¿What is a ribbon?
Thermal transfer ribbon is a thin plastic film in roll form and is used in label printers located inside the printer. It passes between the print head and the label and then winds onto another roll where it is rewound, transferring the ink to the label.In a simple way; ribbon is the “ink” for thermal transfer printers. It is black in most cases, but they exist in various colors and qualities.
Ribbons are used only in thermal transfer printers and in most cases to print barcodes on labels that can have applications as diverse as: warehouse labeling, shipment identification, marking of meat and frozen products, marking of medicines, labels for laboratory samples, etc.
Your printer will use ribbon or thermal transfer ribbon if it prints on labels made of any non-thermal (heat-sensitive) material, ranging from coated paper to plastic. That is, they are not printers with direct thermal technology.
Ribbon is one of the most durable consumables on the market.
In the case of using label printers with direct thermal printing, it will be necessary to print on a roll of photosensitive paper labels.
¿What types of ribbon exist?
There are 3 types of ribbon:➤Wax Ribbon. This type of ribbon is the most common and economical. It is intended for applications that do not require great durability or resistance, such as shipping labels.
➤Resin Ribbon. This is the type of ribbon with the greatest strength and durability. It is composed of several layers, the first of which is polyester and the remaining ones are resin. It is usually used in applications where a virtually indelible print is needed that resists friction, high temperatures, and low temperatures. Medical, pharmaceutical use, electronic components, etc.
➤Mixed Ribbon. As its name indicates, it is a mix between wax ribbon and resin ribbon, since its layers are composed of wax and resin. Resistant to abrasion and chemicals, especially for when high printing sensitivity is desired. Ideal for refrigerated products, containers, price labels, among others.
Wax ribbon labels Resin ribbon labels Mixed ribbon labels
Parts of a ribbon, ¿what is it composed of?
A ribbon is made up of 3 parts:- –The header is a film that protects the roll and is used to install it in the label printer..
- –The mandrel/core is a central tube on which the different layers of the thermal transfer ribbon are wound. Most cores have an outside diameter of 1″. This measurement will be reflected in the printer’s technical sheet. It is important to choose the correct measurement because an error in the measurement may prevent you from mounting the ribbon roll inside the printer.
- – The end indicator, which is nothing more than a signal thanks to which the printer detects the end of the roll.
Finally, when choosing which label rib to use, we must take into account different variables:
- – Technical characteristics of the printer, ribbon size and length.
- – Application that you want to give to the label.
- – Resistance and durability.
- – Label measurements to buy a ribbon with the appropriate width.
- – Printing speed required.
At Barcode Site we are official distributors of ribbon brands such as Zebra, Honeywell, TSC, Citizen, among others.
Now that we have answered your question: What is a ribbon? If you need advice on choosing a ribbon, do not hesitate to contact us and one of our sales representatives will be able to contact you today.
