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Thermal Transfer Ribbons

High-performance ribbons for flexible packaging, cartons and pallets

wax ribbon
TTO Ribbons

Built for high resolution, high-speed film and pouch-packaging lines where code clarity and print speed both matter.

wax resin ribbon
Label Printer Applicator Ribbons

Designed for cartons, products and pallets; engineered for dependable scanning, harsh environments and reduced downtime.

Not sure which ribbon grade you need for clear, scannable codes?

Matthews supplies thermal transfer ribbons designed to keep production moving with strong print contrast, durability and reliable transfer on your chosen substrate. From flexible packaging lines to carton and pallet applications, we help match ribbon formulation to your printer type, label material and operating conditions-so codes stay legible and compliant.

What We Offer
  • Thermal Transfer Overprinting (TTO) ribbons and Label Printer Applicators ribbons
  • Wax, Wax/Resin and Full Resin formulations tailored for your substrate and environment
  • Australia-wide stock and rapid dispatch to support your production uptime
  • Expert guidance to match ribbon to label material, printer type and application
 
Matched for Performance

Our ribbons are fully compatible with:

  • Evolabel and other print & apply systems
  • TTO printers including hoppers, film and pouch applications
  • Thermal transfer printers (Zebra, SATO, Datamax, Intermec and etc) used on cartons, pallets & products
  • Our iDSnet code-and data-management platform — so your consumables and software are aligned
 

Why Choose Matthews?

Trusted across Australia’s manufacturing and food & beverage supplychains
Precision-matched consumables to minimise faults and maximise uptime
Local engineering coverage and 24/7 support – not just parts, but people you can call
Over 40 years of experience in coding, labelling and traceability systems
 

Frequently Asked Questions

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What is a thermal transfer ribbon used for?  

Thermal transfer ribbons are used with thermal transfer printers to create durable, long- lasting prints on labels for barcodes, product ID, logistics, and compliance use.

What’s the difference between wax, wax-resin and resin ribbons?  

The main difference is durability and label compatibility:

  • Wax ribbons suit paper labels and general warehouse use
  • Wax-resin offers improved scratch and smudge resistance
  • Resin provides maximum durability for synthetic labels in harsh environments

Matthews can help select the right ribbon grade for your application.

How do I choose the right ribbon for my labels?  

Ribbon selection depends on label material, required print life, and exposure conditions such as moisture, chemicals, or cold storage. Matching ribbon and stock correctly prevents fading and poor scan performance.

How do I know what ribbon size I need?  

Ribbon size depends on your printer width and core specifications. As a best practice, the ribbon should be slightly wider than the label to protect the printhead and ensure full coverage. Matthews can confirm the correct sizing for your printer model.

 
Areas We Service

We're proud to supply thermal transfer ribbons Australia wide. Our innovative products and solutions are available across Melbourne, Canberra, Sydney, Brisbane, Darwin, Perth, Adelaide, Hobart and everywhere in between. Get in touch with our team today to see how your business can benefit.

 
Quick Quote
 

Submit a quick quote request and one of our product specialists will action your request within 24hrs!