How to choose the right thermal transfer printing ribbon

The quality of your thermal transfer ribbon has a significant influence on the longevity of your printhead and the print quality on your label, so it’s important to choose the correct ribbon type. Getting it wrong is not only costly, but can also affect the clarity and durability of your print and the scan rate of your barcode.

At BCP Media, we understand that choosing the right thermal transfer ribbon for your label printer can be challenging, with multiple ribbon types and ribbon-printer combinations available.

To simplify the selection process for you, we have created this useful guide on how to choose the most suitable ribbon for your requirements. Below, we walk you through the factors you should consider to ensure high-quality and long-lasting prints.

Sometimes referred to as carbon ribbons, printer ink rolls or printer rolls, these heat-sensitive ribbons are utilised in thermal transfer printers. Heat from the printhead melts the ribbon, transferring an ink image onto your label.

This method creates labels with clearer and more durable images than direct thermal printing. As a result, thermal transfer ribbons are excellent for long-life product labels that may be exposed to sunlight or extreme temperatures.

Thermal transfer ribbons are wound as coated side in (CSI) or coated side out (CSO). This relates to the positioning of the ink in relation to the ribbon, and will determine how the rolls are fed through the printer. In either case, the ink sits on the dull or matte side of the ribbon.

Most printer specifications will detail the direction of the ribbon required. Zebra® printers require the ribbons to be coated side out (CSO). Alternatively, Honeywell® and Datamax® printers generally require the thermal transfer printing ribbons to be coated side in (CSO).

BCP Media stocks both CSI and CSO thermal transfer printing ribbons, which are available in a variety of widths and materials to suit your requirements.

These ribbons are wound so that the ink is facing the inside of the ribbon in the thermal transfer ribbon printer machine, so that it unrolls from the top to make contact with the printhead.

These ribbons are wound so that the ink is facing the outside of the ribbon in the thermal transfer ribbon printer machine, so that it unrolls from the bottom to make contact with the printhead.

While thermal transfer ribbons are measured in width by length (WxL), it is also important to consider the right core diameter to suit your printer model. Below are the key factors to consider when selecting the right ribbon:

When selecting the right width, the ribbon needs to completely cover both the label width and the web. For example, if your label is 100mm wide on a 103mm wide backing paper, then you should choose a ribbon width of 104mm minimum.

When selecting the right length, you need to consider the application of the ribbon. Normally, a ribbon that is of a shorter length (~70m) is used for smaller desktop thermal transfer ribbon printers. In contrast, longer ribbon lengths (300-450m) are generally suitable for more mid level or industrial thermal transfer printers.

Examples include: Honeywell® mid-range and industrial printers which take 360m ribbons; and Zebra® mid-range and industrial printers, which take ribbons from 300m to 450m. If you’re unsure, please check your printer manual or specification guide.

Core types are determined by your printer mode. For example, smaller ribbon printers, such as desktop printers, will have a notched core about 0.5” (12.7mm) in diameter, while standard industrial printers will use ribbons with a 1” (25mm) diameter core.

When choosing the most appropriate ribbon material, you must consider your label applications (indoor or outdoor) and required durability. This will help to ensure that you select a reliable material that produces consistent, clear and cost-effective prints. Learn more about the different thermal transfer ribbon types below:

This low cost ribbon is a great alternative to direct thermal printing offering a cost-effective solution when printing matt paper labels. The high concentration of wax in this ribbon means that printers can have lower heat settings when processing, so high print throughput is possible. Offering many advantages in comparison to direct thermal printing including improved print quality, improved print durability and resistance to wear.

This grade of ribbon material is suitable short-term for multi-purpose labelling and general use such as labels used in retail, packaging, shipping.

Our bestseller, the waxed-resin thermal transfer grade ribbon offers superior durability, superior print quality and resistance to abrasion and smudging. Wax-resin thermal transfer ribbon is a great choice for applications that will involve exposure to extreme conditions like freezers or the constant wear and tear of handling.

This grade of ribbon material is great for medium-term general purpose printing on paper and some synthetic material and suitable for high throughput printing, high gloss labelling, freight and other industrial applications.

This grade of ribbon material offers the best durability and excellent print quality on synthetic material. The ribbon print is made of pure resin. This means it prints at higher temperatures to ensure the resins dissolve into labels and are resistant to extreme conditions and are highly durable.

Full resin thermal transfer ribbon is perfect for long-term labelling products exposed to harsh chemicals, high temperature water, moisture and heavy handling.

If you need to estimate the right quantity of thermal transfer printing ribbon necessary for your project, BCP Media has an online thermal transfer ribbon calculator ready to help you get the right amount of ribbon.

Once you’ve considered the above factors, discover the premium thermal transfer printing ribbons available online from BCP Media. We supply an extensive range of thermal transfer ribbons to ensure your business can create consistent, durable and high-quality label stock.

Available for delivery across Australia, our ribbons come in various widths and materials and are compatible with Zebra®, Datamax® and Honeywell® thermal transfer printers. Explore your options online today.