Direct thermal printing what. Thermal printing - what is this technology? Ribbons for thermal transfer printing

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From this article you will learn

• What is thermal transfer printing
• How is thermal transfer printing different from thermal printing?
• How does the thermal transfer printing process work?
• Where is thermal transfer printing used?

Thermal transfer printing is a method of applying an image to an intermediate medium (tape or ribbon (English)) with its further transfer to the prepared material. The fixing process is carried out by short-term exposure (from 5 to 30 seconds) of temperature from 120 °C to 190 °C. Thermal transfer printing is characterized by high durability of fixing the ink on the material. At the same time, it is beneficial to use this type of printing even with a small order.

How does thermal transfer printing work?

Thermal transfer printing is preferred by many today. This is due to the wide scope of its application. What does she represent? With this printing method, the ink is applied to the substrate using thermal transfer ribbons that are heated at designated locations.

Thermal transfer printing allows you to choose a material that has optimal protective properties and performance characteristics.

For the first time, the thermal transfer printing technique using ribbon began to be used in Japan for printing hieroglyphs. The pioneer of this printing method was the Japanese corporation SATO, which also introduced thermal transfer printing into production. Since the 1980s, this type of printing has been used for bar coding and automatic product identification.

Thermal transfer printing of barcodes quickly became popular, as it can be applied directly at the workplace without unnecessary difficulties and fully meets the requirements of automatic identification systems.

Thermal Transfer Printing vs. Thermal Printing: Differences and Benefits of Each Type

Thermal transfer printing- a printing method in which the thermal head of the printer heats the thermal transfer ink ribbon and the ink layer from the thermal transfer ribbon is transferred to labels for thermal transfer printing (you can use a large number of materials made of paper or synthetics - this depends on the class of thermal transfer ribbon).

thermal printing is carried out in the following way: the thermal head of the printer heats the thermal label (consumable), resulting in an image. The printers used for this type of printing are called "thermal printers". Thermal printing is relevant in the following cases, if:

• the goods on which the drawing will be applied require a short storage period (then the burnout of thermal labels is not critical);
• products will not be exposed to high temperatures or high humidity;
• products will not be repeatedly sorted and transported from place to place.

Thermal transfer printing using thermal transfer ribbon guarantees no fading over time, and also allows you to achieve greater resistance to abrasion and external negative influences, especially when using RESIN class thermal transfer ribbon.

Thermal transfer printing is considered more difficult and costly than other printing methods. This is due to the fact that this technology requires the presence of an additional consumable - a thermal transfer ribbon. But the use of this technology also has its advantages (depending on the class of thermal transfer ribbon):

• the image retains color for quite a long time even with active external influences;
• the resulting pattern has resistance to abrasion;
• the image will be resistant to the influence of aggressive environments;
• high speed printing;
• high-resolution barcode printing, which makes them easier to read by a scanner;
• printing on various materials (various types of paper – coated, uncoated, varnished; cardboard (even laminated); synthetic materials – PE, PP, PET…).

How laser transfer printing works

To print the selected image, a full-color laser printer and thermal transfer paper are used. The composition of the toner for a laser printer includes only 2% coloring pigments, the remaining 98% is plastic. Plastic during printing on thermal transfer paper melts and is transferred to paper. Then it solidifies at room temperature. The melting of the toner base under the influence of high temperature is the basis for the operation of laser thermal transfer. Thermal transfer paper for laser printing with a frozen image is applied to the intended place of the printed product and pressed with a heat press. The plastic layer of the thermal transfer paper, together with the plastic image, melts again and sticks to the fabric. That is, thermal transfer paper in this case acts like an artist's brush: it absorbs paints and transfers them to the printed material.

What is thermal transfer printing used for?

Ribbons for thermal transfer printing

In thermal transfer printing, the key role is played by the ink thermal transfer ribbon - ribbon:

• a coloring layer is applied to a synthetic material (usually a polyester film);
• when the print head of the printer moves, the solid dye heats up and melts;
• during the melting process, parts of the image are transferred to the printed material.

