Meaning
Physical break or tear in the thermal transfer ribbon used to print images on labels and packaging. The occurrence of wax resin ribbon scission halts the printing process and can damage the print head if the material wraps around the rollers. This risk is eliminated when using direct thermal technology which does not require a ribbon carrier.
Mechanical Failure
Thin film carriers are subjected to stress as they pass between the print head and the label stock. During wax resin ribbon scission, the polyester base layer snaps, leading to an immediate loss of print output. This can result in a large amount of wasted label stock if the printer does not have an automatic stop feature.
Operational Downtime
Replacing the ribbon and cleaning the machine takes several minutes, which reduces the overall throughput of the production line. To prevent wax resin ribbon scission, operators must balance the darkness settings of the printer with the mechanical tension of the take-up reel. Using a ribbon that is too narrow for the label width can also lead to premature wear and breakage at the edges.
Quality Control
Manufacturers of these consumables test the tensile strength and heat resistance of the film to ensure it can withstand high-speed printing. A batch with frequent wax resin ribbon scission is usually rejected and returned to the supplier for a credit. Reliable ribbon performance is essential for maintaining the continuous flow of goods in a high-volume distribution center.
Proper tension adjustment remains the best defense against mechanical ribbon failure.
