{"id":163,"date":"2020-09-26T15:34:37","date_gmt":"2020-09-26T15:34:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gorillaoutput.com\/?p=163"},"modified":"2020-12-17T10:29:46","modified_gmt":"2020-12-17T10:29:46","slug":"how-long-do-thermal-transfer-ribbons-last","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gorillaoutput.com\/how-long-do-thermal-transfer-ribbons-last\/","title":{"rendered":"How Long Do Thermal Transfer Ribbons Last?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

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The lifespan of thermal transfer ribbons is a subject of interest among those that print and use labels. This article takes a close look at how long thermal transfer ribbons last and the different factors that could affect the lifespan of ribbons. What you are about to read is a product of an in-depth study.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How long do thermal transfer ribbons last? The expiry date of thermal ribbons if left on the shelf ranges between one to two years. But if you unbox a thermal ribbon and leave it unused, it will start depreciating and may become unusable after 24 hours. These figures, however, depend on the ribbon type, manufacturer, model, and storage conditions.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The lifespan of thermal ribbons vary from one type to another. More so, how long your thermal ribbons will last depends on how you store and handle them. There’s much more to know about the lifespan of thermal printers. Read on as we explain them below. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"How<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Do All Thermal Ribbons Have The Same Lifespan?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

All types of thermal transfer ribbons<\/a> share a similar shelf-life. They expire within one to two years if unopened. You will often find the expiry date on the pack. But the lifespan of thermal ribbons upon exposure differ from one type to the other. Wax ribbons<\/a> have the least stability, while resin ribbons are the most stable.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you unbox a wax ribbon and leave it unused, it will only remain stable for about 24 hours. Resin ribbons, on the other hand, are much more stable and can last for up to 120 hours<\/a> after unboxing them. Wax-resin ribbons contain a mixture of wax and resin, so their lifespan falls somewhere in the middle of the two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 <\/td>Wax Ribbon<\/strong><\/td>Wax-Resin Ribbon<\/strong><\/td>Resin Ribbon<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Shelf-Life<\/strong><\/td>1 year<\/td>1-2 years<\/td>1-2 years<\/td><\/tr>
Stability (Lifespan after unboxing)<\/strong><\/td>24 hours<\/td>48 hours<\/td>120 hours<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Let’s dig a bit deeper into the three types of thermal ribbons:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wax Ribbons<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The base on the ink in this ribbon type is wax. But some brands reinforce their wax with a little resin. Wax ribbon is most suitable for uncoated paper<\/a> labels because they may not adhere well to glossy or synthetic materials. More so, wax has a low melting point, so they are very vulnerable to damage under direct sunlight exposure whether on the shelf, outside the pack, or on the label.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Labels printed with wax ribbons<\/a> also have a low resistance to abrasion resistance. So they are mostly used in short-term printing applications. Since they are the cheapest, you can use them whenever archiving is not a concern.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wax-Resin Ribbons<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This ink in this ribbon type combines resin and wax, usually in equal amounts. This type is more stable than full-wax ribbons and can withstand high temperature (thermal resistance) and abrasion. You can use them on some synthetic media and coated paper. They last longer than wax ribbons, so they are suitable for product markings, logistic processes, and packaging labels.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Resin Ribbons<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

This type lasts the longest and is suitable for permanent markings and long-term applications. Industries, where labels are likely to be under extreme conditions, use resin ribbons because they can withstand chemical substances and high temperatures. The ink typically contains 100% resin with no wax additive but some low-quality varieties have wax additives.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Can You Make Your Thermal Ribbons Last Long?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Thermal ribbons only have a maximal lifespan when they are kept in proper storage conditions. For starters, you should keep thermal ribbons away from moisture and direct sunlight. These are the two most common agents that reduce the shelf-life, stability, and image life of thermal ribbons. As such, you should ensure to keep your thermal ribbons and labels in the proper storage conditions.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The table below summarizes the appropriate conditions to make thermal ribbons last long<\/p>\n\n\n\n

 <\/td>Ideal Temperature (Range)<\/strong><\/td>Ideal Relative Humidity (Range)<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Storage Conditions<\/strong><\/td>40\u00b0F (5\u00b0C) to 95\u00b0F (35\u00b0C)<\/td>20 to 80%<\/td><\/tr>
Shipping Conditions<\/strong><\/td>23\u00b0F (-5\u00b0C) to 113\u00b0F (45\u00b0C)<\/td>20 to 85%<\/td><\/tr>
Printing Conditions<\/strong><\/td>41\u00b0F (5\u00b0C) to 95\u00b0F (35\u00b0C)<\/td>45 to 85%<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Storage Conditions for Long Shelf Life<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Most manufacturers recommend a one-year shelf life<\/a> for their thermal transfer ribbons. Shelf life refers to the time it takes for the ribbon to become unfit for use after the date of production, provided that it remains in the pack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These are the storage conditions recommended by manufacturers<\/a> to ensure optimum ribbon shelf life:<\/p>\n\n\n\n