What Are Thermal Transfer Ribbons?

Thermal transfer ribbons are essential components in thermal transfer printing, a process that uses heat to transfer ink from the ribbon onto a label or other material. These ribbons are typically made of a thin polyester film coated with a specific type of ink, which can vary based on the intended application. The main types of thermal transfer ribbons are wax, wax/resin, and resin, each offering different levels of print quality, durability, and resistance to elements like smudging, chemicals, or extreme temperatures. Selecting the right ribbon formulation is crucial for ensuring optimal performance, as it affects both the longevity of the print and its ability to withstand various environmental conditions.

What Makes Zebra Thermal Transfer Ribbons Different?

Not all thermal ribbons are created equal. There are hundreds of different ribbon formulations in the market. That is why Zebra’s Supplies R&D (Research & Development) Team has tested and selected only those ribbons that deliver the best print quality and durability.

To get the Zebra name, each ribbon must pass a series of print quality and durability tests. These tests include evaluating:

• Material compatibility – To ensure proper adhesion of the ribbon to a wide range of materials
• Environmental performance – The level of resistance to chemicals, outdoor exposure and abrasion
• Performance at high print speeds
• Performance at 600 dpi and when printing small font sizes, intricate regulatory symbols, and rotated barcodes
• Ribbon backcoating build-up – We measure the amount of backcoating build up on the printhead to ensure minimal printhead impact
• In addition to performance, consistency is important. Unlike some competitors, Zebra never substitutes ribbons. You receive the same formulation every time you order, ensuring consistent print quality and durability in your application.

Zebra ribbons are compliant with indirect food contact regulations. In addition, all wax/resin ribbons are UL/cUL-certified with specific Zebra materials.

When you purchase Zebra thermal ribbons you can rest assured that the:

• Print will be readable and scannable every time
• Print will withstand the environment in which it will be used in
• Backcoating will not cause premature printhead failure
• This ensures your operations run smoothly and enables you to meet regulatory and customer requirements

Why Is Testing of Thermal Transfer Ribbons Important?

Testing thermal transfer ribbons is crucial for several reasons:

1. Print Quality: Ensuring that the ribbon produces clear, sharp, and legible prints is vital for readability and accuracy, especially in applications like barcoding.

2. Durability: Different applications require varying levels of durability. Testing helps verify that the ribbon can withstand environmental factors such as abrasion, chemicals, and temperature changes without degrading.

3. Compatibility: Ribbons must be compatible with specific printers and materials. Testing ensures that the ribbon works effectively with the chosen printer and substrate, preventing issues like smudging or incomplete transfers.

4. Cost Efficiency: By identifying the best ribbon formulation for a specific application, companies can avoid wastage and reduce costs associated with reprints or material failures.

5. Regulatory Compliance: Certain industries have strict labeling requirements. Testing ensures that printed labels meet all necessary standards and regulations.

Overall, rigorous testing helps guarantee that the ribbons perform reliably and meet the specific needs of each application. 

Why Does Zebra Take Testing of Thermal Transfer Ribbons Seriously?

By running a series of stringent tests, we ensure that you receive the highest-quality and top-performing ribbons every time you order from Zebra. Our supplies R&D team also pre-test Zebra ribbons with a variety of Zebra’s labels and wristbands to ensure the ribbon will meet all your application needs.

Zebra’s Innovation lab has industry-leading testing equipment that can evaluate media print and adhesive performance in extreme temperatures, against a variety of chemicals, abrasion and environmental exposure performance, along with many other testing capabilities.

What Is the Significance of a Ribbon Being Ul Certified?

Industrial and consumer electronic products certified by UL are required to have a UL certified label and ribbon that provides product and date of manufacture information. A UL certification on a Zebra ribbon indicates that UL has tested the ribbon to meet their durability requirements. To view a list of Zebra UL certified labels and ribbons visit http://www.ul.com.

Why Is the Ribbon Backcoating Important?

The back coating is the part of the ribbon closest to the printhead and its main function is to protect the printhead from excessive heat, and static. A poor-quality back coating can cause friction between the ribbon and the printhead, causing damage to the printhead. Zebra ensures our ribbons have top-quality back coating to prevent back coating build-up and any other printhead damage.

What Is the Difference Between the 3 Grades of Ribbons?

Wax

Wax ribbons are the simplest and most economical ribbons on the market and can support higher print speeds. They are designed for applications that use coated and uncoated paper materials in environments with little to no exposure to chemicals and abrasion.

Wax/Resin

Wax/Resin ribbons offer a slightly more durable ribbon with moderate print speeds. They are optimized for use with select paper and matte synthetic materials in environments with moderate to extreme chemical exposure and exposure to moderate abrasion or where UL/cUL approval is preferred.

Resin

Resin ribbons are the most durable ribbons on the market and require lower print speeds. They are designed for use with synthetic materials in environments with harsh to extreme chemical exposure and/or exposure to excessive abrasion and where UL/cUL approval is required.

With more than 1,000 combinations of high quality and reliable labels, tags, receipt paper, wristbands, and ribbons, Zebra has a media solution for virtually any application. Whether you’re facing shipping, electronic component manufacturing, prescription labeling, or even electronic citation applications, Zebra and our certified partners can provide an in-stock or custom-made solution for you.