Printer Ribbons: Impact and Thermal Transfer

Impact ribbons and thermal transfer ribbons are different things

Two unrelated families share the name. Impact ribbons are inked fabric in a cartridge or cassette, used by dot-matrix and some receipt printers, and the compatible-with line names the printer makers they suit. Thermal transfer ribbons are rolls of film coated with wax or resin that melts onto a label, used by label and barcode printers. A ribbon from one family never works in the other kind of printer, so confirm your printer's type first.

Width, length, wax or resin, and winding direction

For thermal transfer, match the ribbon width to the labels, a little wider than the label, plus the roll length and core size. Wax suits paper labels, wax-resin suits coated and some synthetic stock, and resin suits durable synthetic labels that face scuffs or chemicals. Check that it winds with the ink side the way your printer expects, either in or out. For impact ribbons, check the color, such as black or black and red, and the pack count.

Questions about Printer Ribbons: Impact and Thermal Transfer

How do I choose between wax, wax-resin and resin?

Choose by label material and the wear it will see. Wax prints plain paper labels at low cost. Wax-resin resists smudging on coated paper and some films. Resin suits synthetic labels that meet heat, scuffing or chemicals.

Can any ribbon fit my label printer?

No. Core size, width, length and winding direction must all match, and the ribbon should suit the printer's print head. Use the printer's specification sheet to find the right values before you buy.

What does ink in or ink out mean?

It describes which side of the roll the ink faces when wound. Printers are built for one or the other, and the wrong one prints nothing or leaves marks. Check the printer's manual or the listing before buying.