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Thermal transfer ribbons

Thermal Transfer Ribbons

Premium thermal transfer ribbons for desktop, industrial, print-and-apply and in-line coding systems. Compare wax, wax-resin, resin, near-edge and coloured grades for paper labels, synthetic materials and flexible packaging films.

✓ Wax, wax-resin & resin ribbons ✓ Flat head & near-edge grades ✓ Desktop, industrial & in-line coding
Thermal transfer ribbons from Go2Products
Thermal transfer ribbon specialists

High-performance ribbons for labels, packaging and coding

Thermal transfer ribbons carry ink that is transferred onto a label or packaging substrate by heat from the printer head. Choosing the correct ribbon is important for print quality, barcode readability, durability and printhead performance.

Go2Products supplies ribbon grades for desktop and industrial thermal transfer printers, print-and-apply systems and near-edge in-line coding applications. Our range covers general-purpose wax, resin-enhanced wax, wax-resin, high-durability resin, textile resin and coloured ribbons.

We can also help match ribbons to your thermal transfer labels or blank roll labels so the ribbon, label material and printer work together.

Find the right ribbon

Wax, wax-resin or resin?

The best thermal transfer ribbon depends on what you are printing onto and how much durability the finished image needs.

Wax

General-purpose paper labels

Cost-effective, low-energy printing for uncoated and coated paper labels where extreme durability is not required.

  • Paper & tag stocks
  • Fast barcode printing
  • Low printhead energy
See wax grades →
Wax-Resin

More durability & more substrates

A versatile step up for coated papers, synthetic labels and applications needing better scratch or smudge resistance.

  • Coated papers
  • Many synthetic films
  • Improved durability
See wax-resin grades →
Resin

High-durability applications

Designed for demanding synthetic materials and applications needing stronger abrasion, chemical, heat or wash resistance.

  • Synthetic labels
  • Industrial applications
  • High scratch resistance
See resin grades →
Near Edge

Packaging & in-line coding

Ribbon formulations for near-edge and TTO systems, including high-speed printing onto flexible packaging films.

  • Flexible packaging
  • In-line coders
  • High print speeds
See near-edge grades →
Flat head technology

Wax Thermal Transfer Ribbons

Strong everyday choices for paper labels, barcodes and general-purpose thermal transfer printing.

EWX10 premium flat head wax thermal transfer ribbon
Premium Flat Head Wax EWX10

The best choice for general-purpose labelling

Premium wax ribbon for strong print performance on plain and coated papers, with low printhead energy requirements.

SpeedUp to 10 IPS
Best forPaper & tag
DurabilityGeneral purpose
Performance & substrates
Recommended substrates

Vellum, uncoated paper, matt coated paper, semi-gloss and tag board.

Key performance
  • Excellent print quality at high speeds
  • Dense, clean barcode definition
  • Very low printhead energy requirements
  • ISEGA certification
  • Available in popular printer sizes
GPX10 high performance flat head wax thermal transfer ribbon
High Performance Flat Head Wax GPX10

General-purpose printing with extra durability

Resin-enhanced wax designed for darker images, crisp barcodes and improved scratch resistance across a broad substrate range.

SpeedUp to 12 IPS
Best forPaper + synthetics
ExtraAnti-static
Performance & substrates
Recommended substrates

Vellum, uncoated papers, semi-gloss and gloss papers, tag board, synthetic paper, polyethylene, polypropylene, flood-coated paper and UV-varnished labels.

Key performance
  • Dark, dense images for improved scan rates
  • Crisp rotated barcodes
  • Static dissipation for RFID applications
  • Enhanced smudge and scratch resistance
  • ISEGA approved
Swipe to compare ribbon grades
Flat head technology

Wax-Resin Thermal Transfer Ribbons

For stronger durability on coated papers and synthetic materials while retaining fast, efficient print performance.

PDX25 premium flat head wax resin thermal transfer ribbon
Premium Flat Head Wax Resin PDX25

Great print performance with very good durability

A versatile wax-resin ribbon for detailed images and barcodes, with good smudge and scratch resistance.

SpeedUp to 12 IPS
Best forCoated + synthetic
ResistanceGood scratch
Performance & substrates
Recommended substrates

Coated and uncoated paper, tag stocks, synthetic paper, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyolefin, gloss paper, flood-coated paper and UV-varnished labels.

Key performance
  • Reliable printing on spot and flood-coated labels
  • Dark, dense images
  • Static dissipation
  • Good smudge and scratch resistance
  • Enhanced printer performance
PDX80 high performance flat head wax resin thermal transfer ribbon
High Performance Flat Head Wax Resin PDX80

Excellent scratch resistance for demanding labels

High-performance wax-resin for dark, crisp images and barcodes on coated papers and a wide range of synthetic materials.

HeatUp to 120°C*
Best forSynthetics
ResistanceExcellent scratch
Performance & substrates
Recommended substrates

Coated and uncoated paper, tag stocks, synthetic paper, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyolefin, gloss paper, flood-coated paper and UV-varnished labels.