The thermal transfer ribbon class determines the material options that can be printed on.

It, in turn, is determined by the material used for the ink layer - the most commonly used wax-based thermal transfer ribbon ( WAX), resin-based ( RESIN) or based on wax and resin ( WAX/RESIN).

The thermal transfer ribbon is a synthetic film on one side of which there is a dye that melts under the influence of elevated temperature. The reverse side is treated with a special coating that protects the printer's print head from the accumulation of static electricity.

Thermal transfer ribbon color options: blue, black, red, green, gold. If you use a ribbon of the same color, the image will be monotonous - this means that it will have a color identical to the ribbon dye. When the task is to print a multi-colored image, printing is carried out in stages: ink ribbons replace each other as many times as there are shades in the picture. The thermal transfer ribbon itself looks like a roll of polyester ribbon.

Depending on the type of thermal transfer printer used, the following two types of winding are used:

• IN- ink layer inside (thermal transfer printers from Datamax);
• OUT– ink layer outside (Argox, Citizen, Godex, Zebra printers).

The thermal transfer ribbon consists of the following elements:

• Ribbon top cover. It is applied over the ink layer to make the adhesion between the ink and the printed material even better, to increase the resistance of the image to external influences.
• Coloring layer is a hot-melt dye, the thermal transfer ribbon is heated by the printer's thermal head at different points, due to which the image is gradually transferred to the printed material; the type of thermal transfer ribbon depends on the material: WAX (wax-based), RESIN (resin-based), WAX/RESIN (based on a mixture of wax and resin).
• Primer promotes the transfer of dye directly from the tape to the printed material. As the ribbon heats up, the primer prevents the dye from fixing to the transfer ribbon.
• synthetic material(usually polyester film) is the basis of the thermal transfer ribbon, which ensures its integrity and strength.
• bottom cover, which protects the printer's print head from untimely abrasion, is a special layer necessary to evenly heat the ribbon and remove static electricity.

Thermal transfer printer

This is a device for transferring images to various surfaces. First of all, the printer is needed to print all kinds of labels with a high level of wear resistance. Images can be applied to fabric, metal, plastic, thermal cardboard or thermal transfer tape. If thermal transfer printing is carried out in accordance with all the rules, then the finished image, even under the influence of negative environmental factors, will remain unchanged for three years.

A thermal transfer printer is used for applying barcodes or company logos to goods, for marking goods.

Consumables for such a printer are thermal and roll labels, thermal transfer ribbons, tags.

Printing an image from such printers is called "thermal transfer" and is carried out under the influence of the temperature of the plate and the pressure of the thermal press with a certain shutter speed.

Organization of the printing process

The thermal transfer printer applies the image in four stages. For this you need:

1. Create a visual appearance of the label (shape and dimensions).
2. Design a layout (you can resort to standard Windows programs or turn to specialized "label designers".
3. Connect printer to PC via USB cable or infrared port (RS 232 interface or Wi-Fi).
4. Start the printing process (in the "File" menu, "Print" tab).

Where is thermal transfer printing used?

The maximum time required for printing is three minutes. The image can be one- and multi-color, with various effects (glare, night glow).

As a basis for applying thermal transfer printing, the following are most often used:

• T-shirts and T-shirts (synthetic and natural materials);
• caps;
• work clothes;
• flags;
• signboards;
• pennants;
• Leather Products;
• mugs;
• labels;
• plastic and metal plates;
• cups and dishes;
• stripes;
• sports wear;
• scarves, bandanas;
• promotional underpants (there are some);
• socks;
• bags, backpacks;
• puzzles - mosaic;
• mouse pads;
• clock - dials;
• diplomas on metal, wood;
• key rings;
• nameplates.

Thermal transfer printing on T-shirts

The most commonly used thermal transfer printing on T-shirts. The technology of applying various prints on T-shirts consists of several stages. Do not forget that the picture is first applied to paper, which acts as an intermediate material, therefore, the print should be applied to paper in a mirror image, and on a T-shirt it will already be displayed correctly.

