Thermal-transfer printing

Thermal-transfer printing For more 80 mm thermal printer information, please contact us. We will provide professional answers. Thermal-transfer printing Thermal-transfer printing is a digital printing method where material is applied to paper (or other substrates) by melting a coating of ribbon, causing it to stick to the surface being printed. Unlike direct thermal printing, there is no ribbon involved. Thermal transfer printing is ideal for heat-sensitive surfaces or when greater print durability (especially against heat) is needed. It is a preferred method for printing identification labels and is widely used for creating high-quality barcodes. Label makers using this method can laminate prints for added durability. Thermal transfer printing was pioneered by SATO corporation, with the first thermal-transfer label printer, the SATO M-2311, introduced in 1981. Thermal-transfer printing process This printing is executed by melting wax within the specialized printer's print heads. The process involves three main components: a fixed print head, a carbon ribbon (the ink), and a print substrate such as paper, synthetics, card, or textile. These components form a sandwich with the ribbon in the center. A compatible print head, electrical ribbon properties, and suitable rheological properties of the ribbon ink are critical for producing high-quality images. Print heads come in resolutions of 203 dpi, 300 dpi, and 600 dpi. Each dot functions independently and heats to a set temperature, melting the wax or resin ink on the ribbon film’s side facing the substrate. The combination of heat and constant pressure from the print head immediately transfers the ink onto the substrate. Once a dot "turns off," the print head cools down and stops the ribbon from melting. The printed substrate exits the printer dry and ready for use. Carbon ribbons are supplied on rolls and mounted on spindles or reel holders within the printer. After use, the ribbon is rewound onto a take-up spindle, generating a "used" ribbon roll. These ribbons are "one-trip" and discarded after use, assuring 100% image density compared to dot-matrix impact printer ribbons, which fade over time. Variants Color thermal printers Thermal-printing technology can create color images by applying wax-based ink onto paper. As the paper and ribbon move together under the print head, the wax ink melts onto the paper. Once cooled, the wax permanently adheres to the paper. These printers use a ribbon panel for each page, whether monochrome or CMY/CMYK for color. Unlike dye-sublimation printers, which vary dot intensity, these printers dither images. They are now primarily used in industrial label printing due to their water resistance and speed. Though sensitive to abrasion, wax-resin compounds or full resins on polypropylene or polyester enhance durability. Tektronix/Xerox solid-ink printers "Solid ink" or "phaser" printers, developed by Tektronix and later Xerox, use solid-state ink blocks similar to candle wax loaded into a system like a stapler magazine. The ink blocks melt and transfer onto an oil-coated print drum using a piezo inkjet head. As paper passes over the drum, the image transfers to the page. This method, akin to water-based inkjets, uses low-viscosity ink at the jetting temperature of 60°C (140°F). These printers are economical as they utilize only the necessary ink, matching the costs of color laser printers but often having high standby power usage. ALPS MicroDry printers MicroDry, developed by Alps Electric of Japan, is a wax/resin-transfer system using individual colored thermal ribbon cartridges. It prints in process colors (cyan, magenta, yellow, black) and spot colors (white, metallic silver, metallic gold) on various substrates. Some models also support dye-sublimation with special cartridges and paper. Uses Thermal transfer printers are extensively used for: - Barcode labels (including thermal ticket printer) and clothing labels. - Label printers for plastic, paper, and metal materials. Barcode printers generally have standard widths of 4, 6, or 8 inches and are primarily used for producing barcode labels for product and shipping identification. To learn more, visit our website label printers typically use thermal technology..