What is ribbon ink? Common types of ribbon ink.

Ribbon ink is essentially a type of ink in the form of a roll, like a ribbon, and is a specialized ink used for barcode printers.

1. What is ribbon ink?

Ribbon ink is a type of ink specifically designed for barcode label printers. Considered an essential accessory for barcode printers, it can withstand some mild chemicals and short-term outdoor use. The ink is typically rolled into a ribbon. Its English name is Thermal Transfer Ribbon.

2. Structure of Ribbon Ink

The base ribbon layer is a type of polyester fiber, with good thermal conductivity and tensile strength. The base ribbon thickness is usually 4.5 ± 1.0 μm. The 110mm x 300m (width x length) size is of good quality, suitable for outdoor and office environments, difficult to dissolve in water, and slow to dissolve in solvents such as gasoline, alcohol, and grease.
Ink layer: Coated onto one side of the ribbon. If the ink adheres to the outside, the ribbon is called Face Out; conversely, if it adheres to the inside, it is called Face In. Depending on the type of barcode printer, the appropriate ribbon type will be either an inner or outer surface ribbon. The ink surface is in contact with the printing material (Thermal printer).
Protective coating: Applied to the other side of the backing paper. This side is in direct contact with the print head to absorb heat, which helps to burn and melt the ink on the other side, creating the print on the printed product. Thermal printing paper: ATM paper, bill paper, utility meter paper, fax machine paper, barcode label paper, etc.

The protective coating is usually smooth and has good heat conductivity, making it a crucial component in ink that protects the print head and prevents wear and tear. Therefore, when buying ink ribbons, users should choose reputable ribbon manufacturers to protect their print heads, and not compromise their print heads for the sake of "cheap prices." Some reputable ink ribbon brands on the market today include: Toshiba Tec (Japan), Zebra (USA), Union (Japan), Ricoh (Japan), Dynic (Japan), ITW (USA), Armor (France), etc.

Ribbon ink consists of three layers.

3. Classification

Wax ribbon ink

Wax barcode ink is a low-cost barcode label printing ink option for users. This type of barcode ink is very popular with customers, perhaps because of its reasonable price and ability to meet customer requirements. It can be said that wax barcode ink is suitable for any customer. Some characteristics of wax barcode ink.

Wax barcode ink: This type has a medium-quality composition and a low melting point, causing less damage to the print head.
The label has high adhesion to the surface after printing.
The label is printed sharply and the information is clear.
Scratch-resistant, moderately resistant to chemicals and solvents.
Low melting point.
Melts at low temperatures, with medium adhesion to printing materials.
Competitive prices.
Suitable for printing on paper decal labels such as: 0339, 0331 and other paper decal materials.
Suitable for use with the following printer brands: Zebra, Sewoo, Toshiba, Datamax, Toshiba….

Wax Ribbon Ink

Wax/Resin ribbon ink

One of the most commonly used types of barcode ink is wax/resin barcode ink. Wax/resin barcode ink is a mid-range barcode ink product. It has a small amount of resin added to it. This type of barcode ink is often used for high-quality label printing.

The perfect combination of wax and resin results in high-quality wax/resin barcode ink. With its extremely competitive price and excellent quality, wax/resin barcode ink is favored and used by many customers.

Wax/Resin barcode printing ink offers exceptional scratch resistance.
Heat resistant.
This barcode ink is intended for labels that come into contact with water or humid air because it is not water-soluble.
The labels are printed with high-quality, sharp images.
Competitive pricing.
Print at low temperature, print at high speed.

Wax/Resin barcode ink is not as limited in its intended use as resin ink, and its quality is better than wax ink, so wax/resin barcode ink can be said to be the best type of ink and worth using.

Wax/Resin ribbon ink

Resin Ribbon Ink

Resin barcode ink has a high resin content, resulting in high adhesion. Therefore, it is used for printing barcode decals that require high durability in environments with high temperatures, humidity, or freezing temperatures. It is directly used in industries such as: garment manufacturing, textile processing, silver foil decals, PVC decals, and frozen products.

Resin barcode ink is a type of ink with a 100% resin concentration, resulting in very durable and extremely clear print quality.
This resin barcode ink is resistant to environmental impacts and is insoluble in water and solvents.
Resin ink has the highest melting point among the three types of barcode printing inks currently available. Therefore, the barcode printhead has to operate at high temperatures, which causes the printhead of the barcode printer to wear out very quickly.
Resin barcode inks offer high scratch resistance and resistance to dissolution by solvents.
The back label is printed sharply and clearly.
The adhesion to the printing material is very good.

Resin Ribbon Ink

Thus, ribbon inks are very diverse and used in barcode printing. Each type of ribbon ink has its own advantages and disadvantages, allowing printers to choose the most suitable option for each situation.

RELIABLE AND AFFORDABLE BARCODE PRINTING INK SUPPLIER

Nam Viet Barcode is a leading supplier of barcode printing ribbons and design services in the market today. With a business philosophy of "Customer-Oriented Development" and a commitment to "Long-term Customer Benefit," we have earned the trust and loyalty of many customers. Every finished product and every contract we fulfill meets the highest quality standards.

Our motto, "Customer First," constantly reminds us to improve and provide our customers with the best quality and service. We not only have a physical office but also a printing workshop equipped with modern machinery and technology.

Proud to be a reputable brand with many years of experience in the printing industry, Nam Viet COMMITMENTS to providing customers with GENUINE label printing inks at the BEST PRICES.

Ink in roll form, cut to the size required by the customer.
Genuine label printing ink, sharp printing, maximum printhead protection.
Suitable for use with all types of label printers.
Lowest factory prices.