How to choose carbon ribbon for barcode printer

When choosing a barcode printer ribbon, multiple factors need to be considered to ensure printing quality and cost-effectiveness. Here are some key selection points:

1. Printing material

Determine the material of the label or paper to be printed, as different materials require different types of carbon ribbons. For example, printing on materials such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP) requires the use of special resin carbon tape.

2. Scratch resistance

If the printed label requires frequent friction or contact, a carbon tape with high scratch resistance, such as resin carbon tape or mixed base carbon tape, should be selected.

3. Solvent resistance

If the label needs to come into contact with chemical solvents or cleaning agents, a carbon tape with good solvent resistance, such as resin carbon tape, should be selected.

4. Print content

Select carbon ribbon based on the printed content. For example, printing high-quality barcodes, text, and images requires selecting high-resolution ribbons.

5. Temperature requirements

Some application environments may have temperature requirements and require the selection of carbon ribbons that can operate normally within a specific temperature range.

6. Durability

Considering the service life and environment of the label, choose carbon tape with sufficient durability to ensure that the printed content is clear and readable for a long time. Resin carbon ribbon usually has better durability.

7. Color requirements

Select the corresponding color of carbon ribbon according to the printing needs, commonly including black, red, blue, etc.

8. Cost considerations

Choose cost-effective carbon ribbons while meeting printing requirements. Wax based carbon ribbon has the lowest cost, followed by mixed based carbon ribbon, and resin based carbon ribbon has the highest cost.

9. Printer type

Different types of printers may have different requirements for carbon ribbon, and it is necessary to choose a carbon ribbon compatible with the printer.

10. Printing speed

If you need to print a large number of labels quickly, you should choose a carbon ribbon suitable for high-speed printing.

11. Quality certification

Choose brands and products that have undergone quality certification to ensure reliable quality and performance of the carbon ribbon.

12. Sample testing

Before large-scale use, sample testing can be conducted to determine whether the carbon ribbon meets its printing requirements and application needs.

13. Carbon ribbon specifications

The width of the carbon ribbon should be greater than or equal to the width of the label paper and less than the maximum printing width of the printer. Usually, the width of the carbon ribbon should be about 10mm wider than the width of the label to avoid incomplete printing content and protect the print head.

The length of the carbon ribbon is selected according to actual needs, with commonly used lengths including 90 meters, 100 meters, 300 meters, etc. There are also customized options for longer or shorter lengths.

In summary, when choosing a barcode printer ribbon, it is necessary to comprehensively consider multiple factors such as printing material, scratch resistance, solvent resistance, printing content, temperature requirements, durability, color requirements, cost, printer type, printing speed, quality certification, sample testing, and ribbon specifications. By careful evaluation and testing, one can find the most suitable carbon ribbon product for their needs.