In order to get the finished image, you need to carry out several preparatory steps:

• Using a computer program, make a layout of the future image. For us, this is a number, an inscription and, if necessary, additional images. All this is determined by the customer, based on their own wishes.
• The image will be printed on special thermal transfer paper. In addition to the paper base, it contains a thin film on which the picture falls, and then transferred to the fabric along with it. A special cutting device (plotter) makes the shape of the film follow the contours of the picture.
• The image on the film / paper is applied to a T-shirt / sweatshirt, etc. The fabric with a layer of paper is placed in a heat press, where, under the influence of high pressure and elevated temperature, the film is literally implanted in a certain place.
• In the heat press, the thing is kept for some more time, after which the product cools down, and is now ready to be worn without restrictions.

Thermal transfer film printing is considered convenient because:

• The result is an image with a high degree of clarity: the smallest or thinnest lines and elements of the image are printed and transferred without problems. This is especially true if you need to print inscriptions made in thin fonts.
• Thermal transfer printing can be used to print on hard-to-reach areas of clothing. If it is quite easy to apply an image to a T-shirt or sweatshirt, then problems can arise with applying images to garments of a complex cut. But you won't have these problems with thermal transfer printing. Thermal transfer printing makes it possible to transfer the image even to the most inconvenient place.
• With thermal transfer printing, you can print any number of things: make an exclusive T-shirt in a single copy or create a batch of sweatshirts for the staff of one company. The customer only needs to decide on the circulation.
• The image applied using thermal transfer printing technology is pleasant to the touch. The pattern is embossed and pleasant to touch (whereas direct ink can be uncomfortable to touch).
• Thermal transfer printing has a high level of image durability (especially when compared with silkscreen or batik). Such clothes need to be looked after more carefully than clothes bought in a store, but there are no complicated clauses in the care rules.
• Thermal transfer creates a full-color drawing, its quality is close to photographic. When it comes to T-shirts with your own design, this is often the deciding factor in choosing the printing method. With the help of thermal transfer, you can transfer images or photos of any level of complexity and color palette onto fabric.

Thermal transfer printing on fabric also has limitations:

• It is not recommended to wash printed clothes in a washing machine: despite the durability of the image, such an aggressive impact, sooner or later, can begin to destroy its structure.
• Thermal transfer printing on colored fabrics is usually more durable than on colored items.

Thermal transfer can be called one of the most accurate, fast and permanent ways to print on any garment. For this, only a breadboard, film, plotter and heat press are needed.

Thermal transfer printing on cups

After T-shirts, this is the second most popular application for thermal transfer printing. To improve grip, it is better to take mugs with a special coating, with good adhesion. After printing, the surface of solid objects is usually coated with a polymer varnish.

Of course, despite some disadvantages, thermal transfer printing technology has shown itself well in various circumstances and will be an excellent option for those wishing to start a printing business.

Thermal stickers and thermal applications

• accentuate corporate identity;
• make the brand more recognizable;
• contribute to the formation of unity in the firm;
• create special differences from competitors;
• bring pleasure to people of all ages, especially children.

Thermal transfer label printing

Note that any trading company in its activities cannot do without a printer for printing labels. In reality, the presence of a thermal transfer printer makes it possible to reduce the time for performing certain operations and create a truly unique type of product.

It is advisable to resort to thermal printing if you need to make a label, coupon, receipt or tickets for an event. This procedure will not take much time (and money). However, the print is sensitive to temperature and may darken with prolonged use.

Thermal transfer labels are usually applied to nylon, cardboard or self-adhesive paper. This happens quite quickly, even if the circulation is very large. Thermal transfer printing can also be used for printing on fabric labels, tags, and it will be able to withstand washing at high temperatures.

Thermal transfer printing technology is relevant for the identification of long-term storage products, as well as for the creation of outdoor labels located on products that are stored in harsh operating conditions.

In addition to thermal transfer printing, there are many ways to apply images and texts to various media and materials.

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Thermal transfer printing. The thermal head of the printer heats the intermediate carrier - a thermal transfer ink ribbon (ribbon). The coloring layer from the ribbon is transferred directly to the label made of paper, cardboard or synthetics.

