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Explore Wax Ribbon: What is Wax Ribbon?
I. Definition of Wax Ribbon
Wax-based ribbons (WAX RIBBON) usually contain a high percentage of wax-based raw materials. The wax base material plays a key role in WAX RIBBON and determines the melting point of the ribbon. As the term “melting point” suggests, the melting point is the temperature at which a substance changes from a liquid to a solid. In the case of wax-based ribbons, the properties of the wax-based raw material determine the melting point, which in turn affects the energy level required for printing.
The word “determines” here accurately expresses the role of the wax-based raw material in determining the melting point of the ribbon as well as the energy level at which it can be printed. Generally speaking, since the melting point of wax is much lower than that of resin, the energy level required for printing with wax-based ribbons is much lower than that required for printing with hybrid and resin-based ribbons.
Wax-based ribbons are unique in their printing applications. For example, when printing with this wax ribbon, as mentioned in “wax ribbon – Bilingual Example Sentences”, “Use this resin-enhanced wax ribbon for high-speed printing. “ and “Use this wax ribbon for tough-to-print uncoated or uneven tag stocks.”, which shows that wax ribbons have their applicability in specific printing scenarios.
At the same time, from a cost and market application standpoint, wax-based ribbons are an economical and inexpensive ribbon that is primarily used for general paper printing. Most waxes are softer than resins, which makes wax-based ribbons less durable than hybrid and resin-based in terms of printing graphics. Most wax-based ribbons have only one coating, which also affects their performance characteristics. Wax-based ribbons, which account for about 70% of the market, are commonly used to print large paper labels such as straw and cost about $1 per square meter.
In summary, wax-based ribbons are characterized by their high percentage of wax-based raw material, which determines their melting point and printing energy level, and has specific application scenarios and cost advantages in the printing market.
II. Characteristics of wax-based ribbons
(i) Comparison with other ribbons
Lower energy levels required for printing compared to hybrid and resin-based ribbons because wax has a much lower melting point than resin.
Wax-based ribbons usually contain a high percentage of wax-based raw materials, and since wax has a much lower melting point than resin, this makes the energy level required for printing with wax-based ribbons much lower than when printing with hybrid and resin-based ribbons. In practice, for example, it is evident that when printing the same label with different types of ribbons, wax-based ribbons consume relatively less energy during the printing process, thus reducing printing costs.
Most waxes are softer than resins, the durability of printed graphics is not as good as hybrid and resin based, and most wax based ribbons have only one coating.
Most waxes are softer than resins, a characteristic that makes wax-based ribbons less durable than hybrid and resin-based ribbons for printing graphics. Hybrid ribbons generally contain a high percentage of resin-based raw materials, resulting in better scratch- and chemical-resistant graphics, and most hybrid ribbons consist of two or more layers. Most wax-based ribbons, on the other hand, have only one layer of coating, which affects their performance to some extent. For example, in some scenarios where labels need to be kept for a long time, such as jewelry labels, garment tags, etc., hybrid and resin-based ribbons may be more advantageous, whereas wax-based ribbons may have blurred or scratched printed content in a short period of time.
(ii) Scope of application
Mainly used for general paper printing, suitable for materials with slightly bumpy surface feel, not applicable to PET and other products with smooth surface.
Wax-based ribbon is mainly used for general paper printing, such as coated paper, label paper and so on. It is suitable for materials with a slightly convex surface feel, because wax-based ribbons can better fill in the tiny depressions on the surface of these materials and achieve clearer printing results. However, wax-based ribbons are not suitable for products with smooth surfaces such as PET. In contrast, hybrid ribbons are more suitable for printing on materials with smooth surfaces, such as synthetic paper and coated paper labels.
It accounts for about 70% of the market share and is commonly used to print large paper labels such as wheat straw.
Wax-based ribbons account for about 70% of the market, mainly due to its affordability and lower cost. Wax-based ribbons are commonly used for printing large paper labels such as wheat straws, and they provide clear printing results to meet general printing needs. Meanwhile, due to its cost advantage, wax-based ribbons are widely used in some scenarios with low labeling requirements, such as logistics, packaging and food industries. For example, in the logistics industry, wax-based ribbons can print shipping, warehouse and receiving labels, etc., providing convenience for logistics management.
III. Uses of Wax Ribbon
A. High-Speed Printing
B. Printing on Uncoated or Uneven Tag Stocks
IV. Considerations When Purchasing Wax Ribbon
ONLY IMAGING is a leading supplier of labels, printing equipment and associate consumables, including TTR products in various widths and lengths. Please take the opportunity to learn more about our range of high-quality thermal transfer ribbons and explore our other products for any further questions you may have click Here.
