Thermal transfer overprinting and coding, also known as TTO, is a technology that combines a thermal print head and ribbon transport device that – in terms of performance and reliability – are unbeatable if it fits the rest of your overall printing requirements.
A TTO coder is capable of printing variable data including bar codes and 2D codes at a 300 dot per inch quality level and can print onto a wide range of packaging materials for use in the pharmaceutical, food and industrial sectors.
The way thermal transfer technology works is that the thermal transfer ribbon (dry “ink” on a mylar carrier) is positioned between the print head and the packaging to be printed. The pixels of the print head are appropriately energized, for a matter of microseconds, to create the image allowing heat to pass through the ribbon which then releases ink that adheres to the packaging. The ink cools rapidly and that results in a permanent print on the packaging.
It is important to match the composition of the thermal transfer ribbon to the substrate to be printed and the print performance goals (rub and/or scratch resistance, life of ink adherence, light fastness, etc.), Thermal transfer ribbons are made in basically three formulations: wax, wax/resin and resin and are priced upward in that manner.
One of the major benefits of the TTO technology is that it is highly programmable and can accommodate a wide print area, high levels of print quality and various print colors. This is an ideal print technology for graphics, nutritional information, codes, expiration date information and simple batch code printing.
TTO technology is easy to integrate with offline, automatic feeding systems. What can a TTO printer on an automatic feeder be utilized for? Here are some of the items on for which it is ideal:
- Nutritional information printing coding on food sleeves, cartons and labels
- Tyvek medical pouch product identification (Unique Device Identifier)
- Graphics and product descriptions onto industrial blister cards
This technology provides these advantages:
- Ease of use for changing text information, and font sizes and styles
- The ability to print on large areas simultaneously
- It can print on a wide array of packaging materials
- It is a clean technology that is able to be used in all production settings and environments
- Provides a high quality print and wide array of image types, including graphics and barcodes
FlexPackPro TTO Understood
FlexPackPro’s Thermal Transfer Overprinter, also known as TTO, is a solid printer solution for packaging machines and labelers.Continue reading→
Dairy Product Coding & Labeling
Anytime you’re working with food products, there are a multitude of guidelines that must be followed, this is true with dairy packaging and labeling.Continue reading→
5 Things You Should Know about the FlexPackPRO® Thermal Transfer Coder
When looking for a digital, variable data coding system to invest in and depend on, it’s important to first get to know the various system manufacturers and learn how their product offerings can help you achieve your business objectives. One of the more popular coding brands today is the SmartDate family of coders. Here are five things you should know about this particular system.Continue reading→
Thermal Transfer Printer: Why the FlexPackPRO® Thermal Transfer Coder is What You Need
If you are looking for a thermal transfer printer, look no further than the SmartDate Thermal Transfer Coder as it has everything you need and quite possibly more. Not surprising given the company behind the SmartDate is MARKEM, a trusted industry leader in ink and thermal printing technology.Continue reading→
Xxtreme Thermal Transfer Overprinter
Due to the changing global regulations in the medical field, the demand for innovative and effective marking and coding technologies has never been greater. Tracking medical devices through the supply chain is crucial. Not only does the packaging need to protect the device from distribution to final use, in some cases, it also maintains the...Continue reading→
Thermal Transfer Ribbons Overview
When it comes to thermal transfer printing, the ribbon, substrate and printer all work together as one system. It’s simple technology and works by melting ink from the thermal transfer ribbon onto the paper or film. TTP (thermal transfer printing) is very reliable and low maintenance. TTP can be applied in a wide range of...Continue reading→
How To Choose A Thermal Transfer Overprinter
When it comes to deciding what type of TTO (Thermal Transfer Overprinter) to choose there are some valuable points to consider. The two different types are direct thermal and thermal transfer.
FlexPackPro 130 Thermal Transfer Overprinter
A young specialty preserves maker from Vermont was growing fast and needed to begin automating their jar labeling process. They found the perfect wrap-around label applicator system, but, they were at a loss when it came to choosing the right high resolution coder for printing batch codes and expiration dates on their prime labels.Continue reading→
Why Pay More for a Thermal Transfer Overprinter (TTO)?
Since the inception of thermal transfer overprinters (TTOs) in the early 1990’s, Griffin-Rutgers has been there. That’s why we know that all TTOs function in the same manner, based on the identical operating principles – energize the print head, heat the ink on the mylar carrier, and with a little head pressure leave an image...Continue reading→
Thermal Printer and Feeding Systems
Are you printing pouches, Tyvek lid stocks, sleeve, cut labels or garment tags? If you answered yes, then you just might need an Xxtreme/64 desk top system in your facility. These flat-product thermal transfer printer and feeding systems are ideal for use in many industries. When you’re talking with a printing professional from our office...Continue reading→
