What is blocking when it comes to Thermal Transfer Printing?

Blocking is a phenomenon that happens when the Thermal Transfer Ribbon ink is transferred to the other side of the PET film. This can happen when the ribbon is exposed to a heat source such as direct sunlight.

How does blocking affect Thermal Transfer Printing?

The possible damage caused by blocking does not only often result in printing errors, but can also damage the print-head of your Thermal Transfer Printer. A damaged print-head can be a costly investment when it comes to Thermal Transfer Printing. That is why there is such a big emphasis on the prevention of possible print-head damage.

How to ensure blocking resistance of your Thermal Transfer Ribbon?

Simply explained, you can think of your Thermal Transfer Ribbon as chocolate. When you leave chocolate out in the sun or exposed to another type of heat source that chocolate can melt. The same can happen to your Thermal Transfer Ribbon. That is also why it is crucial to be aware of and store your ribbons according to the storage conditions. With proper care and storage, you can ensure peace-of-mind and can achieve blocking resistance for your Thermal Transfer Ribbons.

The storage conditions of DNP Thermal Transfer Ribbons can be found on the product pages of our website. Please note that different formulations, let them be wax, wax/resin, or resin formulations have different storage conditions.

How else can you prevent possible damage to your Thermal Transfer Printer print-head?

Similar to blocking, a static build-up in your printer can also result in a damaged print-head. In a previous vlog, we have talked about what static electricity is, how it can damage your Thermal Transfer Printer’s print-head and why it is so crucial to choose an anti-static Thermal Transfer Ribbon.

Do you feel like you need help finding the right product or do you just need a sample Thermal Transfer Ribbon to test on? We are here to help!