Thermal transfer ribbons place three main types - wax, wax-resin or pure resin and are typically black. These various sorts are created to print onto different label materials and therefore are used if your lifetime of the label should be long or perhaps the labels would need to survive harsh environments. Wax ribbons are for printing onto paper labels, in which the lifetime of the label is usually years but should be kept dry and must not be abraded or subjected to certain chemicals or oil, which could melt the wax image. Wax-resin ribbons product a finer image on very smooth paper or coated paper labels. The printed image is a lot more durable than wax, but sometimes still only stand slight hitting the ground with water. Finally pure resin ribbons are formulated to print onto plastic labels for example polyester, polypropylene and vinyl. The "ink" was designed to slightly dissolve into or abide by the plastic top of the label and becomes extremely durable, depending on the plastic-type and ribbon make used.
Most printer manufacturers offer ribbon/label combinations which can be seen to work nicely together, which is particularly important as some combinations produce no image whatsoever. Plastic labels with resin ribbons will survive outside in full sunlight, can stand immersion in water and might be resistant against chemicals and oils relying on type. Often found in Automotive and Aircraft parts manufacture, any items stored outside and required for the labelling of hazardous chemicals which must remain identifiable, one example is, after being submerged in sea water for extended periods.
The modern wax-resin ribbons were specially developed for replacements with Label Systems brand multi-color thermal transfer label printers. The modern wax-resin ribbons also produce high quality printing when combined with other brands of monochrome thermal transfer printers. Label Systems' wax-resin ribbon line is the direct response to collaboration between its Media R&D and its Printer R&D groups.
While most wax-resin ribbons in the market are used in barcode printing applications, Label Systems' wax-resin ribbons are equipped for printing multi-color labels for primary display packaging along with single-color supply chain and logistics labels. Label Systems multi-color printers will often be utilized in retail display labeling of foods and beverages, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical products.
Thermal transfer printing has been around for many years. When it comes to printing basic shipping labels or product identification labels, a wax ribbon will do the secret. The consumer will get overwhelmed using the number of thermal transfer wax ribbons this market offers. Printer manufacturers sell their ribbons and sometimes tell the purchaser that they can not guarantee lifespan of the print heads when they don't make use of their ribbons and labels. To my opinion, that is like Toyota praoclaiming that they don't warranty your car should you not purchase tires from Toyota. The purchaser has a straight away to choice and may not be "golden handcuffed" into purchasing ribbons through the manufacturer.