Ribbon

According to the characteristics of printing technique, there are flat-head printers and near-edge printers.
Thermal transfer ribbons are classified in three categories: Wax, Wax/Resin and Resin

Wax ribbon:
The ink is made on the basis of wax, it may contain a bit of resin additive. Wax ribbons are mostly used to print labels made of uncoated paper. The printed image is characterized by low abrasion resistance; therefore, the ribbons are dedicated for printing short-term markings. Wax ribbons are used mainly in places where price is priority (in retail and logistics, for printing collective packaging labels). It is the cheapest thermal transfer ribbon.

Wax/resin ribbons:
In case on this thermal transfer ribbon, the ink is a combination of wax and resin. The ribbons are used mostly when there is a probability that the marking will be exposed to higher temperature temperature or abrasion. The wax/resin ribbon is dedicated mainly for printing labels made of coated paper and some types of film. Thermal resistance is of great importance if the product with the labels stuck on is packed into a plastic sleeve which is then shrink-wrapped. The ribbon is used to mark products and packaging in transportation and logistics processes.

Resin ribbons:
The ribbon is dedicated for printing permanent markings mainly in industry and in places where the printed image is exposed to many factors such as high temperature and chemical substances. The ink is made on the basis of resin with the some additives. Sometimes low-quality resin ribbons contain wax additive. Such procedure certainly speeds up and facilitates the process of ink transfer onto the label, but it has negative influence on the resistance of the printed image to solvents and abrasion. It also influences the price.