Wax Ribbons

What are the advantages of wax Thermal Transfer ribbons?

• The most cost-effective solution for general labeling
• Ideal for short-term or high-turnover applications
• Best suited for paper substrates, from uncoated to glossy
• Delivers strong print quality with good smudge resistance

What is a wax ribbon?

A wax ribbon is coated with an ink formulated primarily from wax-based components. It is the most widely used type of Thermal Transfer ribbon thanks to its excellent versatility and compatibility with standard labeling needs. Wax inks adhere well to most paper materials and are perfectly suited for printing barcodes, text, and general-purpose labels.

Wax ribbons provide high-quality print results on:

• Rough vellum papers
• Matte coated papers
• Glossy coated papers

What makes a wax ribbon different from wax-resin and resin ribbons?

Print durability:
Wax ribbon ink is softer and more susceptible to smudging or scratching. For applications requiring higher durability, wax-resin or full resin ribbons are recommended.

Printer compatibility:
Wax ribbons are designed for Flat-Head printers. Wax-resin and resin ribbons can be used on both Flat-Head and Near-Edge printers.

Printhead heat settings:
Wax inks melt at lower temperatures, reducing printhead stress and extending printhead life.

Label compatibility:
Wax ribbons are ideal for uncoated and matte coated paper surfaces. For synthetic label materials, wax-resin or resin ribbons are the proper choice.

Wax ribbons are also available in a wide range of colours to support varied branding and application needs.

For more information on each Armor Wax Ribbon we supply, click AWR1; AWR8; AWR XL and AWX FH