Blue full resin ribbon

WAX/RESIN RIBBONS

Thermal ribbons are a crucial part of the thermal label printing process. Thermal transfer labels and ribbons can be used in compatible desktop and industrial printers.

Wax/Resin ribbon is exactly like its name describes: a combination of both wax and resin materials. It is slightly more expensive than basic wax ribbon. The addition of resin creates a protective barrier over images and texts, increasing durability against smudges, scratches, and abrasions. Wax/Resin is a great choice for printing labels that need to withstand more exposure to water, changing temperatures, and some chemicals.

Because wax/resin thermal ribbons are more durable than full-wax, they can be typically used on synthetic substrates, such as polypropylene, as well as materials that are coated and glossy, matte, or weatherproof.

We offer wax/resin ribbons in coated side out (CSO) and coated side in (CSI). A way to determine whether you need CSO or CSI is based upon the brand of the printer you are using. For example, all Zebra Printers use CSO ribbons, while all Datamax and Sato Printers use CSI ribbons.

Another quick way to determine which ribbon you are using is by sticking a label to the outside of your ribbon roll. If ink sticks to the label that means you are using a coated side out (CSO) ribbon and if nothing appears on the label you are using a coated side in (CSI) ribbon.