Glossary

Resin Thermal Transfer ribbons are designed for the most demanding applications in need of resistances to mechanical stresses, high or low temperature environments, or even solvents.

Resins are added to the basic Wax component of Thermal Transfer films. Resins provide the ribbon with excellent mechanical properties, but do not limit the printing speed or receptor compatibility.

Component of the ink of Thermal Transfer ribbons.

Printer dedicated to the printing of variable data such as barcodes, expiry dates, etc.

The barcode’s bars are perpendicular to the printhead. Also called a 0° barcode.

The inking direction of the Thermal Transfer ribbon is determined by the printer model. Outside inking is also known as CSO (Coating Side Outside).

Thermal Transfer printer technology where the print head is positioned obliquely, the contact between the film and the printed substrate is quick. Films for corner edge printers therefore require specific cooling properties. Similar to Corner Edge technology.

The roll consists of a single core.

It is placed at the very beginning of the roll. It protects the ribbon during transport and handling and helps to feed the roll into the Thermal Transfer printer.

The barcode’s bars are parallel to the printhead. Also called a 90° barcode. These barcodes are more difficult to print than 0° barcodes, but their advantage is that they remain readable in case a dot of the printhead is damaged.

The inking direction of the Thermal Transfer ribbon is determined by the printer model. Inside inking is also known as CSI (Coating Side Inside).

It is the measurement of the friction between the film and the printhead of the Thermal Transfer printer. The backcoating applied to the reverse of the film enables an improved friction coefficient.

The medium onto which the ink is coated. Consists of polyester (PET), generally 4.5 µm. By extension it may also signify a Thermal Transfer ribbon.

Thermal Transfer printer technology where the print head is positioned obliquely, the contact between the film and the printed substrate is quick. Films for corner edge printers therefore require specific cooling properties. Similar to Near Edge technology.

The component onto which the Thermal Transfer film is wound and subsequently placed on the printer shaft to guide the rotation of the ribbon.

Coated layer on the reverse of the Thermal Transfer film which helps the film to slide under the printhead (thereby enhancing its durability) and promotes the conductivity of the energy towards the ink to be transferred. It also protects the polyester-based medium of the heating.

The barcode’s bars are parallel to the printhead. Also called a Ladder Code. These barcodes are more difficult to print than 0° barcodes, but their advantage is that they remain readable in case a dot of the printhead is damaged.

The barcode’s bars are perpendicular to the printhead. Also called a Picket Code.