Category: thermal transfer ribbon

Understanding the Difference Between Polyester and Polypropylene

Post author By Admin
Post date May 25, 2024

Every business, no matter where it stands in the supply chain, relies on Automatic Identification and Data Collection. These tools help gather important info about products and operations, allowing for smoother processes. Barcodes are a common tool for this, helping identify products and track assets. But not all products can use the same barcode label. That’s why there are different types, like polyester and polypropylene labels. In this blog, we’ll break down the differences between them, making it easier for you to choose the right one for your needs.

What are Barcode Labels and Why Are They Created with Various Materials?

Two methods are commonly employed for creating barcodes in AIDC (Automatic Identification and Data Collection) applications: Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfer Printing. Let’s set aside direct thermal for now since it doesn’t involve labels. Thermal Transfer Printing (TTP) involves using a thin film, called a ribbon, to print barcodes on labels. The ribbon includes a layer of wax/ribbon and adhesive on one side, melted and stamped onto the label to generate codes.

Labels can be crafted from various materials, each tailored to specific applications and offering distinct material properties. Material selection impacts both durability and printing cost. Today, we’ll focus on the two most frequently utilized label types: polypropylene and polyester.

Comparing Polyester and Polypropylene Labels

Factors such as durability and resistance greatly depend on the coating of the ribbon used in barcode printing. However, the label material itself also plays a significant role. Let’s delve into the advantages and disadvantages of polyester and polypropylene labels.

Durability Compared to Other Labels:

Polypropylene labels offer considerable durability compared to other types like polyimide and paper. However, polyester labels stand out as the most durable in the market.

Vulnerabilities & Resistance:

Polypropylene excels in protecting against damage, showing resistance to scratches and even water and chemical damage to some extent. However, it lacks flexibility and may deteriorate under prolonged exposure to water and abrasions. Conversely, polyester labels exhibit excellent resistance to chemical and water damage, along with remarkable resistance to abrasions.

Operational Lifespan:

Polyester labels outlast polypropylene labels significantly, with a functional lifespan of over 10 years compared to 6 months to 2 years for polypropylene labels.

Implementation Cost:

Cost considerations are crucial, especially as business scale increases. While polypropylene labels are about three times more expensive than paper and polyimide labels on average, polyester labels top the list as the most expensive, sometimes costing up to ten times more than paper. Nevertheless, selecting the label that best suits the item and its operating environment remains paramount, regardless of cost.

Flexibility:

The ability of a label to endure stretching and warping is pivotal for various applications. Vinyl offers the highest flexibility among label materials. Polypropylene lacks flexibility, whereas polyester offers some flexibility, making it ideal for rugged environments.

Uses of Polyester and Polypropylene Labels

As mentioned earlier, polyester and polypropylene labels possess varying properties and capabilities, making them suitable for certain applications while unsuitable for others. Below is a list of applications for both types of labels:

Polypropylene:

1. Barrels

2. Flooring

3. Baggage

4. Retail shelves

5. Pallets

6. Cartons

7. Electronics

8. Machinery

Polyester:

1. Electric motors

2. Actuators

3. Pumps

4. Electronics

5. Valves

6. Automobile parts

7. Industrial tools and equipment

Conclusion

In conclusion, the use of diverse materials in manufacturing similar products aims to leverage distinct material properties. As outlined in the preceding discussion, both polyester and polypropylene offer unique advantages and drawbacks. Therefore, there isn’t a definitive answer as to which type of label is superior. Instead, when choosing a label, it’s essential to consider its material characteristics and associated costs to determine the most suitable option for your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. Are polypropylene labels waterproof?

A1. No, polypropylene labels offer good water resistance but are not entirely waterproof. Prolonged exposure to water can likely cause damage to these labels over time.

Q2. What is the difference between PE and PP labels?

A2. PE and PP labels are made from different materials, each with its own set of material properties, advantages, and disadvantages for various applications.

Q3. What are barcode labels made of?

A3. Barcode labels are essential components utilized in Thermal Transfer Printing for creating barcodes in AIDC solutions. They are crafted from various materials to suit diverse industrial needs. Common types of labels include Paper, Polyester, Polypropylene, Polyimide, and Vinyl labels, each named after the material used in their production.

Tags barcode label stickers, Barcode Scanner

barcode label printer thermal transfer ribbon

Everything About Thermal Labels: Direct Thermal vs. Thermal Transfer

Post author By Admin
Post date May 22, 2024

When you ask for “thermal labels,” your label printer might ask if you want “direct thermal” or “thermal transfer.” If you’re not sure, that’s okay! A good printer will explain the differences and help you choose.

But if they don’t explain or it’s still confusing, don’t worry. There are two ways to use heat to put images and words on stuff. Your printer might understand the differences well, but for someone who’s not into labels, it can be confusing.

