Thermal Ribbon Types

The most common ribbon used on paper labels. The majority of its content is wax with a very small percentage of resin. It provides excellent print quality and is affordable and reliable. (beware of Chinese Economy Ribbons that are not manufactured to OEM specifications, they are capable of damaging your print head).

Uses:

• Compliance • Shipping • Retail • Shelves/Bins • Hang Tags • Warehousing • WIP (Work In Progress)

Materials:

• Uncoated/Coated Paper • Most Synthetic Labels •

Wax/Resin ribbons are unique in formulation and function. They are able to print on a wide variety of label substrates from glossy paper to low-end synthetic labels. The chemical reaction between ribbon and label material can often require testing to achieve desired results. When your label requires longevity, a wax-resin ribbon is your best choice.

Uses:

• Industrial • Outdoor • Horticultural • Lumber • Chemical Drum • Shipping • Pharmaceutical • Shelf/Bins • Pallets

Materials:

• Coated Paper • Synthetic Paper • Polypropylene • Polyethylene • Polyolefin • Matte Polyester

A resin ribbon is required to print on polypropylene label stock. It will produce razor sharp images and is often used with a 300 or 600 dpi printhead. These ribbons offer extreme durability against solvents and abrasions.

Uses:

• Compliance • Shipping • Retail • Automotive • Electronics • Medical • Pharmaceutical • Life Science • Garments

Materials:

• Polyester • Vinyl • Polyamide • Polypropylene

The term "Near-Edge" is taken from the printer technology that allows the ribbon to be printed from edge to edge. Near Edge Ribbons will only work in a Near Edge printer. Their specific formulation is designed to create crisp, clean and sharp looking barcodes on a variety of substrates. These resin ribbons are often used in high-speed packaging applications to time stamp snack food packaging.

Uses:

• Snacks • Dairy • Frozen • Produce • Medical • Health & Beauty • Retail • Hang Tags • Compliance • Shipping

Materials:

• OPP/ Metalized PET • PET/Metalized PET • PET/LDPE • Polyethylene • Uncoated & Coated Paper • Polypropylene • Polyethylene • Polyolefin

These ribbons will print a wide range of vivid and bold color or metallic images. Most of these ribbons are wax or wax/resin formulas. They can be printed on white or color labels. Testing is required when printing white or other light colors on dark-colored labels or tags.

Uses:

• Snacks • Dairy • Produce • Medical • Pharmaceutical • Health & Beauty • Life Science • Automotive • Outdoor

Materials:

• Uncoated Paper • Coated Paper • Polyethylene • Polypropylene • Polyethylene • Vinyl • Polyamide