Modern trade represents a large system in which high-tech equipment must be present. Various equipment is being manufactured to help businesses. Thermal transfer printer allows you to create labels that differ in various characteristics.
Description
Thermal transfer printer is a convenient marking equipment used for applying images on the surface. The main objective of the device is considered to be label printing with excellent wear resistance. The surface to be decorated can be fabric, metal, plastic, tremokarton or ribbon (ribbon for thermal transfer printers).
If all technological conditions are met, the image, even due to negative factors, will last up to 3 years. The technology is used for applying barcodes to goods, as well as logos, marking goods. Consumables are thermal and roll labels, ribbons, tags. Printing is carried out due to the influence of the temperature of the plate and the pressure of the thermal press, the exposure time.
Appointment
The equipment is used for applying to the surface:
- barcodes;
- logos;
- digital and alphabetic information;
- designations of goods;
- graphic details.
In order for the equipment to be convenient in use, it is advisable to buy additional accessories for it: automatic-type unwinders and unwinders, ribbon dividers, and label-cutters.
Equipment advantages
Thermal transfer printers offer the following benefits:
- allow you to create thin details and lines;
- the use of materials that cannot be used in the screening method - burlap, linen, canvas, mesh fabrics;
- convenient application on surfaces with convex elements;
- clear image with preservation of tones;
- resistance to washing;
- speed of application.
The choice
Thermal transfer printer can be of different types. In order to purchase the right equipment, you need to rely on some features:
- Type of print. If large-scale serial printing is to be performed, it is advisable to purchase industrial equipment. For personal use, you can choose a mobile or desktop device. There are modified models used in cinemas, parks, attractions and at festivals.
- Printing method and specifications. Equipment needs to be selected based on the size of finished products (standard options have a resolution of 200-300 pixels, detailed - 600). It is important to consider the width and speed of image transfer.
- Functionality. If there is an option for saving information, it will save a lot of time on making layouts.
- Cost and manufacturer. Well-known companies usually create quality products. Although the cost for them will be rather big, but this should not be saved.
Printing process
The device works on an optimized basis. To get the finished product, you must perform the following steps:
- Performing a visual version of the label (form and parameters).
- Create a layout using Windows programs or label designers.
- Connecting the device to a PC using a USB cable or infrared port.
- In the "File" section, select the "Print" tab.
This is the process of printing. It is enough to perform it once, and then everything will be much easier.
Paper
There are 3 types of thermal transfer paper :
- with artificial resin;
- with wax;
- with a mixture of components.
Ribbons differ in composition and size, as well as the location of the paint layer. The printer, with proper care, will perform all assigned tasks. It is only necessary to properly configure and operate it according to the instructions.
Industrial equipment
Thermal transfer printer for industrial use produces up to 100 thousand labels and stickers per day. The equipment operates at a speed of 300 mm / s. The features of the devices include the possibility of high-quality printing with a resolution of up to 600 pixels.
Since the conditions of the equipment are different, industrial devices are equipped with metal cases. And thermal transfer printers for labels are covered with plastic. You can install additional devices on this equipment: internal label dividers, winders, cutters for the material used.
External devices can be connected to industrial devices: barcode printing quality control scanners, keyboard, additional memory and network cards. The printer can print offline.
Manufacturers
In the assortment you can find devices of various companies. Among Russian manufacturers, printers are especially in demand:
- Zebra
- Datamax.
- Toshiba
- Godex
- Intermec.
- Argox.
Zebra 110XiIIIPlus
The Zebra thermal transfer printer is one of the most sought after equipment. The device allows you to get high-quality barcode printing, which is resistant to various conditions. The equipment can print images with different resolutions: 200, 300, 600 pixels. The device is in demand among companies that need stickers from 100 thousand pcs / day.
Toshiba TEC B-SX6T
An industrial device has the following advantages:
- the function of equipping flat and angled thermal heads;
- excellent print speed;
- ribbon saving function.
Where thermal transfer printing is not required, ink supply is stopped by automatically lifting the print head. This saves the tape using material with a printed image.
Each device has its own characteristics. Many other types of equipment are produced. If you need a printer for business development, you should choose a professional high-quality device.