NEWS & EVENTS
Stay Updated with Our Latest Exhibitions and Company Dynamics
Printing on Polyimide: Heat Resistant Ribbons for PCB Electronics
In the electronics manufacturing industry, traceability is key. Printed Circuit Boards (PCBs) carry tiny labels (often 5mm x 5mm) with QR codes that track the board through the entire assembly process.
This process involves the Reflow Oven—where temperatures can spike up to 260°C – 300°C.
If you use a standard ribbon, the ink will melt, vaporize, or burn off inside the oven. You need a specialized High-Temperature Resin.
The Material: Polyimide (Kapton)
PCB labels are typically made of Polyimide, a yellow or white film designed to withstand extreme heat.
The Rule: You must pair Polyimide labels with a specially formulated Full Resin Ribbon.
The Challenge: Heat + Chemicals
It’s not just the heat. After soldering, boards are often washed in harsh chemical fluxes and cleaners (like Zestron or Kyzen) to remove residue.
-
Only Imaging’s Electronic Resin is formulated to cross-link with the Polyimide surface, creating a bond that is impervious to these solvents.
Key Certifications for Electronics
When supplying to companies like Foxconn or Jabil, you need documentation.
-
UL Recognized: (Underwriters Laboratories) certifies that the ribbon + label combination is safe and durable.
-
Halogen Free: Essential for “Green Electronics” compliance in the EU.
-
Anti-Static: Our ribbons feature a conductive back-coating to prevent static discharge (ESD) which could destroy sensitive chips.
Technical Specs: Only Imaging Electronic Resin
| Feature | Specification |
| Heat Resistance | Up to 300°C (Short term) / 180°C (Long term) |
| Chemical Resistance | Alcohol, Flux, Board Cleaners, Acetone |
| Resolution | High Density (Suitable for 600 DPI printing) |
| Compatibility | Polyimide, Polyesters, Glossy Films |
Conclusion
For electronics, “readable” isn’t enough. Your label needs to be indestructible.
Manufacturing PCBs?
Test our heat-resistant resin on your production line today.
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.
