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Wax Ribbons Wax ribbons typically contain a high percentage of wax-based materials
in the colorant substance. Since waxes generally have lower melting points
than resins, printing with wax ribbons typically requires less energy than
printing with wax/resin or resin ribbons. Since most waxes used tend to be
softer than resins used, image durability is typically less with wax
ribbons than wax/resign or resin ribbons. Most wax ribbons are made with
only one colorant layer. Wax/Resin Ribbons
Wax/resin combination ribbons usually have a higher percentage of resin materials. Resin content contributes to a higher melting point of the ribbons. Printing with these ribbons requires more energy than printing with wax ribbons. Since resins are harder than waxes, image durability and chemical resistance for wax/resin ribbons better than that of wax ribbons. Wax/resin ribbons are usually made up of two or more layers. These ribbons are most suitable with matte coated and gloss coated paper and synthetic including polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester films. Wax/resin images will perform satisfactorily where moderate scratch, abrasion resistance, or mild chemical durability is required. Wax/resin combination ribbons have a print speed range of 8 to 12 inches per second. They should be considered for use in all of the applications in which wax ribbons are used as well as outdoor applications such as lumber and nursery tags. Wax/resin combination ribbons are midrange price ribbons. Resin Ribbons
Resin ribbons contain the highest percentage of resin materials. Most resin ribbons are made of two or more layers. Printing with resin ribbons requires more energy than printing with other ribbons. Most resin ribbons work best within a maximum print speed of 6 inches per second. Since resins are harder than waxes, resin images have excellent abrasion, scuffing, heat, and chemical resistance. They provide the best performance in harsh environmental conditions. They are best suited for use with gloss-coated materials. Resin ribbons are best for retail applications, textile/apparel uses, tags and labels used outdoors (i.e. lumber and nursery applications), chemical exposure uses (i.e. drum labels), medical and pharmaceutical labeling, as well as industrial and automotive applications. Resin ribbons are the most expensive of thermal transfer ribbons. Thermal transfer ribbons perform differently with true edge, corner edge, near edge and flat-type print heads due to different peel-off times. This can impact printing performance. Furthermore, different ribbons may perform at different print speeds. This can be a critical issue, particularly in high demand environments. |
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