Wax Thermal Barcode Ribbons for Popular Thermal Barcode Printers

Optimedia Labs has a large selection of wax thermal barcode ribbons optimized for popular thermal barcode printers from brands like Zebra, CAB, Datamax, Videojet, GoDex, Intermec, Printronix, SATO, and Toshiba / TEC. Our wax thermal barcode ribbons come on the right size core, in the right width and diameter, and with the ink side facing the appropriate way for your thermal barcode printer model to ensure a perfect fit. The ribbons are 100% compatible with the listed printer models.

Why Choose Wax Thermal Barcode Ribbons?

Wax thermal barcode ribbons are the most common type of ribbon used for printing barcodes, labels, and tags because they provide a good balance of print quality and durability at a reasonable price. Wax thermal transfer ribbons are made of a wax material that is melted onto the label stock by the heat from the print head to create a durable, smudge-proof image.

In addition, wax thermal barcode ribbons are the most economical type of ribbon, perfect for general-purpose labeling and barcode printing applications. We also offer resin and wax/resin thermal transfer barcode ribbons for more demanding applications.

Understanding Ink Side

When choosing a wax thermal barcode ribbon, you'll need to take into account the "ink side" of the ribbon. The ink side is the side of the ribbon that actually comes into contact with the label stock and contains the wax material that transfers your image onto the labels.

There are choices of ink sides for wax ribbons: facing in or facing out. "In" means that the ink is wound toward the roll's core, while "out" means that the ink is wound away from the roll's core.

The ink side choice is determined by the printer model. Likewise, the correct way to install your ribbon depends on your specific thermal barcode printer model. Refer to your printer's user manual or contact our team of experts for help in choosing the right wax thermal barcode ribbon for your needs.

Width and Length Choices

Optimedia Labs offers wax thermal barcode ribbons in a variety of widths and lengths to fit your needs. While your printer may accept ribbons up to 4 or 8 inches in width, there are times when you may want to use a narrower ribbon to match the narrower width of your labels.

Our wax thermal barcode ribbons come on rolls of varying length as well, such as 147 feet or 984 feet. Longer ribbons mean fewer ribbon changes, which means less downtime for your barcode printer. However, a longer length increases the thermal barcode ribbon roll's diameter, so it's important to take into account the maximum roll size your printer can accommodate when choosing a ribbon length.

Wax Ribbon Colours

Our wax thermal barcode ribbons are available in black, white, a variety of colors, and metallics. Black is the most common wax ribbon type because it provides the highest contrast on label stocks, making it easier to scan barcodes. However, depending on your application, you may want to consider using a colored ribbon (such as red or green) for greater visibility or for color-coding purposes. Metallics are also available for a shiny look that can add pizzazz to product labels and tags.

Shop by Printer Brand and Model

Optimedia Labs offers a wide selection of wax thermal barcode ribbons for all the popular brands and models of thermal barcode printers. To make it easy for you to find the right ribbon, we've organized our selection by printer brand and model:

If you need help finding the right wax thermal barcode ribbon for your needs, please contact our team of experts. We'll be happy to help you choose the perfect ribbon for your application.

Free Sample Ribbons Available

We can send you a free sample of any of our wax thermal barcode ribbons to test in your printer before you make a purchase. Simply fill out the form on our website or contact us at (888) 646-0573 and let us know which ribbon you're interested in testing.