Key performance
  • High levels of print durability
  • Dark, dense barcode images
  • Heat resistance up to 120°C on certain materials
  • Can meet BS5609 requirements with certain label materials
  • Replacement option for Ricoh B110A applications
*Performance depends on the complete label/ribbon combination and application.
Swipe to compare ribbon grades
High durability

Flat Head Resin Thermal Transfer Ribbons

Premium resin grades for synthetic labels, industrial environments and specialist textile applications.

SRX10 premium flat head resin thermal transfer ribbon
Premium Flat Head Resin SRX10

Extra scratch resistance on synthetic labels

High-performance resin for chemical and industrial applications requiring abrasion, heat and solvent resistance.

HeatUp to 300°C*
Best forSynthetics
ApprovalsUL/CSA
Performance & substrates
Recommended substrates

Coated paper, synthetic paper, polyolefin, polyester, polypropylene, polyethylene and vinyl.

Key performance
  • Excellent abrasion, steam and heat resistance
  • Resistance to a wide range of chemicals and solvents
  • Low printhead energy for a resin ribbon
  • Clean, dense barcode definition
  • Halogen-free and UL/CSA approved
*Maximum resistance depends on the receiving material and test conditions.
SDX80 premium textile flat head resin thermal transfer ribbon
Premium Textile Flat Head Resin SDX80

Durable textile printing with wash resistance

A specialist resin grade designed for care labels and textile printing where resistance to washing, drying and ironing is important.

UseTextile labels
ResistanceWash + heat
StatusMade to order
Performance & substrates
Recommended substrates

Nylon, polyester, acetate, rayon, polyethylene, polypropylene, PVC and PET.

Key performance
  • Excellent print quality on textile materials
  • High scratch and smear resistance
  • Resistance to washing, drying and ironing
  • Heat and steam resistance
  • Printhead-protection backcoating
Swipe to compare ribbon grades
Near-edge & TTO

Near-Edge Thermal Transfer Ribbons

High-speed wax-resin and resin ribbons for packaging films, in-line coders and near-edge printing systems.

NEX10 near edge wax resin thermal transfer ribbon
High Performance Near Edge Wax Resin NEX10

Versatile for labels and packaging films

High-performance near-edge wax-resin for coated papers, synthetic labels and flexible packaging films.

SpeedUp to 500 mm/s
UsePackaging films
ApprovalISEGA
Performance & substrates
Recommended substrates

Coated paper and tag materials, synthetic paper, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyolefin, medical paper and many flexible packaging films.

Key performance
  • Bold black text, graphics and barcodes
  • Excellent scratch and smudge resistance
  • High-speed print quality
  • ISEGA certification
  • Suitable for many OEM near-edge systems
NEX10X long length near edge wax resin thermal transfer ribbon
High Performance Near Edge Wax Resin NEX10X

Longer ribbon lengths on 4.0-micron film

Based on NEX10 performance but coated onto thinner 4.0-micron PET film to allow longer ribbon lengths.

Film4.0 micron PET
UsePackaging films
ApprovalISEGA
Performance & substrates
Recommended substrates

Coated paper and tag materials, synthetic paper, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyolefin, medical paper and many flexible packaging films.

Key performance
  • Longer ribbon lengths from thinner PET film
  • Bold, crisp text and barcode printing
  • Excellent scratch and smudge resistance
  • High-speed near-edge printing
  • ISEGA certification
NEX75 specialty near edge wax resin thermal transfer ribbon
Specialty Near Edge Wax Resin NEX75

Extra durability at very high print speeds

Specialist near-edge wax-resin designed for packaging films and in-line coding applications requiring dark print and high speed.

SpeedUp to 24 IPS
UseIn-line coders
PrintHigh blackness
Performance & substrates
Recommended substrates

Coated papers, polypropylene, polyester and many packaging films.

Key performance
  • Very high printing speed
  • Dark images on coloured packaging films
  • Designed for in-line coding systems
  • High durability
  • Replacement option for common Markem, ICE and Videojet applications
UEX40 specialty near edge resin thermal transfer ribbon
Specialty Near Edge Resin UEX40

High durability to heat, abrasion and chemicals

A flexible near-edge resin grade for industrial printing and TTO applications where stronger resistance is required.

SpeedUp to 12 IPS
UseIndustrial TTO
ResistanceHeat + abrasion
Performance & substrates
Recommended substrates

Medical paper, coated and uncoated papers, polypropylene, polyethylene, polyolefin, nylon and polyester films.

Key performance
  • High-speed in-line packaging printing
  • Excellent scratch and smear resistance
  • Resistance to boiling and alcohol
  • Strong industrial durability
  • Anti-static backcoat for printhead protection
Swipe to compare near-edge grades
Colour printing

Coloured Thermal Transfer Ribbons

Colour ribbon options for flat head and near-edge systems where black print is not the right fit.

EWX10 coloured flat head wax thermal transfer ribbons
Premium Flat Head Wax EWX10 Colours

Colour wax for general-purpose labelling

Vivid colour printing on coated and uncoated papers, selected synthetics and decorative fabric applications.

