Comparison between wax based carbon ribbon and other types of carbon ribbon

There are significant differences between wax based carbon ribbons and other types of carbon ribbons, such as mixed based carbon ribbons and resin based carbon ribbons, in multiple aspects. The following is a detailed comparison of these three types of carbon ribbons:

1、 Chemical composition and materials

Wax based carbon ribbon: a product primarily composed of wax and carbon black (assuming black carbon ribbon) as coating materials. The proportion of paraffin in wax based carbon ribbon is usually high, some even reaching 70%.

Mixed based carbon ribbon: It is a mixture of paraffin and resin, with a ratio of about 50% each. The mixing ratio can also be adjusted according to demand.

Resin based carbon ribbon: contains the highest proportion of resin components, with a paraffin content of less than 50%.

2、 Physical characteristics

Melting point and energy level:

Wax based carbon ribbon: Due to the much lower melting point of wax compared to resin, printing with wax based carbon ribbon requires much lower energy levels than printing with mixed and resin based materials.

Mixed based carbon ribbon: It contains a high percentage of resin components, which determine its high melting point and require a higher energy level than wax based carbon ribbon for printing.

Resin based carbon ribbon: contains the highest proportion of resin components and requires the highest energy level for printing.

Hardness and durability:

Wax based carbon ribbon: Most wax is softer than resin, and the durability of printed images is relatively poor.

Mixed based carbon ribbon: Combining the advantages of wax and resin, the printed graphics have better scratch resistance and chemical corrosion resistance than wax based carbon ribbon.

Resin based carbon ribbon: Due to the higher hardness of resin compared to wax, the high content of resin gives this carbon ribbon excellent abrasion resistance and chemical corrosion resistance.

3、 Scope and application scenarios

Wax based carbon ribbon:

Economical and suitable for printing general paper labels.

Widely used in regular paper, copperplate paper, rough paper, smooth paper, coated paper, synthetic paper, etc.

Not suitable for materials with smooth surfaces like mirrors, such as PET products.

Mixed based carbon ribbon:

Combining cost-effectiveness and wear resistance, suitable for labels with certain printing requirements.

Suitable for various labels such as copperplate paper, smooth paper, coated paper, synthetic paper, PET, PVC, etc.

Especially suitable for materials with smooth surfaces and products with strict surface requirements.

Resin based carbon ribbon:

The price is high, but the printing effect is excellent, suitable for high demand printing scenarios.

Suitable for labels made of various materials, especially polyester and plastic labels such as synthetic paper PVC、PET、 Washing labels, etc.

Suitable for labels that require long-term exposure to outdoor or harsh environments.

4、 Cost

Wax based carbon ribbon: The lowest cost and economical carbon ribbon.

Mixed based carbon ribbon: The cost is between wax based carbon ribbon and resin based carbon ribbon.

Resin based carbon ribbon: The highest cost, but excellent printing effect, suitable for high demand printing scenarios.

In summary, wax based carbon ribbon, mixed based carbon ribbon, and resin based carbon ribbon have significant differences in chemical composition, physical properties, applicability, application scenarios, and cost. When choosing carbon ribbon, comprehensive consideration should be given to specific printing requirements, label materials, and cost budgets.