Thermal transfer ribbon for textiles, or the application of resin thermal transfer ribbons in the textile industry

21 Aug 2024 - Mariusz Baranowski

They can be found in every shirt, pants, or jacket, providing customers with essential information about the product’s size, composition, and care. Although frequently underestimated, sew-in labels play a key role in the apparel and textile industry. However, many of us instinctively reach for scissors immediately after purchasing a piece of clothing to remove a sew-in label that can irritate the skin. Despite this, textile manufacturers must face a new challenge: ensuring the durability and legibility of the markings so that even after being washed and worn repeatedly, they will remain functional and undamaged. The answer to these needs is modern printing technologies, especially the popular ribbon for textiles (resin thermal transfer ribbon).

Ribbon for textiles, or the first step in the manufacturing of permanently printed textile tags and sew-in labels

ribbon for textile

In this article we will explore what a resin thermal transfer ribbon is, its key properties, and the benefits it provides for sew-in label printing. We will also analyze why this technology is becoming a standard in the textile industry, making it possible to manufacture durable, and damage-resistant labels that meet the requirements of both manufacturers and end users.

General characteristics of resin ribbons

Resin ribbons are one of the most technologically advanced materials applied in thermal transfer printing. They are made of extremely durable synthetic substances. They provide remarkable resistance to:

  • abrasion,
  • chemicals,
  • high temperature,
  • humidity.

Resin ribbons are used in many industries for printing labels that need to endure harsh conditions, including chemical labels, industrial labels, or labels in the food industry.

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Specialized resin ribbons for sew-in label printing

thermal transfer ribbons

Although all resin ribbons have certain features in common, these specially designed for sew-in label printing have unique properties that make them particularly suitable for this application. Here are the key differences:

Printing substrate:

Resin ribbons for general use: Standard resin ribbons make durable and resistant prints, but they are not suitable for soft materials.

Resin ribbons for sew-in labels: they are designed to work well with flexible, and soft materials used for sew-in labels, i.e., nylon and satin. This makes the labels comfortable for users and less likely to cause skin irritation.

Adhesion to textiles:

Resin ribbons for general use: They may have difficulty adhering to certain textiles, which can cause the print to smudge or peel off.

Resin ribbons for sew-in labels: These ribbons are engineered to adhere perfectly to a wide range of textile materials, providing a durable and abrasion-resistant print even on challenging surfaces.

Resistance to washing and ironing:

Resin ribbons for general use: Although they are resistant to many external factors, they may not withstand intensive washing and ironing, which is crucial in the case of sew-in labels.

Resin ribbons for sew-in labels: These ribbons are specially engineered to withstand multiple cycles of washing, drying, and ironing, ensuring that the prints remain legible and intact throughout the whole lifespan of the garment.

Safety and compliance:

Resin ribbons for general use: They may not meet all specific human skin contact requirements and safety standards of the textile industry.

Resin ribbons for sew-in labels: These ribbons are safety-tested to meet standards such as OEKO-TEX Standard 100 which guarantees they are skin-safe and do not contain hazardous chemical substances.

What is worth knowing about thermal transfer ribbons?

Why is the resin thermal transfer ribbon technology becoming a standard in the textile industry?

The answer is simple: thanks to their unrivaled properties, which translate into the durability, quality, and safety of sew-in labels. The high quality of printing, compliance with standards, comfort of use, and cost-effectiveness are the reasons why this technology is chosen by many clothing manufacturers worldwide. Resin thermal transfer ribbons provide benefits that meet the highest standards of the textile industry to companies searching for reliable and modern solutions.

If you are looking for reliable and innovative solutions for your business, it is worth considering Etisoft’s offer which includes a wide range of thermal transfer ribbons, not only ribbon for textiles.  By partnering with Etisoft, you can be sure that you are receiving top-quality products that will meet the expectations of both you and your customers.

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We invite you to take advantage of our offer and see for yourself the benefits of modern thermal transfer printing technology. Choose durability, quality, and innovation – select Etisoft resin ribbons, and rest assured that your sew-in labels will always be of the highest standard. For detailed information and product offers, visit the Etisoft website or contact our expert team directly, who will be happy to help you select the best solution for your business.

Ask for a quote!

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