Thermal Transfer Ribbons in Australia
A thermal transfer ribbon is the inked film that a thermal transfer printer uses to print a label. The printhead melts ink from the ribbon onto the label to create a durable, fade-resistant image, so a ribbon is required for thermal transfer printing (direct thermal printing uses heat alone and needs no ribbon). Label Warehouse stocks a full range of thermal transfer ribbons in Australia, in wax, wax/resin and resin grades, to suit paper and synthetic labels and every common printer, with fast despatch Australia-wide.
Wax, wax/resin or resin: which ribbon do you need?
The right ribbon depends on the label and how tough the print needs to be:
- Wax ribbons - the economical everyday choice for paper labels, ideal for address, product and barcode printing. See our wax ribbons.
- Wax/resin ribbons - a mid-grade ribbon with better smudge, scratch and chemical resistance, suited to coated, gloss and matt labels and tougher paper jobs. See our wax/resin ribbons.
- Resin ribbons - the most durable grade, for synthetic labels and harsh environments with heat, chemicals, abrasion or outdoor exposure. See our resin ribbons.
As a rule, match wax to paper, wax/resin to coated paper and many synthetics, and resin to synthetic and waterproof labels. Pair the ribbon with the matching thermal transfer labels for the best result.
Ribbon sizes, cores and wind
Thermal transfer ribbons are sized by width and length, for example a 110mm x 300m roll. Choose a ribbon a little wider than your label so the printhead stays protected, and a length that suits your roll size. As a guide:
- Desktop ribbons - shorter lengths (around 70m to 74m) on a 12.7mm (half inch) core, for desktop printers. See a desktop wax/resin ribbon.
- Industrial ribbons - longer lengths (300m to 450m) on a 25mm (1 inch) core, for industrial printers, such as a 110 x 450m roll.
Most ribbons here are wound coated side out (CSO), the common configuration for desktop and industrial printers. Match the width, length, core and wind to your printer and label.
Compatible with your printer
Our thermal transfer ribbons suit all leading desktop and industrial printers, including Zebra (ZD220T, ZD420, GK420t, ZT230), TSC and Brother, in Calibor, Zebra and generic options. Set the printer to thermal transfer mode, choose the ribbon grade for your label, and match the width, core and wind. Not sure which ribbon fits your printer or label? Our team can match it for you.
Why buy thermal ribbons from Label Warehouse
- Every grade in stock - wax, wax/resin and resin ribbons for paper and synthetic labels.
- Labels and ribbons together - get the matching ribbon and labels in the one order.
- Desktop and industrial sizes - 12.7mm and 25mm cores, 70m to 450m, in common widths.
- Fast despatch and expert help - shipped Australia-wide, with help to match ribbon to label and printer. Call 1300 198 684.
Frequently asked questions
What is a thermal transfer ribbon?
It is an inked film used in thermal transfer printing. The printhead melts ink from the ribbon onto the label to create a durable, fade-resistant image.
Do I need a ribbon to print labels?
For thermal transfer printing, yes, a ribbon is required. Direct thermal printing uses heat alone and needs no ribbon, so check which method your printer and labels use.
What is the difference between wax, wax/resin and resin ribbons?
Wax is economical for paper labels, wax/resin is more durable for coated stock and many synthetics, and resin is the toughest for synthetic labels and harsh chemical, heat or outdoor environments.
Which ribbon do I need for my labels?
Use wax for paper labels, wax/resin for coated, gloss or matt labels, and resin for synthetic or waterproof labels. When unsure, match the ribbon grade to the durability your label needs.
What width and length ribbon should I choose?
Choose a ribbon a little wider than your label so the printhead stays protected, and a length to suit your roll. Desktop ribbons are around 70 to 74m, industrial ribbons 300 to 450m.
What core size do thermal ribbons use?
Desktop ribbons typically use a 12.7mm (half inch) core and industrial ribbons a 25mm (1 inch) core. Match the core to your printer.
What does coated side out (CSO) mean?
CSO means the ink coating faces outward on the roll, which is the common wind for most desktop and industrial printers. Check your printer requires CSO (most do).
Which printers do these ribbons fit?
They fit all leading thermal transfer printers including Zebra (ZD220T, ZD420, GK420t, ZT230), TSC and Brother. Match the ribbon width, core and wind to your printer.
From economical wax ribbons for paper labels to tough resin ribbons for synthetic and outdoor labels, Label Warehouse supplies the thermal transfer ribbons that pair with our full label range. Whether you run a desktop Zebra on a 12.7mm core or an industrial printer on 25mm, you will find the right grade, width and length here. Not sure which ribbon suits your labels and printer? Call our team on 1300 198 684 or order online today for fast delivery Australia-wide.