Ribbon

Ribbon
  • +30.000 companies Trust in Logiscenter
  • Express 24h shipping Orders placed before 2:30pm
  • Barcodes & RFID experts +10 years of experience
  • Assigned specialist To help each client
  • +60.000 products Largest stock in America

In the field of label printing, especially in industrial and commercial sectors, ribbons play a crucial role. These components, used in thermal printers, are essential to ensure high quality prints on various types of materials.


What are Ribbons?


Ribbons, or thermal transfer ribbons, consist of a roll of plastic film impregnated with ink. In thermal transfer printers, the heat from the printhead causes the ink in the ribbon to melt and adhere to the printed material, such as labels, tickets or barcodes.

The use of ribbons in thermal printing gives prints greater strength and durability. There are different kinds of ribbons, designed to resist elements such as sun exposure, humidity, chemical agents and extreme temperatures.


Classification of Ribbons:


There are three main categories of ribbons, each suitable for different printing needs:

  • Wax: These are the most economical option and offer sufficient print quality for shipping labels and barcodes. However, they have limited resistance to scratches or chemicals.
  • Resin: These more durable ribbons are more resistant to external factors such as chemicals, scratches and high temperatures. They are ideal for applications that demand superior longevity, such as on chemical labels or for outdoor use.
  • Wax/Resin: Combine the characteristics of wax and resin, resulting in an intermediate solution for multiple applications. They offer more durability than wax ribbons and are more affordable than pure resin ribbons.


Uses of Ribbons


Ribbons are used in a variety of sectors, including:

  • Logistics and transportation: For tracking and shipping labels.
  • Retail: For printing price tags and barcodes.
  • Manufacturing: For product and component labeling.
  • Healthcare: For labeling medications and clinical samples.


Choosing the Right Ribbon


The selection of the right ribbon depends on several factors:

  • Type of Material to be Printed: Each material may require a specific type of ribbon.
  • Durability Needed: Depending on the required resistance to external elements, a choice will be made between wax, resin or a combination of both.
  • Printer Compatibility: Some specialized ribbons are compatible only with certain types of printers.

    Ribbons are key elements in thermal printing, providing flexible and effective solutions for a wide range of applications. Choosing the right ribbon is vital to ensure print quality, durability and efficiency. In commercial or industrial contexts, understanding the differences between ribbon types is critical to achieving optimal results in printing projects.