As you read on, we will show you all you need to know about the relationship between thermal printers and ribbons? What types of thermal printers use ribbons? What types don’t? What can you do with thermal ribbons? If you\u2019re using ribbons, are there various types to choose from? Which of these ribbon types is the best? Read on to find answers to these questions, and many more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The types of thermal printers that use ribbons are Thermal Transfer Printers. Thermal Transfers require ribbons because the ribbons carry the ink pigment with the the printer create imprints. Without these ribbons, the printer will not be able to print images on your labels.<\/strong> The ribbon material contains ink pigment that melts and glues to the print media to create high-quality, long-lasting imprints.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You can\u2019t do without ribbons if you\u2019re using the thermal transfer technique. <\/a>Ribbons are very crucial to the thermal transfer process because they serve as ink to create your desired imprints. The cost of buying ribbons may add to your inventory but it makes your printing more efficient and excellent. Label makers<\/a> also use ribbons but in the form of a special tape.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A thermal ribbon will melt melts when it comes in touch with heat from the thermal printhead. However, the printhead releases heat selectively on the ribbon only in areas where imprints should be created on the paper. The pigment from the ribbon will melt onto the print media and cool quickly as it glues to the surface of the label.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The thermal ribbon functions as the ink of the printer but in a different way. It’s like solid ink pigments that are applied by heat. This kind of thermal printing mechanism is ideal for permanent and long-term applications that require more than 6 months<\/a> of durability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All the applications of thermal transfer technique require ribbons. So whatever you can do with a thermal transfer printer may require thermal ribbons. These include inventory, logistics, sales, and medical applications, among others.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The following printing applications may require ribbons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thermal transfer ribbons can print easily on various printing media, including plastic, polyester, and paper. These media have different durability levels but polyester has the longest lifespan. More so, different ribbon types are ideal for different label materials. So you must match them carefully to get the best output possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The types of thermal printers that don’t use ribbons are direct thermal printers.<\/strong> A direct thermal printer does not require ribbons between the paper and printhead. Instead, the printer applies heat directly to the print media. To print with a direct thermal printer<\/a>, you only need special heat-sensitive print media, called direct thermal labels.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The printhead of direct thermal printers applies heat just like thermal transfer printers. But it applies heat directly to the label and activates its dye layer. This layer darkens at the points of heat application to create the label image.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The heat-sensitive property of direct thermal labels<\/a>, however, makes them prone to easy damage and quick fading. These labels are also sensitive to water, direct sunlight, chemicals, and abrasions. So they are best for short-term label applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Short-term printing applications may not require the durability that thermal ribbons offer. For such applications, it is better to use the cheaper direct thermal printing technique, which does not use ribbons.<\/strong> Mobile printing applications may also not require ribbons. Without the need for ribbons, it’s easier to carry your printer around for on-the-spot printing.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Applications that may not require ribbons include the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n The ribbon-free mechanism is simpler, so direct thermal printing machines are often more compact with fewer components. Without the need for ribbons, you can easily move the machine around and operate it on the go. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Direct thermal labels cost slightly more than thermal transfer labels but with direct thermal technique, you wouldn\u2019t have to buy ribbons.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are three types of thermal ribbons, namely wax ribbons, wax-resin ribbons, and resin ribbons. These three types differ by the kind of ink coating on them. The ink coating of wax ribbon is made purely of wax while the ink coating of resin ribbon is made purely of resin. Wax-resin ribbons mix both wax and resin ink coatings.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Here’s a brief description of each type of thermal ribbons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This ribbon type offers the fastest fast printing speed and requires low heat because wax melts easily<\/a>. It also promotes energy savings because your printhead will not be working too hard to generate heat. Wax ribbons<\/a> offer the least quality of thermal transfer printing but they still create exceptional imprints on various surfaces. You can use them for product labels<\/a> and cardboard packaging.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The properties of this ribbon type are similar to that of wax ribbons. But it contains both wax and resin. As such, it provides greater water-resistance. Wax-resin ribbons are also more resistant to staining and friction. You can use them for vinyl labels (synthetic or glossy).<\/p>\n\n\n\n This ribbon type offers the best quality so they are good for high-end applications. They are often very expensive, so you should reserve them from labels that will ace extreme conditions. You can use resin ribbons for labels that would be exposed to harsh chemicals, extreme temperatures, and outdoor applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The benefits of using thermal ribbons include their versatility and quality of prints. They work with several media types that are not compatible with direct thermal printing. What’s more, they offer various colors and create longer-lasting labels.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The following are some of the benefits that thermal ribbons offer:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thermal ribbons work well with various media types that direct thermal printing can\u2019t work with. These include paper, polypropylene, and polyester materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ribbons are the most suitable material for printing barcodes. They print crisp and resilient images that remain clear and legible for a longer time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ribbons can create long-lasting wristbands, certificate labels, and asset tags, among other types of tickets, labels, and tags.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can find various color of ribbons<\/a> that are not available in direct thermal printing. This array of colors can help improve the appearance of labels and offer more options for color-coding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can safely dispose of used ribbons without causing harm to the environment. Unlike the accessories of many other printing mechanisms, thermal transfer ribbons<\/a> are environment-friendly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The presence of ribbons increases the lifespan of the printheads of thermal transfer printers<\/a> significantly. Experts say that direct thermal printheads often last for only<\/strong> <\/strong>25-50%<\/strong><\/a> of the lifespan of thermal transfer printheads.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The reasons for the printhead lifespan differences are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/gorillaoutput.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Depositphotos_227800600_s-2019.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\nWhat Types of Thermal Printers Use Ribbons?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How Do Thermal Ribbons Work?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What Kinds of Thermal Printing Applications May Require Ribbons?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Types of Direct Thermal Printers Don’t Use Ribbons<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Kinds of Printing Applications May Not Require Ribbons?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What Are The Different Types of Thermal Ribbons?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Wax Ribbon<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Wax\/Resin Ribbon<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Resin Ribbons<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Benefits of Using Thermal Ribbons<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Versatility<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Quality<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Durability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Various Color Options<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Safety<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Ho Do Ribbons Affect Printhead Lifespan?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Abrasion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n