Have you purchased a label printer with TTR printing and don’t know which ribbon to choose? Learn how to select the correct TTR ribbon type based on the label material, width, winding direction and core size to achieve quality and durable printing.

What to Focus On When Choosing the Proper TTR Ribbon

TTR Ribbon Material

Choosing the right TTR ribbon depends in part on which label material you are printing on and in what environment the labels will be used.

Wax TTR Ribbons

Wax TTR printing ribbons are ideal for matte paper labels, which you might use in warehouses, logistics or retail.

• Advantages: Low cost, good readability and easy printing

• Disadvantages: Lower resistance to moisture, abrasion and chemicals

If the self-adhesive label will not be exposed to harsh conditions, a wax TTR ribbon is entirely sufficient.

Wax-Resin TTR Ribbons

Combines advantages from both wax and resin. Suitable for glossy paper and plastic labels (PE = Polyethylene, PP = Polypropylene), where greater durability is needed.

• Advantages: More resistant to abrasion and moisture, sharp print

• Uses: Food, cosmetics, logistics labels

This is the most common and versatile choice offering a good price-to-quality ratio.

Resin TTR Ribbons

This type of TTR printing ribbon is intended for synthetic self-adhesive labels, such as polyester (PE) or polyimide (Kapton) labels, which must withstand extreme temperatures, chemicals, and UV radiation.

• Advantages: High resistance to chemicals, UV, and heat

• Used in: industrial labeling, electronics, laboratories, printing on plastic sleeves

Resin TTR ribbons deliver the most durable print, but require higher print temperature and a quality printhead.

TIP FROM US: To verify your choice, you can also use the TTR RIBBON FINDER.

TTR Ribbon Width

The TTR ribbon should be at least 2 mm wider than the label on each side. For example, if a self-adhesive label is 100 mm → the TTR ribbon should be min. 104 mm.

TTR Ribbon Winding Direction

Each printer requires the correct winding direction — either OUT (ink side out) or IN (ink side in).

The difference lies in which side of the ribbon carries the ink layer:

• With OUT winding, the ink layer is on the outer side of the roll, facing away from the core

• With IN winding, the ink layer is on the inside side, closer to the core

This detail is important because the printhead must come into contact with the ink side of the ribbon, not its reverse side. Using a ribbon wound incorrectly means no ink is transferred or printing is blank or smeared.

Core Size

When selecting a TTR ribbon, you must also pay attention to the core (spool) diameter — the hole around which the ribbon is wound. Each printer is built for a specific core size, and if the wrong size is chosen, the ribbon may not mount correctly or may not unwind uniformly.

Most common sizes are:

• ½" (12.7 mm) – smaller cores used in desktop label printers (e.g. Zebra GK, TSC, Godex)

• 1" (25.4 mm) – larger cores used in industrial label printers (e.g. Zebra ZT, Citizen CL-S, Honeywell)

Core size also affects ribbon length — smaller cores hold shorter TTR ribbons (e.g. 74 m), while larger cores can handle up to 300–450 m.

Summary: Before purchasing a TTR ribbon always verify…

• TTR ribbon material – wax, wax-resin or resin (depending on label material)

• TTR ribbon width – it should be at least 2 mm wider than the label

• Winding direction (IN/OUT) – must match the label printer type

• Core diameter (½" or 1") based on your label printer

• Ribbon length – to fit into the label printer’s spool holder

Recommendation: Check the parameters of your current TTR ribbon or refer to the printer’s technical documentation before buying.