1. Direct thermal. The thermal paper label is heated by the printer's thermal head to form an image.
2. Thermal transfer printing. The thermal head of the printer heats the intermediate carrier - a thermal transfer ink ribbon (ribbon). The coloring layer from the ribbon is transferred directly to the label made of paper, cardboard or synthetics.

Choosing the perfect type of print for you and your business?

The choice of printing type is dictated by the requirements for the label.

The main qualities of the label:

• material,
• durability,
• resistance to sunlight, temperature changes and other weather conditions,
• abrasion resistance,
• resistance to aggressive environments.

Having determined the requirements for the label, you will not make a mistake in choosing the type of printing.

thermal label

• material only heat-sensitive paper (possibly with different coatings),
• not durable (service life up to 6 months under ideal conditions),
• not resistant to sunlight, heat,
• not resistant to abrasion
• not resistant to aggressive environments.

Conclusion: thermal printing is used where long-term operation of the label is not required, there are no significant temperature changes (for example, food products with a short shelf life, mail, registration badges, goods with a fast expiration date, etc.).

Thermal transfer label

• material paper, cardboard, synthetic film, plastic, etc.,
• durable,
• weather resistant,
• abrasion resistant,
• can be resistant to aggressive environments

Conclusion: thermal transfer tape for marking various equipment or goods with a long shelf life or use. By selecting the label material and the corresponding ribbon, you can achieve the necessary print qualities, such as resistance to weather conditions or aggressive media (oil, gasoline, etc.), resistance to strong heat, etc.

Thermal printer or thermal transfer printer? What is more profitable?

Direct thermal printing is a more economical option, despite the fact that the cost of a thermal label is higher than the cost of a thermal transfer label. Thermal printing does not involve the use of additional consumables - ribbon (thermal transfer ink ribbon).

By purchasing a printer operating in thermal transfer mode, you get two types of printing in one device, since the printer allows you to print both with and without ribbon. The absence of a thermal transfer unit in the printer limits its capabilities to direct thermal printing only.

With direct thermal printing, the thermal head of the printer is subjected to more stress, as it is in direct contact with the label, which causes increased wear on this element. During thermal transfer printing, the thermal head works in a gentle mode, since printing occurs through an intermediate medium (ribbon).

Determining the required print resolution?

1. Printing at 203dpi is a solution for printing simple labels that are readable by the operator. As a rule, such resolution does not imply the printing of compact two-dimensional symbols.
2. Printing at a resolution of 305dpi is the standard resolution for logistics labels, where narrow compact barcodes, two-dimensional symbols are used, including simple graphics.
3. 609dpi printing is the ultra-compact label printing solution most commonly used in the electronics industry. Labels usually contain compact linear or two-dimensional barcodes.

Selecting the type of thermal transfer ink ribbon (ribbon)?

• There are three main types of ink ribbon: wax-based, wax-resin, and resin.
• Wax are designed mainly for printing on paper labels (semi-gloss, matte).
• Wax-resin for printing on paper and cardboard, in cases where it is necessary to achieve greater durability of the image.
• Resin ribbons for printing on synthetic materials (labels made of polyethylene, polypropylene, textile ribbons, etc.).

Ribbon size selection?

When choosing the width of the ribbon roll, follow the manufacturer's recommendations: the width of the ink ribbon should be equal to or greater than the width of the label roll. This combination will ensure a long service life of the thermal head.

The ink ribbon winding length is limited by the printer you are using. As a rule, compact class printers use 70-140m long ribbon, industrial class printers use ribbon up to 600m long.

When choosing a ribbon, pay attention to such an important parameter as the winding side. It can be ink layer out (OUT) or ink layer in (IN). This setting is also determined by the printer manufacturer.

The developers came to the conclusion that it would be much more efficient and convenient to immediately create ready-made labels. For this, such a method of thermal printing was invented. It is as follows: special thermal paper, which later becomes a barcode label, is heated by the printer head and the desired “pixels” on the paper become dark under the influence of temperature. Thermal paper rolls sometimes come in different widths as well, and thermal printers vary in how wide they can accept thermal paper rolls. This kind printing is called»Direct thermal printing».

