Thermal transfer ribbon technology

Thermal transfer ribbon technology (THERMAL TRANSFER RIBBON)

In simple terms, thermal transfer printing is the process of transferring ink from ribbon media to paper or film using heat and pressure. When the label passes through the print head and the final axis of the printer, the ink is transferred to the label.

A thermal transfer ribbon is a polyester or other high density film coated with a wax-based, resin-based, or mixed ink on one side. Lubricant is applied to the side without ink to prevent the print head from being worn or damaged. The pull handle and the leading guide are in front of the ribbon, and the trailing guide is in the end of one roll (there is no back guide).
Lead Tape: The front tape is usually transparent or other colors. He has the following features:

* Easy to use: Convenient for loading ribbon onto the printer

* Product identification: You can print product names, company names, trademarks, etc. for marketing and promotion.

* Protection: used to protect the ribbon.

Imaging Components

The original tape is generally composed of five layers, a top coat, an ink layer, an inner coat, a tape base, and a back coat.

The ink layer is the most important, used to print and determine the characteristics of the ribbon, such as chemical resistance and anti-friction.

The inner coating is mainly used to smooth the printed surface and to make the release of ink from the tape base uniform.

The tape base is the carrier of the other layers and determines the thermal conduction properties.

The top coat is mainly used to improve the adhesion of the ink on the label and enhance the resistance of the environment.

The back coating is simply a special coating applied to the back of the ribbon. Its main function is to reduce print head wear; reduce static electricity generation and enhance heat conduction.

The Trailer Tape is generally used as a warning function, so that the printer senses the end of the ribbon, the printer determines the different rear lead, there are three main:

1. Aluminizing (silver): Mainly for reflective sensors, reflected light indicates the end of the ribbon.

2. Transparent: Used for transmissive sensors, allowing light to pass through to indicate the end of the ribbon.

3. For mechanical sensing, changes in the printer's sensing tension indicate the end of the ribbon.