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TTO Ribbons for Flexible Packaging: Printing on Chips & Candy Wrappers
Walk down the snack aisle. Every bag of chips, candy bar, and frozen veggie pack has a date code and lot number printed directly onto the plastic film.
This is not done with a label. It’s done with TTO (Thermal Transfer Overprinting).
Printers like Markem-Imaje, Videojet, and Domino sit directly on the packaging machine, printing at incredible speeds as the film flies by.
If you are a food manufacturer, you know the pain: Ribbon Snapping. When a ribbon snaps at 1,000 packs per minute, your entire production line stops.
At Only Imaging, we manufacture “Drop-in Replacement” TTO ribbons that match OEM performance at a fraction of the cost.
The Technology: Near Edge vs. Flat Head
We covered this in a previous technical post, but for flexible packaging, it is critical.
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TTO Printers are ALWAYS Near Edge.
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They require a ribbon that releases ink instantly (in milliseconds) upon heating.
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Warning: If you put a standard “Flat Head” wax ribbon in a TTO printer, it will stick to the film and snap immediately.
Challenge 1: Adhesion to Slippery Films
Snack packaging (BOPP, PET, Metalized Film) is slippery.
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Our Solution: Only Imaging NET (Near Edge Technology) Series.
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It contains a special resin adhesive layer designed to “grab” onto smooth plastic films instantly, ensuring the date code doesn’t rub off during shipping.
Challenge 2: Speed (40 IPS / 1000mm/s)
Packaging lines are fast.
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Anti-Static is Key: High speed generates static electricity, which attracts dust and causes print voids. Our TTO ribbons feature a premium Conductive Back-Coating to dissipate static and protect the printhead.
Challenge 3: Food Safety
Since these ribbons are used near food production:
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Only Imaging TTO Ribbons are free from heavy metals and fully comply with FDA and EU Food Contact regulations for indirect food contact.
Conclusion: Keep the Line Running
Don’t overpay for “Branded” OEM consumables. Our TTO ribbons are compatible with SmartDate, DataFlex, and Zodiac printers.
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.