There is also a second way to print - "Thermotransfer».

The principle of thermal transfer printing is revealed in the name itself: Thermal - temperature effect, and transfer - transfer, movement.
For thermal transfer printing, a special tape with ink is used, which, under the influence of temperature, becomes easily applied to paper or any other substrate. The main advantage of this printing principle is that practically any material : paper, cardboard, plastic, polyester or even synthetic material.

What are the main advantages and disadvantages of thermal printers and thermal transfer printers?

Disadvantage of direct thermal printing:

It is worth starting with the fact that labels obtained by direct thermal printing are very short-lived and are used mainly for products with a short shelf life.
Such labels retain their properties for no more than six months, then they begin to fade and the text becomes almost invisible.

Advantage:

Direct thermal printing is very economical as the labels themselves are a consumable. Another advantage of direct printing is that labels can be subjected to various mechanical stresses for six months and retain their properties.

Disadvantage of thermal transfer printing:

In thermal transfer printing, the properties of different types of ink ribbon are very different. There are three in total:

1. Wax

2. Wax+resin

3. Resin

Ribbon with wax as a coloring base is the most short-lived and unstable option. Wax applied to the label is very easy to remove.
The label does not suffer mechanical damage and quickly becomes unusable. The advantage of using wax is that wax is very cheap. When using wax, you should make sure that such labels will not be subjected to mechanical stress.

Next comes the combination wax with resin. Of course, the resin gives the wax its longevity, and this blend is by far the best on this list, but also the most expensive. The resin itself has the same characteristics.

The only difference between a combination of wax + resin and just resin is that they are applied for different types of labels.

Resin is mainly used for synthetic labels. For example, for polypropylene. A wax + resin for semi-gloss labels. In terms of resistance to mechanical stress, both types of labels are almost identical to each other.

Therefore, wax is a low print durability and high cheapness.

Wax+resin and resin are high quality printing along with durability, but comparatively expensive.

Roughly speaking, thermal printers designed to print labels for a short period of use, and thermal transfer printers produce labels for a long period of use, but with different quality characteristics.

An excellent way to quickly mark (for example, food products that have a limited shelf life) is thermal printing. It can be successfully used in logistics schemes to carry out the labeling of goods, and in other areas of activity, that is, in areas with a useful life of printed products not exceeding six months (the maximum period is one year).

Currently, thermal printing technology is used in almost all cash registers, ATMs and self-service terminals. It is also widely used for labeling goods at warehouse terminals, retail outlets and transport.

Thermal transfer printing is used to mark products with a long shelf life and various types of equipment. If you choose the right materials for the manufacture of labels and ribbons that correspond to them, you can ensure the required print quality: resistance to high temperatures, aggressive environments (oil, gasoline) and adverse weather conditions.

Thermal printing technology

Thermal printing is carried out due to the thermal effect of the thermal head of the printer's printing device on a layer of special paper that is sensitive to the heating process. As a result of contact of the thermal head with paper, a chemical reaction occurs, and an image appears on the paper. The mechanism of the thermal head is based on the work of a large number of spot heating elements located along it and determining the print resolution. During the printing process, all elements turn on in turn, heating up and creating an image on paper, while the paper itself quickly moves relative to the thermal head. The support roller in the printer ensures tight contact of the paper with the heating elements and their uniform movement relative to each other. This is how different types of text, graphics, barcodes are created.

Scope of thermal printing

Thermal printing is used not only on paper, but also on other materials: fabric, aluminum, plastic, wood, metal. Thanks to thermal printing, you can create branded mugs and T-shirts with photos and logos, memorable souvenirs in the form of pens, logo labels and other souvenirs.

Advantages of thermal printing

• Thanks to its high-speed printing and near-silent process, thermal printing is very easy to work with and does not require a lot of energy.
• To work with thermal printing, you do not need to purchase additional materials, such as ink, ribbons or toners.
• There are practically no moving parts in thermal printing equipment, so these printers are very durable.
• Large print resolution provides a high-quality image on any surface, whether it is paper, fabric or wood.

