and label only make contact for an instant under the angled print head before separating. This requires specially formulated near-edge ribbons that release ink instantly upon heating.

• Pros - Known for their very high printing speeds (up to 14 inches per second or more) and longer print head life due to less friction. They are well-suited for high-volume, fast-paced applications.

• Cons - The print density is generally lower than that of flathead printers due to the limited contact time. Near-edge printers also have a smaller selection of compatible ribbon types, typically limited to wax/resin and resin formulations.

Wax Ribbons

The most common and economical ribbon type, composed primarily of wax-based ink, and requires the lowest heat to transfer.

• Best for - Paper labels, cardboard tags, and general-purpose applications that will not be exposed to harsh conditions.

• Durability - The print can be less resistant to smudging, scratching, or abrasion, and offers limited resistance to chemicals and moisture. These ribbons are ideal for short-term or indoor use, such as shipping labels, retail tags, and warehouse shelf labels.

Wax/Resin Ribbons

Also known as hybrid ribbons, these are a blend of wax and resin, requiring a medium heat setting to transfer the ink. They offer a balance of quality and durability. 

• Best for - Coated paper and smooth synthetic labels like polypropylene (PP) and some polyesters (PET).

• Durability - Provides significantly better resistance to scratching, smearing, and moderate exposure to chemicals and moisture than wax ribbons. A versatile choice for applications that require a more durable print, such as product labels, asset tracking, and labels in a warehouse or logistics environment.

Resin Ribbons

The most durable and expensive ribbons, composed almost entirely of resin and require the highest heat to transfer the ink.

• Best for - Synthetic labels made of materials like polyester, polypropylene, and vinyl, which are smooth and non-porous.

• Durability - Printing is extremely durable, offering excellent resistance to harsh chemicals (like solvents), extreme temperatures, abrasion, and outdoor weather conditions. Resin ribbons are the best choice for long-term and demanding applications, including chemical drum labelling, automotive parts, and asset tags that need to withstand a harsh industrial environment.