"Ribbon" (ribbon) translated from English means "tape", and indeed this is the name of the ink ribbon designed for a thermal transfer printer. According to the principle of operation, the tape resembles the carbon paper we are familiar with.
Thermal transfer printing originated in Japan to make it easier to print complex characters, and in 1980 became widespread worldwide due to its properties.
Composition and description
Simply applying printing ink to a surface tends to fade, rub off, fade over time. Ribbon printing is all about creating a denser, clearer, and more durable print. This is a prerequisite for creating barcodes, product expiration dates in the package, and other information. And in cases with aggressive environments (for example, containers with chemicals or acids), thermal transfer printing is the only way out. Ribbon is a spool of specially coated synthetic ribbon.
Ink ribbon ribbon has three layers:
- polyester film;
- hot melt dye;
- protective layer.
The latter protects the paint from premature abrasion and contamination, relieves static electricity. 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 may end with a transparent edge so that the printer can determine the end of the tape. For printers with a mechanical sensor, it is optional.
Benefits of ribbon
Compared to conventional ink printing, ribbon printing produces a durable, high-definition dyed canvas. Key benefits also include:
- higher print speed;
- capable of inline printing;
- Use virtually any surface to paint on: cardboard, adhesive paper, plastic film, resin coatings, fabric.
Scope of application
The technology of thermal transfer printing is widely used and has ample opportunities for producing bright labels and labels. Colorful labeling of products is not only product identification, ensuring its recognition, but also a marketing move to promote to attract attention. Often, in addition to the manufacturer's logo, thermal transfer printing indicates information about discounts and promotions. Such a move is a favorite pastime of companies involved in pharmaceuticals, food industry, trade, tourism and leisure services.
Mainthe sphere of application of the ribbon is trade and warehouse complexes with a large turnover. The conditions of operation and storage of products with color labels have their own requirements for quality and materials of manufacture:
- resistance to chemicals;
- heat resistance;
- abrasion resistance;
- moisture resistance;
- UV resistant.
Given these facts, it becomes clear that when choosing a ribbon and its printed base, it is important to consider the expected storage and operation conditions of the labels, as this affects the consumable material and the type of ribbon.
Types of thermal transfer ribbon
Ribbon is a high-tech product with various coloring material options. The composition is distinguished:
- wax;
- wax-resin (wax/resin);
- resin.
Wax is a wax-coated ink ribbon. It allows you to leave a clear imprint on surfaces with a matte or semi-gloss texture. It is used in logistics, for printing labels on clothes and shoes. Has not the highest durability and cost.
Wax-resin - the coloring layer consists of a combination of synthetic resin and wax. A more expensive version of the ribbon. This type requires high temperature printing, can be performed not only on paper, but also on synthetic materials.
Resin - ribbon with a coloring resin layer, used for printing on synthetic materials and textiles. The energy costs of the printer in this case are the highest, but alsoprint durability is the best. In terms of cost, this type of tape is the most expensive.
The thermal transfer ribbon comes in several colors:
- black;
- blue;
- red;
- orange;
- blue;
- gold;
- green;
- silver.
To choose the optimal type of ribbon, you need to know:
- printer type and modification;
- material to be printed on;
- painting volume (material length).
Working principle
The technology of applying the ribbon is the use of an ink layer by heating, printing is carried out by indirect transfer. The ribbon spool is installed in a thermal transfer printer, in which, under the influence of a thermal head, the ink from the ribbon 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 inside;
- out - ink side out.
As a rule, the matte layer is coloring, and the glossy layer is protective. The ink layer should be pressed against the material, and the protective layer should be pressed against the printhead of the printer.
The quality of the resulting print is determined by:
- image clarity;
- barcode strip quality;
- the brightness of the resulting color.
Ribbon sensitivity is affected by image printing speed (depending on modelprinter) and compatibility with the material being printed on.
Manufacturers and price
The main ribbon producers 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 winding. The minimum width is 20 mm, the maximum width is 300 mm. The average price for a black ink ribbon 40 mm wide is 1.5 rubles per meter. A colored ribbon of the same width will cost 3 rubles/meter.
