Thermal Transfer Ribbon (TTR)
High-Quality Consumables for Durable, Sharp, and Reliable Printing
What is Thermal Transfer Ribbon?
Thermal Transfer Ribbon (TTR) is a special consumable used in thermal transfer printing technology. It consists of a thin polyester film coated with a layer of ink that melts when heated by the print head in a thermal transfer printer. This melted ink is then transferred onto the label or substrate surface, creating sharp, durable, and high-quality images or text.
Structure and Composition
PET Base Film
A flexible polyester film that provides mechanical strength and stability.
Ink Layer
Contains pigments of wax, resin, or a blend that melts to create images.
Release Layer
Ensures smooth separation of the ink from the ribbon to the substrate.
Back Coating
A protective layer that minimizes wear and static, extending print head life.
Optional Top Coating
Provides added durability and protection for the printed image.
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How It Works
When printing, the thermal print head heats specific parts of the ribbon corresponding to the desired image or text. This localized heat melts the ink layer, which then transfers and adheres permanently to the label substrate. The ink solidifies as it cools, producing sharp, high-contrast prints that are resistant to smudging, scratching, chemicals, and environmental factors.
Types of Ink Layers
Wax Ribbons
Best for paper labels; provide good print quality but lower resistance to abrasion and chemicals.
Resin Ribbons
Used for synthetic labels; offer excellent durability and resistance to harsh conditions.
Wax-Resin Ribbons
Combine the flexibility of wax with the durability of resin for balanced performance.
Advantages
- Produces highly durable, clear images suitable for barcode and text printing.
- Compatible with a wide range of label materials including paper, polyester, and polypropylene.
- Provides excellent resistance to smudging, fading, and abrasion.
- Ideal for applications requiring long-lasting, high-quality prints.
Applications
Manufacturing
Asset tagging, product identification.
Pharmaceuticals
Medical device and drug labeling.
Logistics
Shipping labels, pallet tags.
Food & Beverage
Durable food packaging labels.
Retail
Price tags, promotional labels.
Automotive
Parts identification and tracking.
Why Choose Our Thermal Transfer Ribbons?
Our thermal transfer ribbons are precision-engineered with advanced coating technology and strict quality control to ensure consistent, reliable printing performance. They work seamlessly with thermal transfer printers to deliver crisp, long-lasting prints that help improve operational efficiency and product traceability.
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Learn MoreRequest a Sample or Quote
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