Backcoat: what is it and how does it help with print quality?

Backcoat: what is it and how does it help with print quality?

When choosing the ideal ribbon for your printing, it is very important to pay particular attention to some details. The first, of course, is the type of material. This factor will be important to consider when choosing a resin, wax or mixed ribbon. Another detail that should be considered is whether or not it is backcoated.

To explain what this means, how it works and how important it is, we have prepared this article. Read on and find out more about the backcoat.

Check out how the ribbons are formed

First of all, we would like to show you how the ribbons are formed in order to explain in more detail what the backcoat is. Transfer ribbons generally consist of the following elements:

• Release layer: this is the layer between the polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and the ink. It serves to anchor the film during the printing process and to ensure that the transfer is carried out successfully.
• Polyester film (carrier): this is a thin film, which serves as the structure for the ribbon. Its function is to receive the layers of chemicals and hold what will be printed in place.
• Ink: this is the layer that is transferred to the labels in the print. It is formulated with pigment and may contain wax, resin or a mixture of the two.
• Trailer: this film is located at the end of the transfer ribbon. Its purpose is to ensure that the printer will stop when the ribbon runs out.
• Core: made of cardboard or plastic, this is the shaft around which the ribbon is wound (and unwinds during printing).
• Leader: a PET layer that protects the ribbon, identifies its formulation and facilitates its replacement in the printer.

In addition to these elements, the thermal transfer ribbon also has a backcoat. Check out more about this.

Find out what backcoat is and what it is used for.

It is an advanced technology designed to prolong the life of the print head by means of a special silicone coating. This is at the back of the ribbon and remains in contact with the print head, protecting it from rubbing against the label.

It is pre-applied to the ribbon during manufacturing. Thus, one side of the transparent polyester (PET) ribbon has one or more layers of ink. The other has a protective layer, the backcoat.

Therefore, its function is to protect the printer head, keeping it clean. Over time, residues such as glue, dust and kaolinite may build up, promoting the creation of a hardened crust. This prevents heat from passing through, so the ink does not melt on the label. In fact, it is to help avoid this concentration of residues that cleaning with isopropyl alcohol is recommended at each ribbon and/or label change.

Moreover, the backcoat assists in dissipating static charges, preventing static build-up, and providing lubrication of the head. All of this also helps to reduce maintenance and replacement costs of this printer part.

See how backcoat helps improve thermal printing.

In thermal transfer printers, the head is preheated. When it comes into contact with the ribbon, the latter melts in the places that are hot. And these parts are transferred to the base of the label. When the ribbon has a backcoat, this protects the print head.

This protection ensures excellent heat conduction, allowing the ink to transfer to the print media in a higher quality. This is also because as the backcoat reduces the development of static electricity, there is less chance of damage to the print.

Typically, a print head can last up to 1 million linear inches. That is if the correct thermal transfer print media is used and regular cleaning is carried out. To maintain this durability, a backcoated ribbon is essential, as this layer will help to maintain a high print standard, as well as protecting the print head and helping to keep it clean.

So, for more excellence in thermal transfer printing, use quality ribbons that are backcoated, like the ARMOR-IIMAK products. Click here and check out our product range.