ribbon

Ribbon is a thin film that is coated on one side with wax, resin, or wax resin (usually called ink), which is transferred to the media during the thermal transfer process. Ink is transferred onto the media when heated by the small elements within the printhead.

Ribbon is only used with the thermal transfer print method. Direct thermal media does not use ribbon. When ribbon is used, it must be as wide as or wider than the media being used. If the ribbon is narrower than the media, areas of the printhead are unprotected and subject to premature wear. Zebra ribbons have a coating on the back that protects the printhead from wear.