Thermal transfer label printing is one of the best budget-friendly ways to print high-quality labels. However, the ribbon is a key component of the thermal transfer label printing process, pivotal for high-quality and durable prints. Well, are you struggling with various ribbon options, unable to decide the best one for your needs and choices? Look no further!
This is a comprehensive guide wherein we’ll discuss how you can select the best ribbon for your business needs. From understanding the different types of ribbons to ribbon size and compatibility, we’ve got you covered. Let’s delve into the discussion.
How to Select a Ribbon For Thermal Transfer Label Printing?
You must be wondering why selecting the right ribbon is the key. Firstly, once done, you can’t completely interchange these ribbons. Not just this, you will observe potential quality problems in case of incompatibility between the printer and the ribbon. These are just a few common mishaps. It’s why you need to be very careful while choosing the ribbon.
Here are a few factors you must consider while selecting a ribbon for thermal transfer label printing.
1. Ribbon Wind Direction
As the name suggests, ribbon wind direction is the way in which the ribbons used in thermal transfer label printers are wound. You may also comprehend it as the positioning of the ink in relation to the ribbon. Basically, there are two types of ribbon wind direction:
- Coated Side Out (CSO) Ribbons: In these printing ribbons, the ink coating faces the outside of the ribbon. Thus, the ribbon must unroll from the bottom before touching the printhead. Some printer brands which generally require such ribbons include Zebra®.
- Coated Side In (CSI) Ribbons: In these printing ribbons, you’ll find the ink coating facing the inside of the ribbon. Thus, the ribbon must unroll from the top before touching the printhead. Some printer brands which generally require such ribbons include Sato® and Datamax®.
The requirements of ribbon wind direction vary according to each printer. For example, Zebra® printers prefer ribbons that are coated side out (CSO). If you’re confused, you may find this information in the printer specifications manual.
2. Type of Ribbon Based on Material
There are various types of ribbons based on the type of materials used in making them. To help you choose the perfect one, you must be well aware of the purpose you’re going to use them for. Below discussed are the four main types of ribbons based on materials. We’ll also look into the type of labels they’re best suited for.
1. Wax Ribbons
In these printing ribbons, wax-based ink is coated on the ribbon. It’s a budget-friendly option that can easily print crisp and dark images. These ribbons are ideal for general applications such as tags and labels used in retail, shipping, and warehousing.
2. Full Resin Ribbons
Much like wax ribbons, these ribbons are coated with pure resin. These ribbons are known for their high-quality and durable prints. Prints with these ribbons can easily survive extreme temperatures, moisture, and other chemical changes.
Not just this, but these labels can endure high-speed printing almost on any substrate. Due to their durability, they are also the most expensive type of ribbon. They are ideal for long-term use on synthetic and nonpaper stocks. They are perfect for printing labels on chemicals, medicines, automobiles, and textiles.
3. Resin Enhanced Wax Ribbons
Resin-enhanced wax ribbons are made from a combination of wax and resin. They can easily print on a wide variety of substrates. These ribbons require a comparatively low temperature for melting.
In comparison to other types of ribbons, they are less durable and can’t resist harsh conditions and changes. Moreover, they are less expensive. Thus, they are ideal for temporary use and are best suited for retail labels, warehousing tags, logistics labels, etc.
4. Wax Resin Ribbons
Wax resin ribbons are also made up of wax and resin but have a significantly higher proportion of resin. They provide clean images which are durable and resistant to moisture, temperature change, scratching, and abrasion.
They are perfect for printing both standard and weatherproof labels and are best suited for printing barcodes, shelf labels, etc.
3. Ribbon Size
Besides ribbon wind direction and material, size is also an important factor you must consider when selecting a ribbon for your thermal transfer printing. In ribbon size, there are three basic parameters: core, length, and width.
The size of the core varies depending on the type of the printer. Desktop printers generally require ribbons with a small core (with a diameter of about 12.7 mm). On the contrary, industrial printers require standard ribbons having a diameter of around 25 mm.
The length of the ribbon varies somewhere between 243 feet to 1,476 feet. Much similar to the core, industrial printers require longer ribbons, whereas desktop printers require shorter ribbons.
Moving on to the width, make sure that the width of the ribbon resembles the width of the label you’re going to print. It’s because if you end up buying a longer ribbon than needed, there will be some amount of unused ink coated on the ribbon, which eventually goes to waste.
4. Ribbon Quantity
Apart from ribbon size, you must also be aware of the quantity of ribbon you’re going to need. For this, we recommend you use a thermal ribbon calculator wherein you can easily calculate the quantity of ribbon you would need for a particular project.
5. Compatibility of the Ribbon with the Printer
The ribbon you choose must be compatible with your printer. Else, you’ll face problems with quality printing or hardware failure. You can easily check the compatibility of your printer and chosen ribbon in the product manual.
Do you still need help regarding ribbons for your thermal transfer label printing? Worry not because we bring you QodeNEXT and its unique solutions, which are tailored to meet your unique needs, thus taking your business’s productivity and efficiency to the next level. Unlock the full potential of your business with QodeNEXT’s comprehensive suite of hardware and software solutions. Go check out QodeNEXT’s services now!
FAQs: Types of Ribbon
1. What are the various types of ribbons based on wind direction?
There are two types of ribbon based on wind direction: Coated Side Out (CSO) Ribbons and Coated Side In (CSI) Ribbons.
2. What are the various types of ribbons based on the material?
There are four types of ribbons based on material: wax ribbons, full resin ribbons, resin-enhanced wax ribbons, and wax resin ribbons.
3. What are wax-resin ribbons?
Wax resin ribbons are also made up of wax and resin but have a significantly higher proportion of resin.
4. What are wax ribbons?
Wax printing ribbons are those in which wax-based ink is coated on the ribbon.
5. List some factors which you must keep in mind while selecting a ribbon for thermal transfer label printing.
Here are some factors which you must keep in mind while selecting a ribbon for thermal transfer label printing: ribbon wind direction, material type, size, quantity, and compatibility with the printer.
Wrapping Up
Thermal transfer label printing provides reliable and professional labelling solutions for industries such as manufacturing, logistics, and retail. Firstly, it ensures high-quality and durable printing, as the ink is transferred onto the label using heat, resulting in sharp and long-lasting images. Additionally, thermal transfer labels are resistant to fading, smudging, and scratching, making them ideal for applications that require durability and longevity.
Moreover, this printing method allows for versatile label customization, accommodating different sizes, shapes, and materials. The process is efficient, with quick printing speeds and minimal downtime for label replacement.
So, are you ready to welcome a thermal transfer printing machine into your business? If yes, then we are here to help you with our comprehensive solution, QodeNEXT. Get in touch with us now to help you make the best choice to manage your fleet and optimise your process!
