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Ribbon Composition - What Are the Differences Between the Types of Brady Ribbons?

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Article Number000009391
TitleRibbon Composition - What Are the Differences Between the Types of Brady Ribbons?
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What's the Difference Between Ribbons?

Brady makes labels with different properties, for example: halogen free, static dissipative, chemical resistant, endures extreme temps hot or cold, and so on. Therefore, the ink ribbon has to be either wax, resin or a wax resin mix to adhere to the label material. Each ribbon series is a made up of a specific formula: R4300, R6000, R6200, etc. 
 
  • R4300  -  Wax/Resin  -  Strong environmental resistance against smearing and chemicals.  Also, reliable, sharp-edge print quality to maximize barcode readability. Halogen Free.  View the Technical Data Sheet for more information
  • R4400   Resin  -  High density, excellent solvent resistance, high heat resistance, super scratch resistance. Technical Data Sheet.
  • R4500  -  Wax/Resin  -  Strong environmental resistance against smearing and chemicals.  Also, reliable, sharp-edge print quality to maximize barcode readability. Technical Data Sheet.
  • R4900  -  Resin  -  Superb smear resistance at high temperatures.  Superior solvent resistance. Halogen Free. Technical Data Sheet.
  • R6000  Resin  -  High density, excellent solvent resistance, high heat resistance, super scratch resistance. Halogen Free. Technical Data Sheet.
  • R6100  -  Wax  -  Outstanding durability for a general purpose ribbon, and scratch and smear resistant.  Reduced printhead energy requirements. Halogen Free. Technical Data Sheet.
  • R6200  -  Resin  -  Designed for harsh environment labeling applications. Superior abrasion, chemical and heat resistance. Halogen Free. Technical Data Sheet.
  • R6300 -  Resin  -  Ribbon is chemical-, fluid-, high temperature-, solvent- and washdown-resistant. Halogen Free. Technical Data Sheet.
  • R6400  -  Resin  -  High density, excellent solvent resistance, high heat resistance, super scratch resistance. Halogen Free. Technical Data Sheet.
  • R6600  -  Resin  -  Diesel resistant for printing on Brady PermaSleeve and Heatex Sleeves. Halogen Free. Technical Data Sheet.
  • R6700  -  Wax/Resin  -  High performance against scratching, smudging, and harsh chemicals. Halogen Free. Technical Data Sheet. Technical Data Sheet.
  • R10000  -  Resin  -   High performance including strong solvent and scratch resistance. Technical Data Sheet.

How Do I Find the Correct Ribbon For My Labels? 

Refer to Ribbon and Label Compatibility.
  • Tip: Search "[printer model] + ribbon and label compatibility" in this knowledge base to find ribbon and label compatibility charts for your specific printer model, e.g. BMP61 Ribbon Compatibility Chart.

Ribbon Widths

Each ribbon series comes in various widths to fit different THT printers and materials.  The last two numbers indicate the ribbon width. Example: R4300 series ribbons come in multiple sizes:  R4311, R4306, R4300, R4302, R4307, R4304, R4308. See this article for more information about label and ribbon part names for Brady materials: Naming Conventions for Brady Label Media

With THT Printers, you always want to use a ribbon that is as least as wide as the complete web width.  The web width is the complete width of the label or row of labels (if multiple across) plus the liner or carrier on which the labels sit. Customers wanting to save money and be green (no waste) often request or look for ribbons that are wide enough to only cover the printable area, not the complete web width.


Ribbon & Printhead Considerations

The smooth, slick ribbon protects the printer’s ”printhead” (print head) from damage. The label material, liner or carrier can be rough and can cause friction, wear or damage to the printhead. If the printhead is worn it causes poor print quality. If it is damaged there will be voids in all print.

The printhead is the most expensive part of the printer. The money saved on more narrow ribbons might pay for a replacement printhead over time, but it will incur other costs such as time (sending the printer in for repair) and waste (poor print due to damaged printhead). 



Using Brady Ribbons with Non-Brady (3rd party) Label Materials

Refer to Will Brady Thermal Ribbons Work With Non-Brady Labels?


Related information 
URL NameWhat-Ribbon-Should-I-Use-With-My-Labels

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