Thermal Transfer Printing

Do you need to print on your laminated label such as a batch code, best buy date, expiration date, etc? You'll need a thermal transfer printer. We recommend testing your thermal transfer printer on our materials before investing in a full order. Order a free sample pack, or a small run of blank labels for your testing. 

There are three different grades of Thermal Transfer Ribbons: 

1. Wax
2. Wax-Resin
3. Resin. 

We recommend either Wax-Resin or Full Resin ribbons as these tend to work the best on gloss or matte laminated materials. We would not recommend Thermal Transfer printing with our soft-touch matte laminate. 

We have found that Zebra printers and ribbons work best with our gloss laminate. 

Full Wax: (Low Grade) - Not recommended

• The most common type of thermal transfer ribbon.
• Least durable but also the least expensive.
• It is not recommended for laminated materials. It can work with unlaminated papers, however.

Wax Resin: (Mid Grade)

• More durable printed area than full wax.
• More resistant to heavy handling, chemicals, and temperature changes.
• Ideal for both standard and weatherproof thermal transfer labels.
• Good for barcode, shipping, prescription pharmaceutical, and shelf labels.

Full Resin: (High Grade)

• Most durable (and most expensive) of the ribbon types.
• Holds up well to temperature, chemicals, and friction. 
• Ideal for laminated materials. 

Testing is key to determining what laminate will work with your chosen thermal transfer printer and ribbon.