When it comes to barcode printing, the quality of your Thermal Transfer Ribbon (TTR) directly affects label clarity, printhead life, scanning accuracy, and operational efficiency.
However, many companies unknowingly make mistakes that lead to damaged printers, blurry barcodes, wasted labels, and unnecessary costs.
As one of India’s largest manufacturers and suppliers of TTR ribbons, MYNDS has identified the top mistakes companies make when purchasing ribbons — and how to avoid them.
1. Buying Low-Quality or Cheap Third-Party Ribbons
Many businesses fall for cheap ribbons sold online.
These low-grade ribbons cause:
Printhead scratches
Excess residue buildup
Poor barcode readability
Frequent reprints
Printer breakdowns
Solution:
Buy only high-quality, manufacturer-certified ribbons from MYNDS, which come with anti-static backcoat and strict quality control.
2. Choosing the Wrong Ribbon Type (Wax / Wax-Resin / Resin)
Each ribbon type is engineered for a purpose:
Wax → Paper labels
Wax-Resin → Semi-gloss & synthetic labels
Resin → Toughest, chemical-resistant labels
Wrong selection causes:
Smudging
Faded print
Label rejection during scanning
Solution:
Always match the ribbon type with your label material.
Mindware helps customers choose the perfect ribbon for their use case.
3. Using Fake / Counterfeit or Chinese Unbranded Ribbons
Cheap fake ribbons are everywhere.
Effects include:
Printhead damage
Weak barcode contrast
Chemical incompatibility
Frequent printer servicing
Solution:
Purchase directly from Mindware / MYNDS, India’s trusted TTR manufacturer.
4. Not Matching Ribbon Size with Printer Requirements
Incorrect width or length leads to:
Ribbon wrinkling
Ribbon breakage
Print misalignment
Solution:
Always choose exact width, roll length, and core size as per:
Zebra
TSC
Godex
Honeywell
Citizen
TVS
Mindware provides 100% compatible roll sizes.
5. Ignoring Printhead Compatibility (Flat-Head vs Near-Edge)
Many buyers unknowingly mix:
❌ Flat-head ribbons with near-edge printers
❌ Near-edge ribbons with flat-head printers
This causes:
Faded print
Low adhesion
High wastage
Solution:
Mindware manufactures dedicated flat-head TTR ribbons and near-edge ribbons for high-speed printers.
6. Not Considering Label Material
A ribbon designed for paper will NOT print well on:
PP
PE
PET
Glossy synthetic materials
Solution:
Choose ribbon based on substrate.
Mindware guides customers with the correct ribbon-label combination.
7. Wrong Core Size Selection (0.5” / 1” Core)
Using incorrect core size results in:
Improper feeding
Ribbon slipping
Wastage during printing
Mindware offers 0.5 inch & 1 inch core ribbons for all desktop & industrial printers.
8. Buying from Marketplaces Without Warranty or Support
Platforms like Amazon/IndiaMART often sell:
Refurbished ribbons
Old stock
Non-certified materials
Solution:
Buy directly from Mindware / MYNDS – we provide:
✔ Genuine ribbons
✔ Manufacturer pricing
✔ Technical support
✔ Fast delivery across India
9. Ignoring Environmental Conditions (Heat, Chemicals, UV)
Faded or unreadable barcodes often occur when the ribbon is not suitable for the application environment.
Solution:
Mindware provides:
High-resin chemical-resistant ribbons
Heat-resistant ribbons
Outdoor-grade ribbons
10. Not Buying From a Trusted Manufacturer
This is the biggest mistake.
Mindware/MYNDS is India’s leading TTR manufacturer offering:
Wax, Wax-Resin, Resin Ribbons
Near-Edge & Flat-Head Ribbons
Color Ribbons (Gold, Silver, White, Blue, Red, Green)
Custom sizes, OEM printing
PAN India supply
Conclusion
Buying the wrong Thermal Transfer Ribbon can cost your business more in the long run — damaged printheads, low-quality labels, scanning issues, and operational delays.
Buy only from India’s largest TTR manufacturer, Mindware / MYNDS, for guaranteed quality, durability, and lowest factory-direct pricing.
📞 Call Now: +91-8800839490
📧 gm@indianbarcode.com
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