Thermal Transfer Ribbon     

The Barcode Rack has information on the latest in thermal transfer ribbon. There are many products and services provided to businesses from many providers. Thermal transfer ribbons are a critical component of the barcode printing system. The ribbon applies the image to the thermal transfer label. There are a few key manufacturers of ribbon and many converters, that convert the ribbon to size for use in barcode printers.

Thermal transfer ribbons come in many different materials. Wax, Resin and a combination of Wax/Resin are the most common. Depending on the quality and durability of the image will dictate the type of ribbon to use on a job. The cost of these thermal transfer ribbons very based on this material. Wax thermal transfer ribbon is usually the least expensive and is used in many shipping applications and warehouse application.

There are different ribbons for different printers. Most Zebra printers require a Coated Side Out (CSO) thermal transfer ribbon. Sato Printers as well as Datamax use a Coated Side In (CSI) thermal transfer ribbon. Matching the right ribbon to the right printer is critical.