Disadvantages of thermal printing

With all its advantages, thermal printing has a number of disadvantages associated with the specifics of the printer.

• The chemical-thermal method, as a result of which the chemical components change their color, makes the print short-lived.
• Thermal printing is only monochrome - only one color is synthesized during the thermo-chemical reaction, and the resolution of the thermal head often does not exceed 600 dpi.
• , created in the technique of such printing, require a special coating in order for the surface to withstand changes in temperature and humidity.

Summarize:

Summarizing the above, it is worth noting that today flexography is a universal printing method that has great technological capabilities. This method covers a wide range of materials used.

High-performance modern equipment used for flexographic printing is produced by many foreign companies, including European ones. It is worth noting that today some well-known companies specializing in the production of offset printing equipment (for example, the German corporation Heidelberg Gruppe) are reorienting themselves to the production of flexographic printing and prepress equipment. This suggests that this technology has good prospects.

Thermal and thermal transfer printing is very common in the life of any person. Without even noticing it, we are constantly in contact with thermal labels printed in these ways. You come across thermal printing every day, for example, hanging fruits or vegetables in hypermarkets. Thermal transfer printing is less common, in everyday life mainly when buying appliances and electronics.

thermal printing

Thermal printing was developed in 1984 by HP. Printing of markings is carried out by heating the print head and then applying information to the label under the influence of temperature without the use of coloring elements. This is the cheapest way to print. Labels printed with thermal printing and pasted on the product have a short service life. There are ribbons for thermal printing with an additional varnish coating, such protection allows you to increase the life of the image on the label by 2-3 weeks. The standard life of a thermally printed label is 6 months, this printing method is used:

♦ Trade in products and household chemicals. Hypermarkets, shops, supermarkets fast sale of goods.
♦ In transport services. A check printed by a bus or minibus driver is made by thermal printing.
♦ At parcel sorting stations in transport companies.
♦ At trade construction sites in settlements. Markets and hardware stores within the city.

Thermal transfer printing

Thermal transfer printing appeared in the late 80s. There is an opinion that this is the next stage in the development of thermal printing, but this is not so. Thermal and thermal transfer labels combines only the use of temperature at the time of printing the image on paper. Thermal transfer label obtained with the help of a dyeing ribbon (ribbon). Printing is carried out on:

♦ Plastic
♦ Film
♦ Plain paper
♦ Cardboard
♦ Fabric

Applying an image using ribbon allows you to make a stable label for:

♦ Low and high temperature
♦ Mechanical impact
♦ Aggressive environment

The use of ribbon allows you to apply multi-color images to the product label. 3D printing of product markings is possible. The method of applying an image to a product label by thermal transfer printing resembles stamping under the influence of temperature. The price of printing such a label is higher compared to thermal printing. This is due to the use of ink ribbon and its cost.

Thermal labels and thermal transfer labels.
What is the difference between the two technologies for applying information to a product?

Consider the main differences between these types of printing:

	thermal printing	Thermal transfer printing
Print surface	Can only print on thermal paper	On any material using an ink ribbon
Expendable materials	Burn printing, no consumables	Applying an image to a label coloring materials
Marking color	Black and white and one color labels	Multicolor 2D and 3D barcodes
Durability	up to 6 months	6 months to 10 years (depending on surface used)
Resistance to external factors	Fades over time exposure to sunlight	Withstands harsh environments temperatures and exposure to sunlight
Print Quality		Medium and high
label printing cost		Medium and high

With such a fundamental difference in the idea of ​​printing, the printing printers themselves differ only in the presence of an ink ribbon winder and a ribbon feed mechanism. Thermal transfer printers are more expensive than thermal printers.

findings

In Russia, thermal labels and thermal transfer labels are most often used. The difference between these labels are listed above, they are used in different temperature and operating conditions. The main criterion will be individual conditions for the production and storage of labeled goods.