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While laser printers and inkjet printers have mostly conquered the mainstream market, printers using ink ribbons still have a solid hold on the business world, especially when it comes to industrial printing types. . Many businesses large and small, including retailers and manufacturers, use ink ribbon printers on a daily basis. This guide describes some types of ink ribbon printers, as well as the types of ribbons needed to print on these printers.

Types of ink ribbon printers
Printers using ink ribbons are typically not found in the homes of many consumers, but they can still be found in many office buildings, retail stores, and manufacturing facilities. The most common examples of ink ribbon printers include the following types: dot matrix printers and other impact printers, used in many offices where specific forms and documents are printed on duplicate or triplicate paper; cash registers and point-of-sale systems, which typically contain small thermal transfer printers used to print receipts; and large thermal transfer printers, which are used for many industrial purposes, such as barcode printing and clothing labels.
Types of ink ribbons
In some cases, different types of printers use entirely different types of ribbons. In other cases, the type of ribbon to use is determined by the type of print job in progress. For example, a thermal transfer printer might use several different types of ink ribbon, but the type of ink ribbon best suited for printing clothing labels is different from the type of ink ribbon that would be used to print labels. price.

Ink ribbons for dot-matrix printers
Dot-matrix printers use fabric or plastic ribbons, depending on the printer model. These types of printers are often referred to as impact printers because the printhead hits the ribbon to transfer the ink to the paper. Although these printers were largely discontinued in the mainstream market after the growing popularity of inkjet and laser printers, they are still often found in many offices that perform high volume label printing or printing. a large number of duplicate / triplicate form prints.

Ink ribbon for cash register and point of sale
Simple cash registers may contain low impact printers using nylon ribbons, but most modern and sophisticated POS systems use small thermal transfer printers to print receipts, coupons, and other items. related to the store on special thermal paper for customers. Most of these systems use thermal wax ink ribbons, but some systems may use wax / resin combination ink ribbons for added durability.

Ink ribbons for thermal transfer printers
So it’s no surprise that thermal transfer printers use heat to melt ink and transfer it to the printed media. Durability requirements can vary widely when it comes to items printed with thermal transfer printers. This is why three different types of ink are manufactured for these printers: thermal wax ink ribbons, thermal wax / resin ink ribbons, and thermal resin inkers. ink ribbons.

Thermal wax ink ribbons
Thermal wax ink ribbons are mainly used for printing on paper products. The wax ink adheres to matte and semi-gloss finishes and is designed to last smudge-free for years. However, the ink must be kept dry and cannot be scratched or rubbed. Chemicals and oils can also easily destroy ink, including skin oils. This type of ink will only last for years if the printed item has been stored in a dry place and is rarely handled. This is why it is generally used for printed articles intended only for a short period of time. period of time.

Wax / Resin Thermal Ink Ribbons
Combination resin / wax ribbons contain more durable and durable ink than their pure wax counterparts. Due to the resin content, these inks are more resistant to chemicals, smudges and scratches than wax ink, which makes these ink ribbons much more suitable for printing.