In this article, we’ll talk about the direct thermal vs. thermal transfer debate. We’ll explain what each type is, when they’re used, and the good and not-so-good things about each one.

What are thermal labels?

Thermal labels are labels made using heat to print images or text on special surfaces. There are two types: direct thermal printing and thermal transfer printing.

The infographic below shows the advantages and disadvantages of direct thermal and thermal transfer printing. Keep reading for more details.

What is Direct Thermal Printing?

Direct thermal printers use special paper or material coated with leuco dye. This dye can change color when it’s heated. So, when the printer’s heating element touches the paper, the dye turns dark, creating text or images. Sometimes, it’s the printhead that moves, and other times, it’s the paper or material. It depends on the printer.

More Everyday Uses

Apart from shipping labels, direct thermal printing is commonly used for things that don’t need to last a long time. For example, think about a ski lift ticket. They need to be printed fast for each person but don’t need to last more than a day.

Other uses for direct thermal printing include short-term stuff like:

– Parking tickets

– Wristbands for patients

– Passes for events

– Name tags

– Receipts

What Are the Benefits of Direct Thermal Printing?

Direct thermal printing is often used for barcodes and other scannable items because it produces clear, high-quality graphics and text consistently. Other benefits of direct thermal printing include:

– No need for ink or cartridges; the special printing material is the only thing you need.

– Because there are fewer supplies needed, there’s less maintenance and lower maintenance costs.

– Direct thermal printers are quick, which is why they’re used for things like receipts or shipping labels.

– They can be small and easy to move around.

– Operating direct thermal printers usually costs less than thermal transfer printers.

What Are the Downsides of Direct Thermal Printing?

Direct thermal printers can’t print in color, but your label printer might be able to print “blanks” with your company logo and other colors. Then you can run these blanks through a thermal printer.

Direct thermal printing is cheaper when you only need a few labels. But if you need a lot of the same label, like a whole roll or more, traditional printing methods might be cheaper.

Another problem is that there’s a shortage of leuco dye, which is used in direct thermal printing. The Chinese government has slowed down production because of pollution.

Other reasons to think about different printing methods instead of direct thermal printing include:

– Direct thermal labels can get dark if they’re in too much heat or light, making text hard to read and barcodes hard to scan.

– The labels can fade over time.

– If you scratch the labels, they can get dark. (Remember what happened when you scratched that shipping label from Amazon?)

Overall, if you care most about speed, being able to move the printer around, being efficient, and not spending too much money, direct thermal printing is a good choice. But if durability matters more, thermal transfer printing might be better.

What Is Thermal Transfer Printing?

If you’re not sure about the difference between direct thermal and thermal transfer printing, think about the word “transfer.” In direct thermal printing, heat changes ink that’s already in the material. But in thermal transfer printing, heat “transfers” ink onto the paper.

In thermal transfer printers, there’s a wide ribbon covered in wax-like stuff. When the printer’s heated printhead touches it, the wax melts and sticks to special paper or material. Usually, the ribbon is black, but you can get ribbons in different colors for thermal transfer printing.

What Are the Benefits of Thermal Transfer Printing?

Like direct thermal printing, thermal transfer printing is fast and creates clear, accurate text and images. It’s also great for printing barcodes.

But thermal transfer printing has the bonus of being able to print in color and being more durable. This makes it a good choice for printing a small number of labels as needed.

Compared to direct thermal printing, thermal transfer printing:

– Makes labels that last a long time.

– Stands up to moisture, heat, and light.

– Doesn’t rub off easily.

– Can be used on lots of different materials, like paper, polyester, and polypropylene.

Compared to other types of printing, like dot matrix or laser printing, thermal transfer printing is usually cheaper in the long run. Thermal transfer printers last a long time and don’t need much maintenance.

What Are the Downsides of Thermal Transfer Printing?

While thermal transfer printers can use ribbons in colors other than black, they can’t do full-color printing. For example, if you want to print in green, you need a green ribbon.

(GHS safety labels only need four colors, so printers for those labels come with all four.)

Thermal transfer printers also use up more material than direct thermal printers because the waxy ribbons need to be replaced now and then.

Here are some other downsides to thermal transfer printing:

– The ribbon usually can’t be recycled.

– You have to make sure the ribbon matches the material you’re printing on. If it doesn’t, it can melt onto the label and make a mess, possibly damaging the printer.

How Your Label Printer Can Assist You

An experienced label printer can help you decide between direct thermal and thermal transfer printing, based on what you need and how much you can spend.

There’s a myth that you have to buy label materials from the same company that made your printer. But a good label vendor can make labels in any size you need, like the width of the label and the space between labels.

