Thermal ribbons are used in thermal transfer printing, which is a common method used in flexographic printing for applying images onto label stock. In this process, the thermal ribbon is a crucial component. It’s a narrow plastic film coated with a heat-sensitive material on one side. During printing, the thermal transfer printer applies heat to the ribbon, causing the material to melt and transfer the desired image onto the label stock. The transferred image is permanent and resistant to fading and smudging, making it suitable for various labeling applications.
Variety of range we have in thermal ribbon like:
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Wax Ribbons: Wax ribbons are the most common type used in flexo printing. They are suitable for printing on paper labels and tags. Wax ribbons offer good print quality and are cost-effective. However, they may not be very durable and may smudge or fade if exposed to abrasion or harsh environments.
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Wax/Resin Ribbons: Wax/resin ribbons offer a balance between durability and print quality. They are suitable for printing on a variety of substrates including paper, synthetic papers, and some plastic films. Wax/resin ribbons provide sharper print quality and better resistance to abrasion, moisture, and chemicals compared to wax ribbons.
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Resin Ribbons: Resin ribbons are the most durable type of thermal transfer ribbon. They are designed for printing on synthetic materials such as polyester, polypropylene, and vinyl. Resin ribbons offer excellent resistance to abrasion, moisture, chemicals, and extreme temperatures, making them ideal for applications requiring long-lasting and durable prints such as outdoor labels, chemical drum labels, and asset tags.
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Near Edge Ribbons: Near edge ribbons are specifically designed for use in near edge thermal transfer printers, which are commonly used in high-speed flexographic printing applications. Near edge ribbons offer fast printing speeds and high-quality prints suitable for demanding applications.
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Color Ribbons: Color ribbons are available in wax, wax/resin, and resin formulations and are used for printing colored labels and tags. They are commonly used in product labeling, branding, and packaging applications where color-coding or branding is required.