DNP's goal is to set the record straight by providing information to our partners and their customers about TTR backcoating and its effects on thermal transfer printheads. Now, the simple fact is that if end-users cleaned their printheads most of the tested ribbons do not damage printheads. However, our extensive research shows that even the end-users that do clean their printheads don't even approach the recommended cleaning routines suggested by the printer manufacturers.
Therefore, we tested ribbons at multiple percentage print coverage (0%, 50% and 100%), on four different thermal printers (Zebra, Datamax, Sato and Intermec) at average market speed (6 ips) and looked at the printhead both before and after cleaning. The results listed in this study reflect an analysis of printheads, before cleaning, having printed 2000 meters (the equivalent of 12,500 4X6 labels).
This data shows that DNP's W137 Premium Plus Wax performs the best under most circumstances and has the overall "best"thermal ribbon backcoating. The competition talks about “absolutely NO residue build-up” or "self-cleaning" backcoatings, trust us, the best backcoat leaves nothing behind and takes nothing away.
DNP has manufactured over 345,000,000 ribbons in the last ten years, we feel confident that our OEM's and VAR partners can trust that our R&D continues to set new standards for quality, reliability and innovation in the AIDC market.
Why is this study important?
Printhead Residue
Why is build-up bad? Before beginning let's state the obvious, most printhead residue problems can be avoided by simply-cleaning the printhead every time you load a new ribbon. However, having said this…no one cleans their printhead.
The thermal printhead provides a burst, or stream, of heat enabling the transfer of ink from the ribbon to the substrate. If a ribbon leaves deposits of residue behind on the printhead many things can occur. The printhead energy transferred to the ribbon will be altered by the deposit, causing a deterioration of print quality. These deposits can make it more difficult for the printhead to dissipate heat potentially causing element damage or failure. This element damage means trouble and expense for the end-user. Other potential problems include: loss of scan rate efficiencies, ribbon wrinkling and many more. Printhead residue is the second leading cause, in our opinion, of printhead failure. The leading cause is operator error.
Printhead Abrasion
Why is head abrasion bad? A thermal printhead is covered by a coating that is used to both protect the printhead and allow for excess heat to dissipate away from the elements. If a backcoating abrades away this coating it could alter the characteristics of heat transfer, thus effecting print quality. In addition, the removal of this protective coating means the printhead could be more vulnerable to elements damage or failure.
