Barcode ribbon is a material used to print barcodes on product labels or stickers through the Thermal Transfer printing process by sending heat through the print head to the ribbon so that the ribbon ink prints on the surface of the label. There are many types of barcode ribbons, each with different properties and uses. Choosing the right ribbon will help make barcode printing most efficient and worthwhile.

The properties of each type of ribbon are different. It should be selected according to suitability and depending on the type of use. The selection of the 3 types of barcode ribbons are as follows:

1. Wax Ribbon (Wax Ribbon) is an economical ribbon.

• Suitable for general barcode printing and does not require high durability. 
• Uses low heat and chemicals in printing, reducing the heat of the print head, saving energy.
• Not very resistant to scratches, works well only at normal temperatures, and is somewhat resistant to humidity.
• Cheap, helping to reduce product costs.

Recommended label types: Plain paper, semi-glossy paper, art paper

Recommended use: General product labels Parcel shipping labels, price tags, clothing tags, tags, warehouse labels

Products: B110M, B110W, B115W, B118W

2. Wax-Resin Ribbon is a ribbon ink that is a mixture of wax and resin.

• High clarity, beautiful printing, scratch resistance to some extent
• Durable, suitable for printing barcodes on products that have been used for a long time
• Good moisture resistance, popular in industrial printing, suitable for cold storage with low temperatures
• Inexpensive

Recommended label types: Glossy paper, such as art paper, paper coated with plastic film (BOPP), UPO paper

Recommended applications: Cold storage, freezer, work that requires scratch resistance

Products: B115Z, B110A, B115A, B120E, B110TI

3. Resin Ribbon is the highest quality ribbon

• Provides clarity and excellent resistance to scratches, chemicals and harsh environments. Scratch resistant, no peeling
• Works well only at high temperatures, high heat resistant
• Heat and chemical resistant Suitable for various industries
• High price

Recommended label types: Printing on glossy surfaces such as BOPP, FOIL, LAMINATE, POLY, PP WHITE VOID and UPO Recommended applications: Cold room work, work that is frequently scratched

Recommended applications: Work that requires high durability or is likely to be exposed to chemical stains, such as iron, serial number, work with high temperatures or is likely to be exposed to solvents and outdoor work or in environments with high heat, harsh chemicals or frequent friction, such as electronic device labels, automotive labels, chemical labels

Products: B125CS, B110CU, B120EC, B110C, B110CR

RICOH is a leader in the thermal product industry that is committed to delivering high-quality products to customers. Our IMS department has a team of experts who can help customers choose the right ribbon and label ink for your business and use.