Logmatix Labels & Tags, Inc.
1235 C Kennestone Circle
Marietta, GA 30066-6029
800-527-2498
770-792-3777
sales@logmatix.com
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A thermal transfer printer is a non-impact printer that uses heat to register an impression on paper. A thermal transfer printer
has a printhead containing many small resistive heating pins that on contact, depending on the type of thermal transfer printer,
melt wax-based ink onto ordinary paper or burn dots onto special coated paper. A microprocessor determines which individual
heating pins are heated to produce the printed image. The printhead spans the entire width of the paper or medium to be printed on.
Thermal transfer printers are popular for printing bar codes, labels, price tags, and other specialty print jobs. There are two types
of thermal transfer printers: direct thermal and thermal wax transfer.
Direct thermal: The direct thermal printer prints the image by burning dots onto coated paper as it passes over the heated
printhead. Direct thermal printers do not use ribbons. Early fax machines used direct thermal printing.
Thermal wax transfer: This type of printer uses a thermal transfer ribbon that contains wax-based ink. Heat is applied to the
ribbon using a thermal printhead that melts the ink transferring it to the paper where it is permanent after it cools. A typical
thermal transfer ribbon consists of three layers: the base material, the heat melting ink, and the coating on the print side of the
base material. The coating and base material help keep ink from adhering to the printhead which can cause poor print quality. Monochrome
and color thermal transfer ribbons are available. It is recommended that the printhead be cleaned between each ribbon change with
a cotton swab and isopropyl alcohol.
The cost of a thermal transfer printer varies depending on the size of the printer and the features included. The cost of consumables
such as paper, ribbons, and printheads is about the same for both types of printers. The print quality depends on the printer, the ribbon,
the paper, and the environment such as where the printer is stored, the temperature, and the humidity.
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Custom blank labels and tags are a specialty for Logmatix Labels & Tags. Whether your printing needs are thermal transfer, direct thermal, laser,
or dot matrix we can custom develop labels that work for your requirements. Our strength is listening to your needs and how you expect
your labels to perform. We can custom design labels for you to imprint at your location. Whether you need asset tracking, shipping,
license plate, shelf marking, picking, hang tags, or whatever your application may require, we can find the solution that will fit.
Ribbons
WAX THERMAL TRANSFER RIBBONS
Choosing the proper ribbon for your substrate is critical for a long lasting, good looking label. Wax ribbons are the most economical
and should be used to print most paper labels. Each printer has adjustments allowing the heat and speed to be adjusted. When printing
in house, it is critical to realize these settings control the look of the label in many circumstances. Too much heat causes
smearing and not enough causes light, non-scanning labels. If the proper ribbon is being used and the temperature is correct, you
should have a crisp, clean label that scans every time. It is also critical to make sure you use thermal transfer printable materials.
Other materials may print but if not coated for thermal transfer printing the label look and sometimes the scanability will be affected.
You can depend on our expertise in the ribbon field because we run multiple printers daily in our service bureau. Let us guide you
in the right ribbon choices for your specific applications.
WAX/RESIN BLEND THERMAL TRANSFER RIBBONS
Are you printing something other than paper? We can help. Some synthetic stocks do not need a full resin ribbon. In some cases a
wax/resin blend may work and is less expensive than a resin ribbon. Give us the opportunity to advise you what ribbon to test first
before making your decision. Our expertise in thermal transfer printing will sometimes lead us to suggest something you have not
considered. Once again, please make sure your material is coated for thermal transfer printing to avoid failure in your label printing.
RESIN THERMAL TRANSFER RIBBONS
Need durability, scratch resistance, smudge protection, or a chemical and environmental tolerant label? Resin ribbon will be your answer.
Many ribbon formulations in this group are made for particular circumstances or environments. The more information you share in this
area the better guidance we can give in what ribbon to test. Once again, our suggestions are from actual usage not just guessing.
Different grades of synthetic products work with a variety of combinations of ribbons. Once the correct marriage of material and
ribbon formulation is found, you will find you have an excellent label that will meet your requirements. If you have a requirement
for anything from under the hood labels to refrigerator labels or circuit boards to warehouse labels, Logmatix Labels & Tags, Inc. will be happy to
suggest the proper ribbon for your application. Give us a call!
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