Do I Need Ink for a Zebra Printer?

Zebra Technologies offers software and hardware solutions that target labeling, identification and badging requirements in more than 100 countries. Its lineup of direct thermal and thermal printers -- designed for uses from the desktop to the factory, hospital, shipping terminal or beyond -- produce single- and full-color output on a variety of surfaces. Although its hardware doesn't require ink to print, Zebra products do rely on a variety of special papers, ribbons, laminates and overlays.

Direct Thermal

1. Zebra's direct thermal printers use a printhead that applies heat to special paper, producing an image in black against a white background. These models create retail receipts, wristbands and ID badges, shipping labels, tickets and other items that don't require an enduring image. Because direct thermal output uses heat to produce an image without ink or toner, it remains susceptible to heat after printing and can fade as a result of heat exposure.

Thermal

1. Zebra's thermal printers also use heat, but these models apply it to a ribbon that produces a one-color image on a continuous-fed paper supply. Depending on the type of ribbon that's used in an individual thermal application, the output can resist ultraviolet light, cold, heat, chemicals, precipitation and wear. Unlike direct thermal hardware, ribbon-based thermal devices can print on materials other than paper, including polyester and certain plastics. Thermal output proves ideal for archival applications and labeling that's exposed to extreme environments.

Ribbon Types

1. Thermal transfer ribbons only print in one color, but that color need not be black. Single-layer wax ribbons can run at high print speeds and use less energy to produce an image than do other ribbon types. Enhanced wax ribbons resist friction but not chemicals. Layered wax/resin ribbons trade slower print speeds for the ability to print on matte synthetic surfaces as well as coated paper, with scratch and smear resistance and at least some chemical resistance. Resin ribbons offer compatibility with glossy paper surfaces and show high resistance to friction, chemicals, the outdoors and a broad range of environmental temperatures. In addition to traditional labelers and their supplies, Zebra also produces ID badge printers that use monochrome or four-color dye sublimation ribbons.

Laminates & Overlays

1. Zebra's badge printers accept a range of laminates and overlays that protect often-used identification from the friction of handling and abuse. They also can apply forensically secure coverings with micro- or nano-text that must be verified by special card readers, or lighter security represented by features that a human agent can see and evaluate. Vanish overlays can implement holograms and other distinctive security options and apply a highly glossy finish.