If you need to print a lot of labels or if you want to stock up, your label printer can help with that too. They can also help you choose from other printing options besides thermal printing.

Ready to talk about your label needs? Contact us today.

Tags barcode label stickers, Heat-resistant printable labels, Thermal Labels

resin ribbon supplier thermal transfer ribbon

An Introduction to Resin Thermal Transfer Ribbons

Post author By Admin
Post date December 6, 2023

Resin thermal transfer ribbons are a specialized type of ribbon designed for printing high-quality labels, tags, and barcodes on synthetic materials. These ribbons offer exceptional durability and resistance, making them suitable for challenging environments and demanding applications.

Composition of Resin Ribbons

Resin thermal transfer ribbons consist of a polyester film coated with a resin-based ink layer. This ink is formulated to withstand harsh conditions, providing superior durability and resilience when printed onto synthetic label materials.

Key Characteristics of Resin Ribbons

– Exceptional Durability:

Resin ribbons offer outstanding resistance to chemicals, abrasions, moisture, and extreme temperatures. This makes them ideal for labels subjected to harsh environments or outdoor exposure.

– Suitable for Synthetic Materials:

They are specifically engineered for printing on synthetic label materials like polyester (PET), polypropylene (PP), and other durable substrates.

– High-Quality Prints:

Resin ribbons produce high-resolution prints with excellent clarity and sharpness, making them suitable for applications requiring intricate barcodes, small fonts, or detailed graphics.

Applications of Resin Ribbons

– Industrial Labeling:

Commonly used in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, electronics, and healthcare for labeling products, equipment, and assets exposed to challenging conditions.

– Outdoor and Harsh Environments:

Ideal for outdoor labels, chemical drum labels, asset tags, and industrial labels that require resistance to chemicals, abrasions, and extreme temperatures.

Advantages and Considerations

– Unparalleled Durability:

Resin ribbons offer superior resistance and durability compared to wax or wax-resin ribbons, ensuring long-lasting prints in harsh environments.

– Higher Cost:

They are generally more expensive than wax ribbons due to their specialized formulation and enhanced durability.

Conclusion

Resin thermal transfer ribbons are a top choice for applications that demand durability, resistance to harsh conditions, and high-quality prints on synthetic label materials. Their ability to withstand challenging environments makes them a reliable option for industries where label longevity and durability are paramount.

For any queries or booking, Visit the Contact Us page!

thermal transfer ribbon

How Does Thermal Transfer Ribbon Work?

Post author By Admin
Post date December 5, 2023

Thermal transfer printing is a common technology used for creating high-quality labels, tags, and barcodes on various materials. Thermal transfer ribbon plays a pivotal role in this process. Here’s a breakdown of how thermal transfer ribbon works:

Understanding Thermal Transfer Printing

Components Involved

1. Thermal Transfer Printer:

This type of printer contains a printhead that applies heat to the thermal transfer ribbon, transferring the desired image or text onto the label or material.

2. Thermal Transfer Ribbon:

It’s a crucial component consisting of a polyester film coated with a thin layer of wax, resin, or a combination of both. The ribbon is spooled between the thermal transfer printer’s printhead and the label or material to be printed on.

How Thermal Transfer Ribbon Works

1. Heat Application:

When a print command is initiated, the thermal transfer printer’s printhead applies heat to specific areas of the ribbon.

2. Melting the Ink:

The applied heat melts the ink from the ribbon, causing it to transfer onto the label or material being printed. The areas where heat is applied correspond to the required image or text.

3. Image Transfer:

As the ink melts, it transfers onto the label or material. The ink adheres to the surface, creating the desired print, whether it’s text, barcodes, graphics, or images.

Types of Thermal Transfer Ribbon

1. Wax Ribbon:

Ideal for printing on paper labels. It offers good quality for standard printing applications and is cost-effective.

2. Resin Ribbon:

Used for printing on synthetic materials such as polyester or polypropylene. Resin ribbons provide more durable and long-lasting prints, resistant to chemicals, abrasions, and harsh environments.

3. Wax-Resin Ribbon:

Combines qualities of both wax and resin ribbons, offering a balance between durability and cost-effectiveness. It’s suitable for printing on a wide range of label materials.

Advantages of Thermal Transfer Printing with Ribbon

– Produces high-quality, long-lasting prints with excellent clarity and precision.

– Offers versatility to print on various materials including paper, polyester, polypropylene, and more.

– Resistant to fading, smudging, and abrasions, ensuring durability of printed labels or tags.

In summary, thermal transfer ribbon functions by using heat from the printer’s printhead to melt ink onto labels or materials, allowing for high-quality and durable prints. The choice of ribbon type (wax, resin, or a combination) depends on the material being printed on and the required durability of the printed output.

