FAQ: Thermal Transfer Ribbon

The cost of thermal transfer ribbons depends on several key factors:

1. Ribbon Type

• Wax – Lowest cost; ideal for uncoated paper labels and tags
• Wax/Resin – Mid-range; suited for coated paper and tags
• Resin – Highest cost; designed for synthetic materials like polyester, offering maximum durability

2. Size – Larger rolls (more width × length) contain more material and are priced accordingly.
3. Core Type – Ribbons wound on plastic cores tend to be more expensive than those on cardboard cores.
4. Volume – Higher purchase volumes can reduce the per-unit cost.
5. Colour – Black ribbons are the most affordable due to their widespread use. Coloured ribbons typically cost more.

When selecting the right ribbon for your application, consider the following:

1. Ribbon Width

The ribbon should be wider than the label material to protect the printhead from abrasion.
Example: A 70mm wide label requires an 80mm wide ribbon.

2. Ribbon Type

• Wax – Most cost-effective; ideal for porous materials like uncoated paper. Best for indoor use (e.g. shipping or pricing labels).
• Wax/Resin – More durable; suited for coated papers, tags, and films. Offers resistance to smudging and mild chemicals. Can be used outdoors short-term.
• Resin – Most durable and chemical-resistant; best for synthetic materials like polyester or polyimide. Suitable for demanding environments.

3. Wind Configuration – Specify your printer brand to ensure correct ribbon winding—ink side in or ink side out.
4. Printer Core Diameter – Make sure the ribbon matches the core size required by your printer. Some cores include slots that fit specific feed mechanisms.
5. Roll Length – Check your printer’s maximum roll diameter. Oversized rolls may be too heavy or physically incompatible with your printer.

Yes. Most thermal printers have a single printhead, so to print in colour, you simply replace the black ribbon with a coloured one. However, process colour printers—which can print multiple colours and a black barcode in one pass—are available, though they are more expensive than standard desktop units.

For barcodes, always use a black or dark ribbon to ensure readability.

There’s a limited range of coloured ribbons available for most thermal printers, and we’re happy to help you choose the best option for your label material and application—just ask!