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Printing on Polyimide (Kapton): Surviving the Reflow Oven
In PCB (Printed Circuit Board) assembly, the little 5mm x 5mm barcode label is the most critical component for traceability. It has to survive the Reflow Oven.
This oven heats the entire circuit board to 260°C – 300°C to melt the solder paste. Most plastic labels (Polyester, Polypropylene) will melt into a puddle at these temperatures. That is why the industry uses Polyimide (brand name Kapton®). It is amber-colored and heat-resistant.
But here is the catch: The Ribbon must survive too.
The Failure Mode: “Ghosting” After Reflow
We often see customers buying expensive Polyimide labels but using a “Standard Resin” ribbon.
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Result: The label survives the oven, but the Ink melts, smears, or fades away under the intense heat and chemical flux.
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The Cost: You have a finished circuit board with no readable barcode. It cannot be tracked.
The Solution: Only Imaging Heat-Resistant Resin
You need a specialized High-Temperature Resin designed specifically for Polyimide.
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Heat Resistance: Tested to withstand 300°C for short durations.
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Chemical Resistance: Resistant to Flux Cleaning Agents (often harsh solvents used to clean the board after soldering).
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High Resolution: Capable of printing 2D Datamatrix codes as small as 3mm x 3mm at 600 DPI.
Testing Protocol
Before you buy, ask for samples to run through your specific oven profile. Only Imaging offers sample rolls of our SP-HT (High Temp) series specifically for this validation process.
Conclusion: Don’t Melt Your Data
A PCB is an expensive asset. Don’t let a $0.01 print failure ruin it. Ensure your ribbon is rated for Reflow.
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.
