How a Thermal Transfer Ribbon Printer works

The thermal transfer process is accomplished in a thermal transfer printer by applying a voltage to the printhead that consists of 200 to 600 resistive heating elements per linear inch of printhead (dpi-dots per inch). The resistive material is covered by a thin coating or "glaze" that protects the heating elements from abrasion as the thermal transfer film makes contact with it.

The line of printhead elements is in direct pressure contact with the back side of the thermal film. The ink side of the thermal film is in direct contact with the receiver (ribbon). This thermal film and receiver "sandwich" is driven by a rubber-covered platen roller under the printhead print line at a speed consistent with the heating cycle time of the printhead.

Heat from the printing elements raises the ink to a temperature above its melting point. At this time the ink from the thermal film transfers to the receiver and adheres to it. Together, the thermal film and receiver continue to move from under the printhead for a short distance before separation of thermal film and receiver occurs. It is at this point that the image is formed. The text is permanent, water resistant and will not run.

Why Choose The Elite E214 Ribbon Printer ?

The E214 Ribbon Printer is an outstanding thermal transfer ribbon printer. With advanced standard features and flexible options, the E214 is engineered to meet your ribbon printing applications. Manufactured with an all metal print mechanism, it provides for a more durable and reliable printer. With innovative TrueSpeed technology, the E214 achieves a constant print speed of up to 3 inches per second. It requires minimum counter space, and its light weight allows the printer to be easily moved to any convenient location. Our printer comes with a two year warranty.

Durable & Reliable – Engineered using only the highest quality components and built with an all metal print mechanism to deliver consistent printing and low printer maintenance

Versatile - Print single or multiple narrow ribbons ranging in sizes from one quarter inch up to four inches. Savings will vary. Print a thirty-six inch memorial ribbon for as little as ten cents or multiple narrow ribbons for less than two cents

Customize – The easy to use software allows for quick setup and printing. Get creative with fonts, images and colors. Stack (prize ribbons) or rotate your text 360 degrees. When completed, save your settings for your next print job

Efficient – The printer uses a left margin alignment which provides for a more efficient use of transfer film, potentially cutting your transfer film costs in half

Multi-language capability – Prepare and print your ribbons in any language using your desktops true-type format language fonts (Truetype format language fonts must be present in your Windows font folder).

Technical Specifications