Thermal transfer ribbon is a polyester-based coated film, which typically has a heat-activated layer of ink. It is positioned in between the printhead and the label during printing. When the mini heating components are fired, the ink melts away off the ribbon and permanently attaches itself to the underlying surface. That is the abbreviated version at least.
The thing which I find really interesting is the level of accuracy of this material which is not thought of by the majority of people. It’s not just “ink on plastic.” The thickness of the coating, the temperature of the melt and the compatibility of the substrate should all be nearly perfect. Otherwise, they leave patches, smears or fall off in a couple of days.
What is the use of thermal transfer ribbon?
The thermal transfer ribbon finds application in various industries: retail packaging, shipping labels, pharmaceuticals, food packaging, asset tracking, and so on. They are all based on the ribbon in order to create a readable and durable print, which is scannable. The selection of the correct ribbon is really important; this is because when it is not a match the businesses are likely to lose money in reprints, unsuccessful audit and poor product traceability.
Do you need ribbon for thermal transfer?
Yes. This is something that people who are new to label printing do not take into consideration. The printhead itself does not have anything to melt and print onto the label without a ribbon. The ribbon is the source of ink- it is not optional and cannot be replaced or avoided to save on expenses. The print head produces heat yet the heat requires a medium-the ribbon to be able to produce an image.
This misunderstanding is normally brought about by the two different thermal printing technologies. Direct thermal printing involves chemically treated stock which becomes dark on heating, no ribbon is required. Thermal transfer printing incorporates plain or synthetic material and the ink purely depends on the ribbon. Both can be supported by the same printhead though the consumable requirements vary. It is important to know the approach taken by your printer; this determines your supply chain.
How long does a thermal transfer ribbon last?
Two questions are independent, i.e.: the shelf life of an unused ribbon, and the life of a ribbon during active printing. These are different considerations, and their confusion is bound to lead to purchasing errors, particularly in the label industry. The two factors are very important based on the volumes of production and inventory strategy.
A properly stored ribbon that is not used often has a life of one to two years after production. Storing it in a proper place implies that it does not come in contact with direct sunlight, extreme humidity, or temperature changes. Pre-printing by heat or moisture causes uneven transfer of ink, or smears or will not stick. The majority of manufacturers advise to keep ribbons in 60-75 0 F with 40-60 percent of relative humidity – these are not just random figures.
How to make thermal transfer ribbon?
The production of thermal transfer ribbon is a very precise industrial process which demands the level of sophistication of material-science. It is not produced in a workshop, but manufactured in special coating plants using high precision equipment, developed ink recipes and stringently tested raw materials. The insight into this process justifies why the quality of ribbons differs radically across suppliers and price.
Each ribbon is initiated with a base film – nearly always biaxially oriented polyester (BOPET) between 3.5 and 6 3.5 to 6 mm thick. The film should be thin to allow easy transfer of heat but should be tough to pass through the printer without being torn. One of the first and most significant choices is selecting the incorrect thickness which affects print sensitivity and ribbon life.
What is the best ribbon for heat transfer?
The selection of the appropriate ribbon to use in heat transfer is dependent on what you are going to print and the environment that the label will be exposed to later. No single champion exists. A ribbon that was effective on coated paper shipping labels can not be effective on polypropylene outdoor stickers. The only sure method to choose well is to understand the three major families of ribbons: wax, resin and wax-resin hybrid. The lowest level is the wax ribbons, which are good in the appropriate applications. Resin ribbons are the high-performance and far more durable. Wax-resin hybrids provide buyers with the greatest flexibility in the range of substrate needs.
In addition to ribbon chemistry, printhead compatibility is also important when considering ribbon performance. Ink types and flow rates are different in different printheads and therefore, it is always important to ensure that the ribbon is compatible with your particular model of a printer.
