Ribbons

FAQ's on ribbon grades and applications

Please check the questions below to help with sorting out any questions you have regarding ribbons, any further queries please email support@amlabels.co.uk or call 01536 414400.

Question	Answer
How does thermal transfer printing work?	The print head heats up an ink ribbon which then transfers the ink onto the label material
What is the main advantage of thermal transfer printing?	The print has excellent resistance to fading and you can use a wide variety of label materials including synthetics
What are the three main grades of printer ribbon?	Wax, Wax/Resin and Resin
What are the main benefits of printing labels using a wax ribbon?	Wax ribbons provide limited smudge and scratch resistance
What label materials would you use with a wax ribbon?	You would use a matt or semi-gloss paper material
What are the main benefits of printing labels using a wax/resin ribbon?	Wax/resin ribbons provide good definition and smudge resistance, but limited scratch resistance
What label materials would you use with a wax/resin ribbon?	You would mainly use semi-gloss or gloss paper but wax/resin can be used on some synthetic materials
What are the main benefits of printing labels using a resin ribbon?	You get excellent definition, strong resistance to water and many chemicals and it has good scratch resistance
What label materials would you use with a resin ribbon?	You would mainly use synthetics with a thermal transfer coating, such as polyester, polypropylene and polyethylene
What are the two main types of ribbon?	Flat head and near edge ribbons