Ribbons for Thermal Transfer Printers
Wax · wax/resin · resin · super resin
Ribbons are supplies for thermal transfer printers, used to print variable data and barcodes for product identification. TECMAES supplies wax, wax/resin, resin and super resin ribbons, in widths from 25 to 165 mm and lengths from 74 to 450 m. The choice depends on the label material and how durable the print needs to be.
- Wax, wax/resin, resin and super resin
- Widths from 25 to 165 mm and rolls from 74 to 450 m
- Ink-in (IN) or ink-out (OUT) winding
Ribbon types
| Type | Recommended for | Suitable substrates | Resistance |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wax | Barcodes and variable data on paper and self-adhesive labels | Gloss or matte coated paper · tags · transtherm paper and similar | Excellent print quality. Can also be used on some synthetics, such as polyethylene and polypropylene |
| Wax/resin | Pharmaceutical, cosmetics and meat processing industries | BOPP · polyethylene and polypropylene films · tags · laminated coated paper · transtherm paper | Greater resistance to chemicals, temperature changes and friction |
| Resin | Automotive industry, electronics and food contact | Polyester · polyethylene · polypropylene · transtherm · BOPP · stretch labels · flexible packaging films · PVC · metallized labels · laminated paper | High resistance to abrasion, temperature and chemicals, with excellent anchorage |
| Super resin | Same applications as resin, when greater durability is required | Same substrates as resin ribbon | Higher resistance than resin ribbon |
Available sizes: widths from 25 to 165 mm and lengths from 74 to 450 m, with ink-in (IN) or ink-out (OUT) winding. Standard and premium lines are available.
How to choose a ribbon
- Coated paper, tags and transtherm paper: wax ribbon.
- BOPP, polyethylene and polypropylene films and labels exposed to chemicals, temperature variation or friction: wax/resin ribbon.
- Polyester, PVC, metallized or stretch labels and applications that require high durability, such as automotive, electronics and food contact: resin or super resin ribbon.
To recommend a compatible ribbon, TECMAES needs the printer model, the label width, the winding type (ink-in or ink-out) and the material to be printed.
Ribbons in TECMAES equipment
TECMAES TM400 label applicators and the Print Apply work with thermal transfer printers, which print variable data on the label before it is applied. TECMAES recommends and supplies the right ribbon for each printer.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between wax, wax/resin and resin ribbons?
Wax ribbon is suited to paper and self-adhesive paper labels. Wax/resin combines wax and resin and offers greater resistance to chemicals, temperature changes and friction. Resin ribbon offers high resistance to abrasion, temperature and chemicals, for synthetic materials such as polyester, PVC and BOPP.
Which ribbon should I use on BOPP labels?
Wax/resin and resin ribbons are suitable for BOPP. Resin is the option when the print needs greater resistance to abrasion, temperature and chemicals.
Which ribbon should I use for food contact applications?
Resin and super resin ribbons are suitable for food contact applications and for situations where the printed information must stay protected.
How do I find the right ribbon size for my printer?
Tell us the printer model, the label width and whether the printer uses ink-in or ink-out ribbon. TECMAES supplies widths from 25 to 165 mm and lengths from 74 to 450 m.
Need help choosing a ribbon?
Send us the printer model and a label sample. TECMAES will recommend the right ribbon.