Thermal transfer ribbons

Ribbons for Printers

If your business depends on clear, durable printed labels, choosing the right ribbon for your thermal transfer printer makes all the difference to print quality, durability and cost efficiency.

Our ribbons ensure your labels stay readable through storage, transport, handling and exposure to heat, moisture and chemicals, so the print holds up and doesn’t fade, smudge or scratch off.

Why buy printer ribbons from Kite Packaging?

We supply high-quality thermal transfer ribbons for printers from both Kite Packaging and Zebra.

Our ribbons are designed to deliver consistent and reliable results whether you are printing at point of sale, for general warehousing, or demanding labelling and tagging needs. They are perfect for label printers, barcode printers, receipt and ticket printing, and use in industrial and logistics environments.

Unsure which printer ribbon is right for your thermal transfer printer? Our team is happy to offer guidance. We can recommend the best options for your operational needs, helping you balance durability with cost if necessary.

Our ribbon specifications:

• Wax and wax/resin options
• Standard, performance and premium grades
• 25mm or 25.4mm core sizes
• Outside winding
• 110mm ribbon width

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to questions we get asked about printer ribbons to help you make the most suitable choice for your thermal transfer printing needs.

What is thermal transfer ribbon?

A thermal transfer ribbon is a thin roll of film that is coated in ink. In a thermal transfer printer, the printhead heats specific areas of the ribbon, melting the ink coating which transfers on to the label. As it cools, the ink bonds to the label’s surface creating the desired print.

What are the different types of printer ribbons?

There are three main types of printer ribbons:

• Wax, these are low cost, best for printing on paper labels, and ideal for environments where fast speeds are critical and there is little to no exposure to chemicals or abrasion.
• Wax/resin, great for balancing cost with durability, these are more resistant to smudging and scratching, common in retail, logistics and environments where there may be moderate exposure to chemicals or abrasion.
• Resin, these are highly durable and long-lasting, resistant to chemicals, heat and abrasion, and used commonly for outdoor labels, asset tracking and industrial functions.

Can I use any ribbon with my printer?

Unfortunately, you can’t just use any thermal transfer ribbon with any printer. You will need a ribbon that is compatible. That means matching the ribbon’s core size and whether its ink winds on the inside or the outside to your printer’s specification.

Compatibility with label material matters as paper and synthetic materials each require ribbons with distinct chemical make-ups.

Different ribbons are also designed for different environments:

• Wax: short-term, indoor use
• Wax/resin: better resistance to smudging/light abrasion
• Resin: high durability for chemicals, heat and outdoor exposure

A mismatch of any of these factors can lead to operational delays such as rejected shipments, compliance issues or produce recalls. The right ribbon will help you reduce waste, downtime, costs and printer damage.

How long do printer ribbons last?

How long a ribbon lasts depends on the type of printer you’re using, how often you’re printing and how the ribbon is stored.

• POS printer ribbons last 1-3 months used regularly
• Industrial thermal transfer ribbons last several weeks to months
• Office ribbons last 3-6 months

When stored correctly, ribbons can last 12-24 months before the ink begins to degrade, although it is recommended to use stock within 12 months for the best print quality.