One of the leading paint manufacturers in China has a vast network of partners and selling points globally. The company offers a comprehensive range of construction materials, including various types of paints and coatings, as well as insulation and waterproofing solutions
The challenge
As our local partner supplies thermal transfer printers for a major construction materials manufacturer, they have observed several issues during their service visits to the printing rooms across multiple production facilities.
- Overlapping product barcodes and information
- Versatility of their current ribbon (Multiple grades on each substrate)
- Inconsistent ribbon quality – poor print quality
- High noise levels from the ribbon while printing
- Printed label showing streaks and “dead spots”
- High working temperatures in sealed printing rooms
- Short printhead lifespan

After multiple suggestions from our local partner, the manufacturer is now considering to replace their current thermal transfer solution due to the issues stated above. They have outlined their minimum requirements for the smooth transition to the new thermal transfer ribbon:
- High-speed printing for aluminium paint can labelling to ensure production efficiency
- High durability, able to maintain clear and sharp information
- Consistent ribbon quality
- Designed to withstand rough handling and resist scratches and scuffs that can occur during transportation or in-store handling
The Solution
Considering all concerns of the end-user, our local partner and our sales manager must recommend a ribbon that addresses their current issues, manages hundreds of products and supply chain labelling, and remains cost-effective. To enhance and streamline their production line, our local partner and the ARMOR-IIMAK China team have suggested our premium wax ribbon, AWXFH, for aluminium can labelling.

How inkanto AWX® FH Stands Out
Through multiple on-site printing tests conducted with our local partner at the end-user printing room, the AWXFH premium wax ribbon performed exceptionally well in terms of print quality, versatility, consistency, and high quality-to-value ratio. All the issues and requirements were effectively addressed with the inkanto® ribbon, thanks to our expertise.
The challenge:
- Overlapping Product Barcodes and Information:
- Issue: The previous ribbon caused barcodes and product information to overlap, making it difficult to read and scan.
- Solution: We matched our premium ribbon with the correct substrate, ensuring that the printed barcodes and information are clear, distinct, and sharp
- Versatility of the ribbon:
- Issue: The end-user needed different ribbons for various substrates, leading to inefficiency, longer downtime and increased costs to purchase different grades for different application of manufacturing the paint.
- Solution: Our AWX FH ribbon can be used on multiple substrates, including matte paper, semi-gloss paper, and synthetic materials. This versatility reduces the need for multiple types of ribbons, streamlining the printing process and lowering costs.
- High Noise Levels:
- Issue: The previous ribbon generated noise during printing due to high static electricity between the ink and the back coat while slitting process.
- Solution: Replaced with inkanto ribbon.
- Print Streaks and “Dead Spots”:
- Issue: The printed labels showed streaks and dead spots, which are areas where no ink was deposited.
- Solution: Our premium ribbon is manufactured with a precise slitting process that eliminates these defects, resulting in consistently high-quality products ready to serve.
- Short Printhead Lifespan:
- Issue: The printheads were wearing out quickly and shows white gaps due to accumulated debris.
- Solution: Our AWX FH ribbon includes features like CleanStart® and a cleaning wipe that help keep the printhead clean, reducing wear and extending the lifespan of the printhead.
By addressing these specific issues, our professional technical team ensured that the end-user’s printing operations became more efficient, reliable, and cost-effective. This not only improved the overall quality of their printed labels but also enhanced the longevity and performance of their printing equipment.
Why We Recommended AWX FH
- inkanto® Printhead Care: Minimizes printhead wear with the built-in cleaning feature, CleanStart®, and a cleaning wipe, extending the lifespan of the printer and reducing downtime and maintenance costs.
- Premium Wax Quality: Offers great resistance to smudging and scratching, ensuring clear and sharp information throughout its lifecycle.
- High-Speed Printing: Ensures productivity with high-speed printing capability of up to 400mm/s.

Result
This successful implementation has led to a relationship of trust and unfailing support with our partner.