The best way to choose thermal transfer printing ribbons

Thermal transfer ribbons have a significant impact on the longevity of your printheads and the printing quality of your labels, so choosing the right ribbon is crucial. Your print quality and durability can be affected if you get it wrong, as well as the scan rate of your barcode if you get it wrong.

There are a variety of ribbon types and ribbon-printer combinations available at Beewea, so you’ll be able to find the right ribbon for your label printer.

Here is a helpful guide to help you choose the most appropriate ribbon for your needs. For long-lasting prints, you should consider the factors below.

Choosing the right thermal transfer ribbon for your printer

Thermal transfer printers use heat-sensitive ribbons, also known as carbon ribbons, printer ink rolls, or printer rolls. An ink image is transferred onto your label when the ribbon melts from the heat of the printhead.

The images created by this method are clearer and more durable than those created by direct thermal printing. For this reason, thermal transfer ribbons are excellent for long-life product labels that may be exposed to sunlight or extreme temperatures.

Step 2: Choosing the right wind direction for the ribbon

There are two types of thermal transfer ribbons: coated side in (CSI) and coated side out (CSO). This determines how the rolls are fed through the printer based on how the ink is positioned on the ribbon. Either way, the ink sits on the dull or matte side of the ribbon.

The ribbon direction is usually specified in the printer specifications. The ribbons for Zebra® printers must be coated side out (CSO). Thermal transfer printing ribbons are generally coated side in (CSO) for Honeywell® and Datamax® printers.

As a leading provider of thermal transfer printing ribbons, Beewea stocks both CSI and CSO ribbons in a variety of widths and materials.

CSO (Coated Side Out)

To make contact with the printhead, these ribbons are wound so that the ink is facing the outside of the ribbon in the thermal transfer ribbon printer.

CSI (Coated Side In)

To make contact with the printhead, these ribbons are wound so that the ink is facing the inside of the ribbon in a thermal transfer ribbon printer machine.

Step 3: Confirm ribbon size

In addition to the width and length of the thermal transfer ribbon, it is important to consider the proper core diameter for your printer model. When selecting the right ribbon, consider the following factors:

Length of ribbon

Consider the application of the ribbon when selecting the right length. Typically, desktop thermal transfer ribbon printers use a ribbon of a shorter length (70m). For mid-level or industrial thermal transfer printers, longer ribbon lengths (300-450m) are generally best.

Among them are Honeywell® mid-range and industrial printers that use 360m ribbons, and Zebra® mid-range and industrial printers that use 300m to 450m ribbons. Check your printer’s manual or specification guide if you are unsure.

The width of the label

In order to select the right width, the ribbon must cover both the label width and the web width. If your label is 100mm wide on 103mm wide backing paper, then you should choose a minimum ribbon width of 104mm.

The cores

Your printer mode determines the core type. A desktop printer, for example, uses ribbons with a core diameter of about 0.5″ (12.7mm), while an industrial printer uses ribbons with a core diameter of 1″ (25mm).

Step 4, you will have to decide which type of thermal transfer ribbon you want to use

You should consider your label applications (indoor or outdoor) and required durability when choosing ribbon material. You will be able to select a reliable material that produces consistent, clear and cost-effective prints. Here are some details about the different types of thermal transfer ribbons:

Thermal transfer ribbon with full resin

On synthetic material, this ribbon material offers excellent print quality and durability. Pure resin is used for the ribbon print. Consequently, it prints at higher temperatures to ensure that the resin dissolves into labels and they are highly durable and resistant to extreme conditions.

Thermal transfer ribbons with full resin are ideal for long-term labeling of products exposed to harsh chemicals, high temperatures and moisture.

Thermal transfer ribbon made of wax-resin

With superior durability, superior print quality, and resistance to abrasion and smudging, waxed resin thermal transfer ribbon is our bestseller. Thermal transfer ribbons made from wax-resin are a great choice for applications that have to endure extreme conditions, such as freezers or constant handling.

High throughput printing, high gloss labeling, freight, and other industrial printing applications can be accomplished with this ribbon material for medium-term general purpose printing on paper and synthetic materials.

Thermal transfer ribbon made of wax

It offers a cost-effective alternative to direct thermal printing when printing matt paper labels. Due to the high wax concentration in the ribbon, printers can use lower heat settings to achieve high print throughput. Print quality, durability, and wear resistance are all improved compared to direct thermal printing.

The ribbon material is suitable short-term for multipurpose labeling and general use, such as retail, packaging, and shipping labels.

What is the best ribbon material for you?

RIBBON IS SUITABLE	WAXED	WAXED/RESIN	RESIN
To print on matt paper labels	√	√	X
To print on gloss paper labels	X	√	X
To print on standard synthetic labels	X	√	√
To print on top coat polyester labels	X	X	√
For labels intended to go in freezer	X	√	X
For labels intended to be used indoors	√	√	X
For labels intended to be used outdoors	X	√       *	√
To print Shipping Labels	√	√	X
To print SSCC Labels	√	√	X
To print Carton Labels	√	√	X
To print Hazardous Labels	X	X	√
To print Chemical Labels	X	X	√
To print Pharmaceutical Labels	X	√	X
To print Shelf Labels	X	√	X
Print image is scratch & smudge resistant	X	√	√
Print image is chemical resistant	X	X	√

Step 5: Calculate the quantity of ribbon needed

Using Beewea’s online thermal transfer ribbon calculator, you can estimate the amount of ribbon you need for your project.

Step 6: Browse Beewea’s selection of thermal transfer printing ribbons

Discover the premium thermal transfer printing ribbons available from Beewea once you’ve considered the above factors. To ensure your business can produce consistent, durable and high-quality labels, we provide a wide range of thermal transfer ribbons.

Our ribbons are available in various widths and materials and are compatible with Zebra®, Datamax®, and Honeywell® thermal transfer printers. Today, you can explore your options online.