Barcode Ribbons

How to choose a thermal transfer ribbon

A ribbon must suit both your label material and your printer. The wrong combination leads to faint, smudging or scratching print, so we match ribbon grade, size and winding to each application.

Ribbon grades

• Wax — economical, for paper labels used indoors.
• Wax-resin — improved smudge and scratch resistance on coated paper and many synthetic labels.
• Resin — highest durability on polyester, polypropylene and other films; resists chemicals, heat and abrasion.

Information we need

• Printer model — determines ribbon length, core size and whether a near-edge ribbon is required.
• Ribbon width — normally slightly wider than the label so the whole label is covered.
• Winding — ink side in (CSI) or ink side out (CSO), depending on the printer.
• Label material and application — so we can recommend wax, wax-resin or resin.

Not sure? Send your printer model and a photo of your current label and ribbon, and our team will identify the right replacement.