Some of Europe’s largest producers and blue chip companies trust Etiquette to provide the right products for their labelling requirements and we pride ourselves on our reputation for the best quality at the best prices. We offer a wide range of Thermal Ribbons for multiple applications because of the importance to choose the right ribbon for your labels and label printer. Thermal Transfer Ribbons are primarily available in three different types which are:
Wax Ribbons
Wax Ribbons are the least expensive of all thermal transfer ribbons. They have a high percentage of wax based substance in the colorant and are mostly made with a single colorant layer. Since waxes have lower melting points than resin substances, printing can be done at lower heat settings or energy levels. Waxes are softer than there Resin counterparts therefore the image durability is less resistant to smudge, scratch, chemical and environmental damage. This makes them more suitable for printing on un-coated or matte coated surfaces where there is not much abrasion or physical contact against the printed material or the printing is not needed for a long time and are best used in applications such as general purpose labelling like shipping labels, address labels, garment tags, price tickets, warehouse applications, compliance label printing, including shelf and bin labels.
Wax Resin Ribbons
Wax Resin Ribbons are a combination of wax and resin based substances in which the resin substances hold a greater percentage and ensure excellent edge definition. Due to the Resin substances being prominent than Wax, these types of Ribbon have a higher melting point, therefore printing with Wax Resin Ribbons takes place at a higher heat or energy setting then Wax Ribbons. Resin images are harder than their Wax counter parts and have higher image durability, chemical resistance and scratch resistance. Wax Resin Ribbons can be used with glossy or smooth surfaces, synthetic materials and can be used for all purposes where there is a chance of abrasion or scratch due to contact, Wax Resin Ribbons provide perform better than there Wax counterparts.
Resin Ribbons
Resin Ribbons contain the highest percentage of resin materials therefore printing with these Ribbons requires high energy levels or high heat settings as resins have a high melting point. The resultant images bear a very high resistance to chemicals, heat, abrasion and other environmental conditions. Resin Ribbons are best suited for use with textile apparel or garment labels, high gloss coated materials like polyesters, destructible vinyl, warranty void labels and labels which are to be exposed to harsh environments such as chemical drum labels, medical and pharmaceutical labelling, as well as industrial and automotive applications.
If you’re not sure what type of Ribbon you require, why not give us a call and speak to a member of our experienced sales team on 0845 222 0354 alternatively you can email:sales@etiquette.co.uk