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Labels
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Ribbons
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Print Media Matching |
Label Printing
Basically there are three types of thermal transfer ribbons viz
wax, wax /resin and resin. Each type has a range of subtypes like
Economy , Premium Ribbons...
Thermal Transfer Printing is done with two type of print heads
Flat-Type print heads and Near Edge (True Edge , Corner Edge)
print heads. Ribbons used for these two thermal transfer
printing technologies are
different though the types may be the same.
- Wax : Inexpensive, mostly used for
indoor applications like chemist shops, supermarkets.......
- Wax / Resin : Long Life And Good Resistance.
- Resin : For Harsh Environments Extreme Conditions
And Long Life.
Wax Ribbons
The least expensive of all thermal transfer ribbons.
Wax ribbons have a high percentage of wax based substance in the colorant.
Most wax ribbons are made with a single colorant layer.
Since waxes have lower melting points than resin substances, printing can
be done at lower heat settings or energy levels. As waxes are softer
image durability is less against smudge, scratch, chemical and
environmental resistance. So wax ribbons are suitable for printing on
uncaoted or matte coated surfaces. Wax ribbons are suitable for printing
purposes where there is not much abrasion or physical contact against the
printed matter or the printing is not needed for a long time.
Wax ribbons can be used for general purpose labeling,shipping labels,
address labels, garment tags, price tickets,
warehouse applications, compliance label printing,
including shelf and bin labels,
retail tag and label applications.
Wax / Resin Ribbons
Wax / Resin ribbons are a combination of wax and resin based colorant
substances in which resin substances hold a greater percentage.
Wax / Resin ribbons are made of two or more layers.
Resin substances have a highier melting point thus increasing the melting
point of the ribbon. Printing with Wax / Resin ribbons takes place at a
highier heat or energy setting then wax ribbons. As resins are harder then
waxes image durability ,chemical resistance and abrasion smudge scratch
resistance is more than that of wax based ribbons. They also assure
excellent edge definition.
Wax / Resin ribbons can be used with glossy or smooth surfaces,
synthetic materials. Printing speeds of 16 inches per second can be
achieved with Wax / Resin ribbons. Wax / Resin ribbons can be used
for all purposes where wax ribbons are used but where there is
a chance of abrasion or scratch due to contact. Wax / Resin ribbons
are slightly expensive then wax ribbons.
Resin Ribbons
Resin Ribbons contain the highest percentage of resin materials.
Most Resin ribbons are made up of two are more layers. Printing with
resin ribbons is done at high energy levels or heat settings as resins
have a high melting point. Low print speeds can be achieved due to the
high energy levels required for printing. But the resultant printing
images bear a very high resistance to chemicals, heat, abrasion
resistance and other environmental conditions. Resin Ribbons are best
suited for use with textile apparel or garment labels like
(taffeta / satin), high gloss coated materials like polyesters,
polyolefins, destructible vinyl, warranty void labels,
labels which are to be exposed to harsh environments
like chemical drum labels, medical and
pharmaceutical labeling, as well as industrial and automotive
applications. Resin ribbons are the most expensive of thermal transfer
ribbons.
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