The scratch resistance of thermal transfer ribbon is crucial to the quality and durability of printouts. Whether it is product labels or various types of bills, good scratch resistance ensures clear and lasting information.
First, optimizing ink formulation is one of the key strategies to improve scratch resistance. By adding special wear-resistant additives, such as nano-scale ceramic particles or high-molecular wear-resistant polymers, the hardness and toughness of the ink layer can be enhanced. These additives are evenly dispersed in the ink and closely combined with the printing media during the thermal transfer process to form a strong and wear-resistant surface that effectively resists external scratches.
Secondly, treating the ribbon base film can also significantly improve scratch resistance. Using surface coating technology, a layer of material with low friction coefficient and high wear resistance, such as fluorocarbon resin coating, is coated on the surface of the base film. This not only reduces friction when scratching, but also provides a better adhesion basis for the ink, preventing the ink layer from falling off during the scratching process.
Furthermore, adjusting thermal transfer process parameters plays an important role in improving scratch resistance. Appropriate printing temperature, pressure and speed ensure that the ink is fully transferred and well combined with the media. Higher printing temperatures allow the ink to penetrate better into the media, but you need to avoid excessive temperatures that may cause the ink to burn or discolor. Optimize the combination of pressure and speed to make the ink adhere to the printing media evenly and densely, enhancing scratch resistance.
In terms of testing methods, the pencil hardness test is commonly used. Use pencils of different hardness levels to scratch the thermally transferred sample under a certain pressure and angle, and observe the scratches on the ink layer to determine the pencil hardness level that its scratch resistance can withstand.
There is also a friction test method, which uses a special friction testing machine to rub the printed sample back and forth at a certain pressure and speed under a specified friction medium (such as sandpaper or a specific rubber block). By measuring the color change, Indicators such as the amount of ink residue are used to evaluate the scratch resistance of the thermal transfer ribbon.
In addition, testing that simulates the actual usage environment is also indispensable. For example, a thermal transfer label is affixed to the product package, and after transportation, handling, storage, etc., the scratching of the label is checked. This test can more truly reflect the scratch resistance performance of thermal transfer ribbon in practical applications. .
By optimizing the ink formula, base film treatment and thermal transfer process parameters, and using a variety of scientific and reasonable testing methods for evaluation and improvement, the scratch resistance of thermal transfer ribbons can be continuously improved to meet the printing quality and durability requirements of different industries. requirements.
