Thermal Transfer Printing Process

Thermal transfer printing (TTP) produces image quality and durability superior to direct transfer printing. Thermal transfer printers are better adapted to specialized applications, and print on more and thicker types of label supplies, such as vinyl, polyester, nylon and polypropylene.

During the thermal transfer printing process, the label supply and thermal transfer ribbons are driven beneath the print head at the same time, with the ribbon positioned between the print head and supply. Points across the width of the print head are heated to melt the ribbon into the ink that is transferred onto the label supply. Thermal transfer printing happens quickly and hardens instantly, allowing higher speeds and heavy-duty efficiency.

Thermal Transfer Printers
Thermal transfer printers (TTPs) use heat from a thermal print head to transfer resin ink from a ribbon onto a label "supply." TTPs heat ribbons made of wax, resin, or a combination of wax and resin. The wax or resin melts onto the label supply to create permanent text and graphics.

Thermal Transfer Printer Supplies
The word “supply” is a general term for the continuous tapes and die-cut labels used by TTPs to make labels and signs. The supply serves as one half of the thermal transfer process; the ribbon serves as the other half. Different types of supply may be used to create pipe markers, safety labels and signs, wire markers, arc flash labels and general facility labeling.

Thermal Transfer Ribbons
Thermal transfer ribbons are available in three forms: wax, wax-resin and pure resin. The three ribbon materials are made to print on different types of label supply over varying life spans. Black ribbons are used to fit a large number of applications, though some TTPs, such as the DuraLabel Thermal Transfer Printer, offer a variety of ribbon colors for specialized labeling.

TTP Wax Ribbon
The least expensive type of thermal transfer ribbon, wax ribbon is used mostly for indoor applications. Printing can be done at lower temperatures since wax has a low melting point. Wax ribbon is commonly used for temporary applications because it is less resistant to scratching and smudging.

TTP Wax-Resin Ribbon
Wax-resin ribbon produces fine, detailed printing on smooth paper and vinyl tape. Although stronger than wax ribbon, wax-resin ribbon is still susceptible to wear and abrasion, and does not hold up over long periods in some environments.

TTP Pure Resin Ribbon
This ribbon prints onto plastics and other materials, such as polyester, polypropylene and vinyl. When resin ribbon is melted into ink, it forms a bond with plastic supply to produce a highly durable permanent label. It is the strongest and most commonly used thermal transfer ribbon.

DuraLabel Ribbons
DuraLabel ribbons are resin-based. They print crisp text and images, and offer lasting service in harsh working environments. Labels printed with DuraLabel ribbons resist chemicals, ultraviolet light, moisture and abrasion, and do not scratch or smudge. They are engineered to keep print heads clean, and prevent clogging and static buildup inside printers. In addition to standard ribbons, the DuraLabel brand also includes DuraChem ribbons for extra chemical resistance; shrink-tubing ribbons for marking cables; and wire and specialty silver and gold ribbons for enhancing label appearance.

DuraLabel Supply
While some supplies are made with polyester and polypropylene plastics, including extreme high-temperature and clear matte tapes, the standard supply for DuraLabel thermal transfer printers is vinyl. DuraLabel offers continuous rolls of 3.0 mil calendered vinyl supply and die-cut labels that can include pre-printed graphics.

With more than 40 types of supplies, DuraLabel provides the widest selection of application-specific supply available for industrial label printers. There are specially engineered supplies made for lasting use on oily surfaces, near electrical circuits, in marine environments, and on freezing pipes.

Combining DuraLabel Ribbons and Supply
Long-lasting, easy-to-read labels are made with ribbons and label supplies that strongly bond together. DuraLabel provides ribbons and tapes designed to work together. Labels made of DuraLabel vinyl supply and printed with DuraLabel resin ribbons can survive outdoor conditions, including exposure to rain, sunlight, and extreme heat and cold. They are also resistant to chemicals commonly found in industrial settings.

Learn about thermal transfer printer applications.