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Printing methods
§ Guide · Printing methodsReference

Thermal-transfer ribbon grades

wax, wax-resin, resin

§ 01 · The short version

Thermal-transfer ribbons come in three grades that must match the substrate. Wax (lowest cost, melts ~65°C) suits coated paper for short-term indoor shelf and pallet labels but resists water and rubbing poorly. Wax-resin balances cost and durability for PP/BOPP films, handling refrigeration, freezing, and moderate rub and chemicals. Full resin melts into and bonds to synthetic films (PET, vinyl) for strong resistance to water, solvents, abrasion, and extreme temperature, but prints slower and costs most. Wrong pairing gives weak adhesion or uneven print.

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