Coding consumables can have a big impact on the performance of the printing equipment. Many of these consumables look the same, but are you using the correct grade to give optimal performance? What should you be looking for?

Colour range

Colour changes are easy to accommodate with hot foil, thermal transfer and thermal inkjet technologies, but they will generally print one colour at a time.
Pantone matching of thermal transfer ribbons is possible, but minimum quantities generally apply here.

Foil and ribbon grades

When selecting the grade of foil or ribbon, you need to consider:

• sharpness of print
• operating temperature (lower energy levels increase printhead life on thermal transfer printers)
• resistance to abrasion
• resistance to chemicals (usually in the product) that might come into contact with the code after it has been applied.

There are three types or thermal transfer ribbon (TTR):

• wax ribbons: these cost less than the other types and are usually used when long-term durability is not an issue; they are best for printing on coated or uncoated paper tags and labels
• wax/resin ribbons: these are more expensive, but the imprint is more resistant to scratching, smearing and mild chemicals
• resin ribbons: these are the most expensive, but the imprint is very durable and is resistant to most chemicals.

In addition the ribbons needs to be compatible with the printhead type fitted to the printer - either "flat head" or "near edge"

Foil and ribbon cores and windings

There are many types of reels. All coding and marking hot foil tape is inside wound (shiny side facing outwards), on 25.4 mm (1”) cores. It comes in various widths but the length is usually limited to 122 m, 153 m or 305 m.
Thermal transfer ribbons can be wound with the pigment either inside or outside, depending on the printer make and model.  The size of the reel is given by its width and its length and it varies depending on usage and the printer make and model. Cores can be either card or plastic, and sometimes have notches or special end caps.

Inks

• Thermal inkjet inks are selected to give the best performance both in the print cartridge and on the material, where drying time and adhesion are important. To select the right one you need to know what performance  is  required.
• Continuous inkjet (CIJ) inks are formulated to provide a cost-effective alternative to the original manufacturer’s grade, details of which are important to get the best match. You can choose what type of inks you use in your equipment so long as they are compatible with the printers and meet the requirements of the application.

Type and typeholders

When selecting type and typeholders, you need to know the make and model of the coder as well as the particular style of type being used. Typeholders typically accept one of several styles of type:

• Stick type: sometimes know as ‘type high’ or ‘0.918 inch’ (also once known as ‘Mazak’ but this version, made from an alloy of zinc, is no longer manufactured)
• T-slot: so named, because of the slot profile
• Rotary or flickwheel: single line of print, changed by rotating a multi-faceted wheel
• Engraved die or Zinco plate: the typeholder has an engraved plate that is screwed or stuck to it; used to print fixed information, such as a logo.

Labels

Labels can be supplied are on a roll, sheeted or fan folded. When ordering labels you also heed to know:

• label size
• number on a sheet or number across the reel / total number on a reel
• colour
• type of paper (vellum, semi-gloss, etc.)
• type of adhesive (permanent, resistant to freezing, etc.)
• core size (if reel fed)
• special requirements (e.g., if to be used as a tamper evident seal)