Must-Know Information On Thermal Transfer Ribbons And Their Lifespan
Thermal transfer ribbons or TTR for short, consist of multiple layers that are made of polyester film. These are used in industrial and retail printing devices, such as label printers. The process includes heat that transfers the ink from the ribbons directly onto a printable surface. Ribbons can come in many different base materials, which mean they’re not all equally durable.
Before purchasing TTR from Teraoka, read on to discover the advantages, disadvantages and care instructions for these consumables.
What Do Thermal Transfer Ribbon Layers Consist Of?
These alternative printing consumables are made up of four layers, including:
- First is the back layer, which is smooth to prevent smear damage and allows the ribbon to move effortlessly through the printer, while also protecting the layer underneath.
- Next is the base PET film, which acts as a conductor for the heat to reach the ink.
- The third part is called the release layer, necessary for releasing the ink from the PET base at low temperatures.
- Last is the ink layer that gets transferred onto the printing surface and may vary in composition.
How Long Can TTR Last And Are They Reusable?
Unfortunately, these can’t be reused like old cartridges in an ink printer that is just refilled, but there are some methods in which TTR can be re-purposed through recycling, depending on the type and where the items are sent for disposal. However, with its long shelf-life and little wastage caused by the heat transfer method, reusing them is not necessary.
Specific expiry dates can be found on the packaging of thermal transfer ribbons. The suppliers usually state that their TTR can last up to a year before it needs to be disposed of.
Each type of ribbon has a different lifespan, with wax being the least durable in having only about 12 months on the shelf and a day after opened. Conversely, resin can be stored for up to 24 months unopened, and five days after unboxing. The shelf-life of combination types between resin and wax is also about 24 months, but only two days once opened.
Is the Maximum Shelf-Life on TTR Guaranteed?
As with any consumable printer product, thermal transfer ribbons deteriorate with exposure to different elements, including sunlight, water or humidity. Even dust can affect the integrity of the ribbons. Thus, the answer is no. The maximum lifespan of these can only be guaranteed with the optimal shipping, storage and handling conditions, as listed below:
Temperatures:
- Shipping between 5 and 35 degrees Celsius
- Storage between minus 5 to 45 degrees Celsius
- Printing between 5 and 35 degrees Celsius
Humidity:
- From 20% up to a maximum of 80% for shipping.
- As low as 20% up to 85% for storage.
- Anything from 45% to 85% for printing.
When products are purchased from a reliable supplier such as Teraoka, buyers can expect that the TTR will be stored and delivered via the best possible route, using the safest packaging and transportation mode, so that it can reach its destination in pristine condition. After that, it’s up to consumers to store and use the products correctly.
TTR versus Regular Thermal Printing
An alternative to using TTR printers for industrial or retail labelling is direct thermal printers. The most important difference is that transfer ribbon printing is more durable in every way, from the printed images to the print heads. Transfer printing also does better against heat and humidity factors, as well as exposure to chemicals.
Additionally, TTR printing is faster and more customisable as it can be done in colour if a coloured ribbon is used, whereas direct printing only prints in black.
Another advantage of ribbons for printing is the fact that there are multiple synthetic surfaces available to print on aside from the normal thermal paper. This ensures that industrial labelling for crates and large equipment, which might be exposed to various weather conditions and rough handling, stay readable for longer if the correct surface is printed on.
Shop Thermal Transfer Ribbons at Teraoka
Teraoka stocks a variety of sizes, lengths and sorts of ribbons, including high sensitivity wax, durable or pure resin, and premium wax/resin types. Customers can also purchase new industrial label printers and other retail equipment from the supplier to complete their store setup.
Find out about the availability and pricing of thermal transfer ribbons by sending an enquiry to a Teraoka representative.