When you use thermal transfer printing, you will be able to create clear, crisp images on a variety of materials. It offers the highest level of quality available in the world of barcode printing.
However, you also must be able to select the right ribbon—which applies ink to the label surface—for your specific needs. These ribbons come in several varieties, including wax, resin and a combination of the two. The right choice for you depends on how you need to print barcode labels.
What are the differences between the ribbons?
One of the first questions you should ask yourself is: how long do we need the barcode label to last on the application in question? All types of ribbons will print high-quality images and text, but some will last longer than others.
Let’s start with wax ribbons. These are the most popular and the least expensive option, and they tend to be used on paper labels. While these labels can last for many years on a shelf, they may become damaged if exposed to too much heat, moisture or light. The soft nature of the material means it is more likely to smudge or scratch. Generally, businesses use wax ribbons for things like mailing labels, tickets, and retail labels.
On the other hand, resin is the most durable option. The material is scratch-resistant, waterproof and almost indestructible. It can withstand extreme temperatures, along with reasonable levels of heat and moisture. It’s a popular option for printing on synthetic materials, and its common applications include anything that might be subject to the elements or other tough conditions. Businesses often use resin labels for items like chemical drums, compliance labels, pharmaceutical products and automotive products.
Wax/resin, as the name implies, is a combination of the two substances and is commonly used on semi-gloss paper and synthetic materials. It is somewhat more durable than wax but typically cannot withstand the wear and tear that resin can. It’s often used for health care labels and warehouse labels, among other applications.
A trusted barcode label solution
The type of ribbon you choose depends on your specific needs and application—and if you have different products, you may need to use a combination of these options. GoDEX offers a wide range of thermal transfer barcode printers, along with wax, resin and wax/resin ribbons. If you have questions about what might be right for you, speak with an experienced customer representative today.