In thermal transfer printing, a thermal transfer ribbon

In thermal transfer printing, a thermal transfer ribbon 

(ie, a ribbon, also called ribbon) is used. The printhead heats the ribbon and ink is applied to the label layer to produce the desired image / text.

• Direct thermal labels cause more wear on the printhead compared to thermal transfer. So you can expect to replace the printhead more often with direct thermal printing when printing large quantities of labels.

The problem of discoloration when printing and labeling labels during rubbing is reduced when direct labels with direct labels are used. Direct-coated direct heat pumps are more expensive, but also have limited resistance to moisture and water damage. If direct thermal labels are to be used in a freezer (with a glue that is to be frozen), it is advisable to use a label coat with a top coat.

thermal transfer pressure

Advantages of thermal transfer printing:
• Thermal transfer pressure creates a permanent printout that has excellent bleaching resistance even in direct sunlight.

• Durability of thermal transfer can be determined by selecting the tape type. The most popular (and least expensive) variety is wax, which has only limited smear resistance. The next step is wax / resin, which has good drying resistance but limited repellent resistance. The best quality is resin that is rope and water resistant and is resistant to many chemicals (for information about the chemicals that resist a certain ink ribbon, see the ink ribbon specification).

• There is a much wider selection of thermal transfer label layers than directly thermal. The selection of label materials varies from uncoated and coated paper and cardboard to textiles and a wide range of synthetic materials, including polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester and polyimide. The adhesive area is also higher for thermal transfer labels, especially at very low temperatures (-196 ° C) and very high temperatures (+ 575 ° C).

• Various tapes are available for thermal transfer.

• Heat ribbon has a silicone coating on the print head to protect the print head against excessive wear.

Disadvantages of thermal transfer pressure:

• Thermal transfer pressure takes a little longer than direct thermal pressure.

• Make sure the tape quality matches the label material you are using. If you use relatively rough, uncoated paper labels, a wax band gives better print quality (the soft wax flows into the coarse material). But if you use a tape on a coated synthetic material, it dirt very easily. Here a resin band would be the preferred choice.

• For some low-quality tapes, the printhead must be cleaned more often as ink can accumulate.

• You must discard the used ink tires, which are less environmentally friendly than thermal printing.

When you start a new thermal transfer printing project, it is always a good idea to ask your supplier for a test strip to ensure that the tape and label are well matched.