Replacing Ink Ribbons in Thermal Printers

Many industries use thermal printers to produce things like printed receipts and barcodes.  Thermal printing is a digital printing process, where coated thermal paper is heated as it is passed over the thermal print head.  When the paper is exposed to heat, the coating then turns black to produce an image in the specified areas.  

Thermal printers use ink ribbons to print off self-adhesive labels and receipts, which can be created by using a computer.  Even though technology may have advanced into the digital age, thermal printers are still popular and are used by many industries including: retail, restaurants, packaging companies and laboratories.

Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfers

There are many types of print mechanisms that can be used, such as laser and impact.  Thermal printer mechanisms are the most popular, and commonly appear in the forms of direct thermal and thermal transfer.  Direct Thermal printing uses heat sensitive paper, and is primarily used for short duration applications, such as shipping labels. This is because direct thermal printing often fades, so it is more useful to be used in the short term.  Thermal transfer is slightly different, as it uses the heat to transfer the ink from the ribbon onto a label, for permanent printing instead. 

When You Should Think About Replacing Ink Ribbons

Using any thermal printer, will eventually mean that over time, the ink ribbons will need to be replaced.  You may start to notice that the quality of print isn’t as strong, and anything that is printed may appear to be faded, whilst some information may not have printed at all.  It is vital that you find the correct ink ribbons to suit your printer, so you can get the best out of it.  Replacement ink ribbons for your label printer are easy to find, and a company who supply labelling equipment and consumables would be able to help and advise you.

Ink Grades

Ink will be coated on either the inside or outside of the ribbon, depending on the manufacturer.  The length of ribbons will co-ordinate with the size of the printer it will be used in.  There are three grades of ribbon which are popularly used in thermal transfer printers:

Wax Ink Ribbons – this is one of the most popular types of ribbon, as it is smudge free and suitable for both semi-gloss and matte paper labels.

Wax Resin Ribbon – this is also smudge resistant and is commonly used on semi-gloss paper.

Resin Ink Ribbons – as this type of ribbon is chemical and scratch resistant, it can be used for coated synthetic labels.

Depending on what you would like to print and the nature of the industry you work in, you should choose the most suitable ink ribbon, to ensure that your receive high quality printing.

Phoenix Supplies are able to provide a range of replacement ink cartridges for your thermal printer.  For more information, you can give them a call on 08454 666655.