Thermal transfer ribbons are a type of ribbon used in thermal printers to produce durable, high-quality prints. They are composed of a substrate such as wax, wax resin, or resin and a colorant, typically dye or pigment, which is transferred to the substrate by heat. Thermal transfer ribbons come in a variety of products, including wax, wax resin, and resin ribbons, as well as specialty ribbons designed for specific applications.

 

Wax ribbons are the most economical, but offer the least durability; wax-resin ribbons offer a greater degree of durability but are more expensive; and resin ribbons are the most expensive but offer the greatest durability. Specialty ribbons are available for specific applications such as printing on glossy surfaces, printing on flexible packaging materials, or printing on fabric.