3 Trends that impact Thermal Transfer Ribbons in 2019

Here are the top trends you can expect for Thermal Transfer Ribbons in 2019. Find out what you need to know to stay ahead in the thermal transfer industry.

1. Positive outlook in US manufacturing

The National Association of Manufacturers reports that US manufacturers’ optimism for the year reached 92.4%. While general purpose wax barcode labeling is common for shop floor materials management and logistics, wax resin and resin ribbons are outpacing GDP growth and are being used more for product identification. These higher durability ribbons, like TSBS Resin Printer Ribbons, perform well on BOPPs and polyesters used in automotive, industrial, chemical and outdoor applications.

2. Rise of personalization

According to Labels & Labeling, printing solutions are expected to become even more consumer-focused with packaging personalization and customization at the forefront. How can a thermal transfer ribbon provide customization? Printing color tags and labels can reinforce brand recognition and add visual highlights using existing thermal transfer equipment. Examples of TTR customization has been seen on pre-printed labels in cannabis, personal care products and even hardware.  Looking for a custom color? We can provide thermal transfer ribbons in any exact color match. Contact us for more information.

3. Niche market growth – flexible packaging

Smithers Pira predicts flexible packaging will grow +4%. A high percentage of packages require variable date coding and lot traceability – printed with thermal transfer, inkjet or laser. The new generation of vertical form-fill systems (VFFS) are capable of faster production speeds, greater versatility and improved sealing techniques. Thermal ribbons for flexible packaging printers that offer excellent print quality and durability at fast print speeds will remain in demand. Contact TSBS for all your barcoding needs 908-359-8001 www.tri-statebussys.com

Barcode labels seem simple, but they’re business critical. The right label conveys a quality brand, scans easily, stays adhered, and helps make sure the right products get to the right customers. But many companies buy the wrong labels and pay the hidden costs later:

• Reprinting and reapplying labels because they fall off or won’t scan
• Workflow interruptions caused by barcode labeling and printing issues
• Replacing expensive printheads too often

Do these headaches sound familiar to you? If so, there’s a better alternative: Zebra and TSBS!

Get Better Results with Quality Zebra Supplies

Genuine Zebra supplies are pre-tested and manufactured with the right composition to deliver the best possible adhesion, scannability, durability, and printhead lifespan.

• Minimize print downtime and unexpected printhead failure
• Ensure high-quality, durable, and scannable printing
• Improve your operational productivity and efficiency
• Lower your total cost of printer ownership
• Ensure brand consistency and customer satisfaction

Unsurpassed Selection and Quality

Zebra has a complete selection of labels and supplies, including more than 500 stock products and over 1,000 combinations for virtually any format, printing requirement, or the environment. When you choose Zebra, you get high-quality, reliable labels, ribbons, and supplies for the most demanding requirements—including indoor/outdoor use, sunlight and moisture exposure, chemical and abrasion resistance, and much more.

Order Once for the Whole Year

With our Tri-State “Stock and Ship” program, you can buy your Zebra supplies with a single, annual order. Order once and we’ll send your supplies on a fixed schedule. If your demand is suddenly higher, contact us and we’ll promptly ship your next supplies sooner.

100% Guaranteed Printhead Protection

If you use Zebra printers and agree to use genuine Zebra supplies exclusively, you get guaranteed protection against unexpected printhead replacement costs. If you have a printhead that fails prematurely, it will be replaced at no charge!

Learn More and Request a Quote

Getting started with Zebra supplies is easy. Contact our supplies experts at Tri-State Business Systems for a free consultation and quote.

p: 908-359-8001
e: sales@tri-statebussys.com

A clean printhead prevents costly problems…

Did you know that your thermal transfer printer OEM recommends regular preventative maintenance as a way to protect against premature printhead failure and poor print quality?  Unfortunately, less than 20% of printer owners actually follow this advice – even though the printhead is their most expensive consumable and causes the most print-related problems.  Contact Tri-State Business Systems at 908-359-8001 or explore the TSBS ribbons at www.tri-statebussys.com

Avoid downtime and save money too…

When you use Clean Start, you can also avoid unnecessary downtime and disruptions caused by premature printhead failures.  The result is less money spent on replacing costly printheads.