For any queries or booking, Visit the Contact Us page!

thermal transfer ribbon

An Introduction to Wax Thermal Transfer Ribbons

Post author By Admin
Post date December 5, 2023

Wax thermal transfer ribbons are a popular choice for printing high-quality labels, tags, and barcodes. They are specifically designed for printing on paper labels and offer several advantages for various labeling applications.

Composition of Wax Ribbons

Wax thermal transfer ribbons consist of a thin layer of wax-based ink that is coated onto a polyester film. This ink layer is what transfers onto the label material during the printing process. The ribbon is spooled between the printer’s printhead and the label, and heat from the printhead melts the wax ink, transferring it onto the label’s surface.

Key Characteristics of Wax Ribbons

– Cost-Effective:

Wax ribbons are generally more affordable compared to resin or wax-resin ribbons, making them an economical choice for standard labeling needs.

– Ideal for Paper Labels:

They are best suited for printing on paper labels due to their formulation. The ink adheres well to paper surfaces, producing clear and readable prints.

– Good Print Quality:

Wax ribbons offer good print quality, especially for standard text, barcodes, and graphics. However, they might not provide the same level of durability as resin ribbons.

Applications of Wax Ribbons

– Retail and Logistics:

Commonly used in retail environments for price tags, inventory labels, and shipping labels due to their affordability and suitability for paper-based labels.

– Indoor Environments:

Ideal for indoor applications where labels are not exposed to harsh conditions or extreme temperatures.

Advantages and Considerations

– Cost-Efficiency:

They are a cost-effective choice for businesses that require high-volume printing of labels that don’t need extreme durability.

– Limited Durability:

Wax prints are susceptible to smudging or fading when exposed to chemicals, abrasion, or outdoor elements, making them less suitable for harsh environments.

Conclusion

Wax thermal transfer ribbons are a practical choice for businesses seeking an economical solution for printing clear and readable labels on paper materials. While they offer good print quality, it’s important to consider their limitations in terms of durability when selecting the appropriate ribbon type for specific labeling needs.

For any queries or booking, Visit the Contact Us page!

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How to Choose the Best Thermal Transfer Ribbon for Your Printing Needs?

Post author By Admin
Post date December 5, 2023

Choosing the right thermal transfer ribbon is crucial to achieving optimal printing results for your specific needs. Here’s a guide to help you select the best thermal transfer ribbon based on your printing requirements:

1. Identify Your Labeling Needs

Consider the Following:

– Material Type:

Determine the surface you’ll be printing on—paper, polyester, polypropylene, or other synthetic materials.

– Durability Requirements:

Assess the environment the labels will be exposed to—consider factors like abrasion, chemical exposure, extreme temperatures, and outdoor elements.

2. Understanding Types of Thermal Transfer Ribbons

Different Ribbon Formulations Offer Varied Features:

a. Wax Ribbons

– Ideal For:

Paper labels or tags.

– Advantages:

Cost-effective, suitable for standard applications with moderate durability requirements.

b. Resin Ribbons

– Ideal For:

Synthetic materials (polyester, polypropylene) and challenging environments.

– Advantages:

Highly durable, resistant to chemicals, abrasions, and harsh conditions.

c. Wax-Resin Ribbons

– Ideal For:

A balance between durability and cost-effectiveness.

– Advantages:

Versatile, suitable for various label materials, offering moderate durability.

3. Assess Print Quality and Longevity

Consider the Quality and Longevity of Your Prints:

– Image Quality:

Determine if you need high-resolution prints, especially for intricate barcodes, small fonts, or detailed graphics.

– Longevity:

Evaluate how long you need the labels to last—whether short-term use or long-term durability is required.

4. Consult with Ribbon Suppliers or Manufacturers

Seek Expert Advice and Samples:

– Supplier Input:

Consult thermal transfer ribbon suppliers or manufacturers for guidance. They can offer insights based on your specific printing needs.

– Sample Testing:

Request sample ribbons to test on your label material, ensuring compatibility and optimal performance.

5. Cost Consideration

Balance Quality with Cost-Efficiency:

– Cost vs. Performance:

Evaluate the balance between the ribbon cost and the required print quality and durability. Sometimes investing in a slightly more expensive ribbon can result in significant gains in print longevity and quality.

6. Evaluate Compatibility with Printer and Labels

Ensure Compatibility and Correct Sizing:

– Printer Compatibility:

Confirm that the chosen ribbon is compatible with your thermal transfer printer model.

– Width and Length:

Choose ribbons that match the width and length requirements of your labels to prevent printing issues.

Conclusion

Selecting the best thermal transfer ribbon involves assessing label material, durability needs, print quality, and cost considerations. By understanding your specific printing requirements and consulting with experts, you can make an informed decision to ensure optimal printing results.

For any queries or booking, Visit the Contact Us page!