SpeedUp to 6 IPS
TechnologyFlat head
StatusColours available
Performance & substrates

Suitable for coated/uncoated paper and tag stocks, synthetic paper, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester and some fabric materials.

Custom colours may be possible subject to minimum quantities and development requirements.

PDX20 coloured flat head wax resin thermal transfer ribbons
Premium Flat Head Wax Resin PDX20 Colours

Colour printing with extra durability

Wax-resin colour grade for clear print on coated papers and synthetic labels with improved smudge and scratch resistance.

SpeedUp to 12 IPS
TechnologyFlat head
ResistanceGood scratch
Performance & substrates

Suitable for coated/uncoated paper, tag stocks, synthetic paper, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyolefin, gloss paper, flood-coated paper and UV-varnished labels.

NEX11 coloured near edge wax resin thermal transfer ribbons
Premium Near Edge Wax Resin NEX11 Colours

Versatile colour printing for labels and packaging films

Premium colour wax-resin for near-edge coding systems, with strong coverage, durability and packaging-film compatibility.

SpeedUp to 400 mm/s
TechnologyNear edge
ApprovalISEGA
Performance & substrates

Suitable for coated paper and tag materials, synthetic paper, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyolefin and many flexible packaging films.

UEX35 coloured near edge resin thermal transfer ribbons
Premium Near Edge Resin UEX35 Colours

Colour resin with high scratch and chemical resistance

High-durability coloured resin for smooth synthetic labels, packaging films and specialist applications.

TechnologyNear edge
Best forSynthetics
ResistanceHigh
Performance & substrates

Suitable for coated paper and tag materials, synthetic paper, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyolefin and many flexible packaging films.

Custom colours may be possible for larger runs subject to development requirements.

Swipe to compare colour grades
Extensive compatibility

Ribbons for leading thermal printer brands

We supply thermal transfer ribbons for a wide range of desktop, industrial, print-and-apply and in-line coding printers.

Allen Coding Argox Avery CAB Carl Valentin Citizen Datamax Godex Honeywell Intermec Logopak Novexx Markem Printronix Sato Tharo Toshiba TSC Zebra
Why ribbon quality matters

Protect print quality, barcode readability and your printhead

A ribbon is part of a complete print system. Matching the ribbon to the printer and receiving material helps reduce poor print quality, premature printhead wear and failed barcode scans.

01 Quality & consistency

Grades selected for reliable image density, barcode definition and dependable day-to-day performance.

02 Printhead protection

Backcoating and controlled print energy help support smooth running and protect the thermal printhead.

03 Sample matching

Test a ribbon against your actual label material and printer before committing to a larger order.

04 Technical support

Tell us your printer model, ribbon dimensions and label material and we can help narrow down the right grade.

Thermal transfer ribbon FAQs

Frequently asked questions

How do thermal transfer ribbons work?

A thermal transfer ribbon carries an ink coating on a PET film. Heat from the printer's thermal printhead transfers that ink from the ribbon onto the label or packaging material, creating the printed image.

What is the difference between wax, wax-resin and resin ribbons?

Wax ribbons are commonly used for general paper-label printing. Wax-resin ribbons provide greater durability and work across a wider range of coated papers and synthetic materials. Resin ribbons are designed for demanding applications where stronger scratch, heat, chemical or wash resistance may be needed.

What is the difference between flat head and near-edge ribbons?

Flat head and near-edge printers use different printhead technologies and ribbon formulations. Near-edge ribbons are often used in high-speed packaging and in-line coding applications. Always choose a ribbon designed for your printer technology.

How do I know which thermal transfer ribbon fits my printer?

The printer make and model, ribbon width, ribbon length, core size and ink orientation can all matter. Send us your printer details and current ribbon specification and we can help identify a suitable option.

Can I get a thermal transfer ribbon sample?

Yes. Testing the ribbon with your actual printer and label material is one of the best ways to confirm compatibility. Request a free ribbon sample.

Which label materials can thermal transfer ribbons print on?

Depending on the ribbon grade, thermal transfer printing can work on uncoated and coated papers, synthetic papers, polyethylene, polypropylene, polyester, vinyl, textile materials and flexible packaging films.

Are coloured thermal transfer ribbons available?

Yes. Go2Products offers selected wax, wax-resin and resin grades in colours for both flat head and near-edge applications. Availability varies by grade, size and colour.

How long does a thermal transfer ribbon last?

Ribbon life depends mainly on ribbon length, label size, print coverage and how frequently the printer is used. Longer ribbons reduce the frequency of ribbon changes where the printer can accept them.

How should used thermal transfer ribbons be disposed of?

Disposal requirements can depend on the ribbon construction, printed information and your organisation's waste procedures. Used ribbons may also retain a visible negative image of printed data, so businesses handling sensitive information should consider secure disposal as part of their data-handling process.

Not sure which grade you need?

Let us match the ribbon to your printer and label.

Send us your printer model, current ribbon size and the label material you print onto. We can recommend a suitable ribbon grade and arrange a sample for testing.