The sheer volume of variable information printed by thermal transfer reflects a vast and rapidly
expanding market. With so many TTR labelstocks available for numerous end-uses, it
becomes all the more difficult to select the right product for the right application. But making
the correct choice does not need to be that complicated. Our expertise in pressure sensitive
labelstocks can help you design and produce a range of dedicated thermal transfer products to
meet virtually every need.
One of the most critical requirements of any TTR application is the longevity and durability
of the label in difficult environmental, physical or chemical conditions. Whether it is tracking
and tracing, product identification, logistics or industrial end-uses, the TTR printed image must
be equally enduring. This makes choosing the right ribbon crucial. Also matching labelstocks
with the most suitable transfer ribbons is essential.
Thermal transfer printing creates an image by melting
solid ink coated on a film ribbon and transferring it onto a
receiving material. The receiving material can be an
uncoated paper, a coated paper or film. Though almost
all pressure sensitive labelstocks can be printed by thermal
transfer, the best results are achieved with the use of carefully
selected materials. Depending on the type of print
and level of quality that converters and their customers
require, a suitable ribbon must be used in combination
with an appropriate and correctly set printing device.
Printers and Thermal Printhead
Standard thermal transfer printer, which have a resolution
of 200 dpi and work at speeds below 10 in/s, use flat
thermal print heads. With flat-type print heads, the time
taken to transfer the ink is sufficiently long so that the
receiving face material doesn’t need a special coating to
enhance its absorbency or smoothness.
High-speed printers with resolutions of 300-600 dpi use
near-edge/corner edge print heads. At printing speeds
higher than 10in/s, the ink is transferred very quickly as
the ribbon is removed while the ink is still molten. With
this type of thermal head, a special ribbon is required as
well as a special coating on the face paper. This coating
should have specific absorption properties that allow fast
ink transfer but allow the paper to retain good pre-press
properties, including water-based flexo.
Label Faces and Ribbon Compatibility
The chemical and physical properties on the surface of the labelstock’s face material determine
the type of thermal transfer ribbon that will be compatible. There are three main types
of ribbons.
WAX Ribbons
Wax ribbons are the most commonly used ribbon type and provide an economical solution
for thermal transfer. Designed for use with flat-type print heads, wax ribbons can be used with
comparatively absorbent uncoated face papers that have a low parker print of around 0.7
microns PP10, as well as with coated paper.
WAX/RESIN Ribbons
These supply high performance for a variety of end-uses. The mechanical resistance of the
printed image is very good and it is possible to print 90° bar codes. Wax/resin ribbons are
intended for use with non-absorbent materials such as coated papers and films, but they can
also be used with Transfer Standard when exceptional mechanical resistance is required.
Wax/resin ribbons can be printed with near-edge/corner-edge print heads.
RESIN Ribbons
Resin ribbons are designed for use in very demanding applications. Images printed with a
resin ribbon have very high resistance to mechanical wear, solvents and heat. This type of ribbon
is usually used on film face materials like PE, PP and PET, which have a smoothness of
around 1000s bekk and require comparatively less transfer ink to produce an opaque image.
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