“Ribbon” (ribbon) in translation means “ribbon”, and indeed the so-called ink ribbon designed for thermal transfer printer. By the principle of operation, the tape resembles the carbon paper we are familiar with.
Thermal transfer printing appeared in Japan to simplify the printing of complex hieroglyphs, and in 1980 gained distribution around the world due to its properties.
Composition and description
The simple application of printing ink to the surface tends to fade, fade, and fade over time. Ribbon printing is the creation of a denser, clearer and more durable print. This is a prerequisite for creating barcodes, expiration dates of goods in packaging and other information. And in cases with aggressive media (for example, containers with chemicals or acids), thermal transfer printing is the only way out. Ribbon is a reel of synthetic tape with a special coating.
Ribbon ribbon has three layers:
- polyester film;
- hot-melt dye;
- protective layer.
The latter protects the paint from premature abrasion and pollution, relieves static stress. At the beginning of the working part of the roller, a protective tape is inserted, which allows you to save the ribbon during storage and transportation from damage. The strip can end with a transparent edge, so that the printer can detect the end of the ribbon. For printers with a mechanical sensor, its presence is optional.
Ribbon Benefits
Compared to conventional ink printing, ribbon printing allows you to create a durable, high-definition, dyed canvas. The main advantages can also include:
- higher print speed;
- the possibility of continuous printing;
- the use of almost any surface for applying paint: cardboard, adhesive paper, plastic film, polymer coatings, fabric.
Scope of application
The technology of thermal transfer printing is widespread and has wide possibilities for making bright tags and labels. Colorful product labeling is not only the identification of the product, ensuring its recognition, but also a marketing campaign to promote it to attract attention. Often, in addition to the manufacturer’s logo, information on discounts and promotions is indicated using thermal transfer printing. Such a move is a favorite pastime of companies engaged in pharmaceuticals, food processing, trade, and providing travel and leisure services.
The main scope of application of ribbon is trade and warehouse complexes with a large turnover. The conditions of use and storage of products with color labels have their own requirements for quality and manufacturing materials:
- resistance to chemicals;
- heat resistance;
- resistance to abrasion;
- moisture resistance;
- resistance to UV rays.
Given these facts, it becomes clear that when choosing a ribbon and its printed base, it is important to consider the expected conditions for the storage and use of labels, as this affects the consumables and the type of tape.
Types of thermal transfer ribbon
Ribbon is a high-tech product with various varieties of paint coating material. The composition is distinguished:
- wax (wax);
- wax / resin;
- resin (resin).
Wax - a ribbon with a wax coating. It allows you to leave a clear imprint on surfaces with a matte or semi-gloss texture. It is used in logistics, for printing tags on clothes and shoes. Has not the highest durability and cost.
Wax-resin - the paint layer consists of a combination of synthetic resin and wax. A more expensive version of the ribbon. This type requires a high temperature of printing, can be performed not only on paper, but also on synthetic materials.
Resin is a ribbon with a coloring resin layer, used for printing on synthetic materials and textiles. The printer’s energy costs are the highest in this case, but the print resistance is the best. At the cost of this type of tape is the most expensive.
Ribbon for thermal transfer printer is available in several colors:
- the black;
- blue;
- red;
- Orange;
- blue;
- gold;
- green;
- silver.
To choose the optimal type of ribbon, you need to know:
- printer type and modification;
- the material to be printed;
- painting volume (material length).
Principle of operation
The technology of applying the ribbon is the use of the coloring layer by heating, printing is carried out by indirect transfer. The coil with the ribbon is installed in a thermal transfer printer, in which, under the influence of a thermal head, the ink from the tape is transferred to the label. When installing, pay attention to the position of the ribbon for the thermal transfer printer. The winding designation is:
- in - coloring side inward;
- out - coloring side out.
As a rule, the matte layer is coloring, and the glossy is protective. The ink layer should be pressed against the material, and the protective layer - to the print head of the printer.
The quality of the print is determined by:
- sharp image;
- barcode bar quality;
- brightness of the resulting color.
The sensitivity of the tape is influenced by the speed of printing images (depending on the printer model) and compatibility with the material being printed.
Manufacturers and price
The main producers of ribbon are:
- Proton;
- Zebra
- Union Chemicar;
- Armor
- Datamax;
- Argox;
- Sato;
- Citizen
The cost of the ribbon depends on the color (black is cheaper), the width and length of the winder. The minimum width is 20 mm, the maximum is 300 mm. The average price for a black ink ribbon 40 mm wide is 1.5 rubles per meter. A colored tape of the same width will cost 3 rubles / meter.