Datamax thermal transfer ribbons are available through a variety of online outlets. Before purchasing ribbons, take into account the particular applications for which your Datamax printer is intended. In addition, determine whether your top printing priority is cost per label, printing durability or having a wide range of print options.

When shopping for Datamax thermal transfer ribbons, list the other printing supplies you already have on hand and make sure the ribbons you're purchasing are compatible with your particular Datamax printer model and printing substrates. Each of the thermal transfer ribbon materials you're likely to encounter have distinctive characteristics:

1. Wax Datamax thermal transfer ribbons offer the lowest printing cost per label.

2. Resin Datamax thermal transfer ribbons are the most durable printing option.

3. Wax/resin Datamax thermal transfer ribbons combine the low price of wax with a resin enhancement for increased durability.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find the most economical Datamax thermal transfer ribbons

Wax is the most economical of thermal transfer ribbon materials, offering the best printing cost per label, but what you gain in savings you give up in durability.

I recommend: Gemini Computers sells wax thermal transfer ribbons for Datamax printers. Watson Label Products offers a wide variety of thermal transfer ribbon options, including wax, sorted by Datamax printer model.

Get Datamax thermal transfer ribbons and handle them as roughly as you'd like

Resin thermal transfer ribbon offer the most durability, with a high degree of resistance to abrasion, heat, steam and some chemicals.

I recommend: You'll find Datamax thermal transfer ribbons made of high-quality resin available at a variety of online retailers, like Tigerseal Products, which offers easy product sorting by ribbon material or by printer brand and type. POSPaper.com sells resin thermal transfer ribbons in addition to a number of other Datamax compatible ribbon products.

Get the best of both worlds with hybrid Datamax thermal transfer ribbons

Wax/resin or resin enhanced wax thermal transfer ribbons are the all around printing medium, allowing you to print on a wide variety of substrates without having to change ribbons. They offer a compromise between the economy of a wax ribbon and the high performance of pricier resin ribbons. Wax/resin ribbon printer products won't scratch or smudge with rough handling, and can endure exposure to moderate solvents.

I recommend: Provantage sells wax/resin ribbons for Datamax printers. Labels Direct promises to beat any advertised price on thermal ribbons, including Datamax models.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When sorting through the variety of Datamax thermal transfer ribbons, information like which substrates the ribbon can print on is important to take into account. You may find, for example, that purchasing a more expensive wax/resin ribbon from your Datamax thermal transfer ribbons provider will actually save you money in the end because it allows you to print on rough, uncoated paper.