Wax/Resin Ribbons

Etiquette Systems offers a wide variety of both labels and labeling supplies, including all three varieties of thermal transfer ribbons: full wax, wax-resin, and full resin. While inexpensive wax ribbons dominate the market, combination wax and resin ribbons are also popular, and we´ve got the right types to fill your labeling needs. Wax and resin ribbons cost a little more than their full wax cousins, but they (and the images they print) are also significantly more durable. Like all thermal transfer ribbons, wax and resin ribbons are prepared by coating the ribbon with an ink formulation, in this case wax/resin based. When the heated pins in a thermal transfer printer press the treated ribbon against the label feedstock, the wax/resin formulation melts, transferring the ink onto the label. The result is a sharp, clear image that´s resistant to chemicals, smears, heat and mechanical abrasion. Depending on the type of thermal transfer printer used, most wax and resin ribbons can handle a printing speed of up to 10 inches per second. While this is strictly a one-color process, you can choose that color from a rainbow of options. Wax and resin ribbons have a medium melting temperature: higher than full wax thermal transfer ribbons, but lower than full resin types. As such, wax and resin ribbons are ideal for printing on a wide variety of label and tag feedstocks, from low-end paper to gloss materials and synthetics, and are especially appropriate in situations in which a moderate to high level of durability is required. Applications ideal for wax and resin ribbons include: Lumber and nursery tags and labels Shelf and bin labels Pharmaceutical labels Prescription labels Textile and apparel tags Compliance labels