A thermal transfer ribbon is a type of ribbon that is used to print labels with a thermal transfer printer. The ribbon has a coating of ink that melts when heated by the printer’s printhead and transfers to the label material1. There are different types of thermal transfer ribbons available in the market, depending on the type of label material, the durability requirements, and the print quality. Some of the common types are:
These are the most economical and widely used ribbons. They work well with paper labels and can produce good print quality at high speeds. However, they are not very resistant to abrasion, chemicals, or extreme temperatures.
These are more durable and versatile than wax ribbons. They can work with both paper and synthetic labels and can produce sharper and darker images. They are also more resistant to abrasion, moderate chemicals, and moderate temperatures.
These are the most durable and expensive ribbons. They can work with synthetic labels and can produce high-quality images that can withstand harsh conditions, such as exposure to abrasion, chemicals, water, sunlight, and extreme temperatures
