Thermal transfer labels and ribbons
Key facts
In thermal transfer printing, the printhead transfers ink from a ribbon onto the label. Label and ribbon therefore form a pair. According to Zebra, wax ribbons are intended for coated and uncoated paper, wax/resin for coated papers and many matte synthetics, and resin for matte and gloss synthetics; Zebra explicitly describes some resin ribbons as resistant to chemicals and temperature.
The OPAL kits come with the matching ribbon in the box. Kit L consists of special thermal transfer paper with a wax ribbon and, according to the shop, is intended for longer-term labelling such as article labels. Kits C and F consist of white PE film with a resin ribbon that, according to the shop, produces a smudge-proof print. The shop also sells Zebra ribbons separately, for example the Zebra 5319 (wax) in 83 mm width.
- Article and product labels with a longer life
- Labels with smudge-proof print (PE film with resin ribbon)
- Rating plates: kits MMA and MMi in silver film, according to the shop for UL rating plates
- High-density barcodes and fine text on paper (Zebra 5319 according to the manufacturer)
- Short-lived shipping labels without ribbon: Direct thermal labels
- Freezer and cryogenic storage with special adhesive: Freezer and cryo labels
- Processes without liner: Linerless labels
- Asset labelling with tamper evidence: Security and asset labels
Detailed specifications
| Kit L | Kit C | Kit F | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Face material | special thermal transfer paper, white | PE film, white, thermal transfer coated | same as left |
| Adhesive | permanent | same as left | same as left |
| Format | 99 x 148 mm | 50.8 x 25.4 mm | 76.2 x 50.8 mm |
| Labels per roll | 500 | 1,500 | 1,000 |
| Rolls per box | 4 | 5 | 4 |
| Ribbon in the box | 4 x BRI110VO8 | 3 x RES055VO8 | 3 x RES085VO8 |
| Ribbon type | wax | resin | same as left |
| Print resistance according to the shop | for longer-term labelling, e.g. article labels | smudge-proof print | same as left |
| Perforation | after each label | same as left | same as left |
| Core diameter | not specified | same as left | same as left |
| Outer diameter | not specified | same as left | same as left |
| Ribbon width and length | not specified | same as left | same as left |
| Temperature range | not specified | same as left | same as left |
| Compatible printers | according to the shop, in the kit’s data sheet | same as left | same as left |
| Article number | OPAL-L | OPAL-C | OPAL-F |
Source: manufacturer data sheets and product pages, as of October 2026. Subject to change; individual variants may differ. Prices and delivery times are available in the shop.
Variants and accessories
| Kit | Format | Material | Contents per box according to the shop list |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBi | 50.8 x 25.4 mm | thermal transfer paper | 4 rolls of 2,650, with ribbon |
| C | 50.8 x 25.4 mm | PE film | 5 rolls of 1,500, with resin ribbon |
| CCi / CCA | 50.8 x 25.4 mm | PE film | 4 rolls of 2,650 |
| E / EEi | 76.2 x 50.8 mm | thermal transfer paper | 4 rolls of 1,000 / 4 rolls of 1,400 |
| F / FFi | 76.2 x 50.8 mm | PE film | 4 rolls of 1,000 / 4 rolls of 1,400 |
| iiA / iii | 101.6 x 76.2 mm | PE film | 4 rolls of 920 |
| L / LLi / LLA | 99 x 148 mm | thermal transfer paper | 4 rolls of 500 |
| S | 148 x 210 mm | thermal transfer paper, gloss white | 4 rolls of 400, with ribbon |
| MMA / MMi | 50.8 x 25.4 mm | silver film for UL rating plates | 3 rolls |
| ZA / ZB | 2 x 18 x 10 mm / 2 x 25 x 11 mm | butterfly and flag labels | 2 rolls of 1,900 / 2 rolls of 2,400 |
Ribbons and accessories
- Zebra 5319 ribbon (wax), black, 83 mm, 6 rolls per box
- Zebra ribbon, black, 102 mm, 6 rolls per box (ribbon type not specified in the shop)
- Printers with thermal transfer mechanism: Label printers
- Manage layouts and print data centrally: OPAL Labelmanagement™
- Custom formats, samples and advice: Labels and consumables
Thermal transfer or direct thermal?
| Thermal transfer | Direct thermal | |
|---|---|---|
| Ribbon | needed, matched to the material | not needed |
| Materials in the shop | paper, PE film, coated polypropylene, silver film | Thermo Top paper, direct thermal film, linerless |
| Print resistance | up to smudge-proof depending on ribbon (resin, according to the shop) | for short-term labelling according to the shop |
| Typical use | article and product labels, rating plates, assets, laboratory | shipping, picking, mobile printers |
| Consumables | labels and ribbon | labels only |
| Printer | printer with thermal transfer mechanism | any thermal printer in direct thermal mode |
Thermal transfer pays off when the label has to stay legible for longer or adhere to synthetic surfaces. The extra effort lies in the second consumable: ribbon type, width and winding must match the label and the printer. For short-lived labels such as shipping labels, direct thermal is simpler. Go to direct thermal labels
What OPAL adds
Frequently asked questions
Which ribbon suits my label?
According to Zebra, wax ribbons suit coated and uncoated paper, wax/resin suits coated papers and many matte synthetics, and resin suits matte and gloss synthetics. The OPAL kits already include the matching ribbon in the box. We are happy to advise on other combinations.
What else should I check besides the ribbon type?
Width, length, core diameter and the position of the ink layer, outside or inside on the roll, must match your printer. The ribbon should be at least as wide as the label. These values are in the data sheets of the printer and the ribbon.
How long can ribbons be stored?
For the Zebra 5319 (wax), Zebra states a shelf life of one year at 22 °C and 50 % relative humidity. The shop does not state a storage life for the ribbons in the OPAL kits.
Will the kits fit my printer?
Core and outer diameter are not stated on the shop pages for kits L, C and F. For compatible printers, the shop refers to each kit’s data sheet. If you are missing a value, ask us before ordering.
What is the difference between kit C and kit CCi?
Both are made of PE film in the format 50.8 x 25.4 mm. Kit C contains 5 rolls of 1,500 labels with resin ribbon; according to the shop list, kit CCi contains 4 rolls of 2,650 labels with ribbon. More labels per roll means a larger roll diameter, so check it against your printer.
Can I get custom formats or other materials?
Yes. The kits come from OPAL’s in-house label printing shop, which also produces custom formats, special adhesives and materials for particular surfaces. Use the label request form or the page Labels and consumables.
Data sheets and manufacturer information
The manufacturer provides data sheets, user guides and configuration guides on the product page. We are also happy to send you the documents directly.
Suitable alternatives
