Ribbons

Select the right thermal transfer ribbon

Each material has certain properties for which a special thermal transfer ribbon has been developed. Consider, for example, paper, plastic, foil and textile. An incorrect ribbon and label combination will prevent you from printing properly. The result may be smudged or the print may be easily wiped off. This also does not benefit the life of your valuable printhead.

At Printlabel, we perform extensive testing with different combinations of labels and ribbons, and on different printers. You can rely on us to propose the right combination for your requirements. After you have made your selection, you’ll want to make sure you get the print quality you needs in your own environment. That’s why we always provide a sample to test.

Which ribbon type and quality do I need?

There are 3 main types of ribbons: wax, wax-resin, and resin. Each of them is explained in more detail below. Within each category you can choose different qualities. Our team can help you select the right one for your situation.

• Wax lint (W4U) is the most common and economical way of printing. It is recommended for coated and uncoated paper, and is often used for shipping labels, warehouse and retail labels. The ribbon is coated with a wax-based ink that requires a low transfer temperature. It’s not suitable for near-edge printers.

• Wax-Resin (WR4U) ribbon can be used for printing large numbers at high speeds, and offers better protection against scratches. That’s why it is mainly used in the automotive industry, logistics, retail, and flexible packaging. This ribbon is also more resistant to changes in humidity and temperature. It is therefore used for shipping labels, barcode labels and pharmaceutical applications. Wax-Resin is also suitable for near-edge printers.

• Resin lint (R4U) is available in different compositions and has a high wear resistance. It is especially suitable for chemical applications, extreme heat and UV exposure. It is made with a full resin coat of pure resin. The transfer temperature is very high, causing the pressure to dissolve in the label, resulting in a very durable print. It is often used for textile labels, medical and chemical applications. Resin is also suitable for near-edge printers.

• Textile Resin (RT4U) was developed for the textile label market. It gives a very durable print that is resistant to washing, steaming, stone washing, chemical washing and ironing. Furthermore, the prints are resistant to extreme heat and UV exposure.