Creating High Marks

Thermal transfer product manufacturers are also keeping a close eye on RFID. Even though printers and converters are still learning about ways to implement the technology, it's become apparent that coding and marking technologies have to be considered when it comes to printing on smart labels. This is because in the manufacturing of thermal transfer ribbons, an electrical charge builds up due to the production process, explained Candice Kamody, marketing coordinator at Sony Chemicals Corp. of America. Since the electrical components of RFID tags and labels can be damaged by static discharges, printers need to consider the affect thermal transfer ribbons can have on the readability failure rate of smart labels. "The thermal transfer ribbon should be designed to have a low static ink formulation, which will dissipate the electrical charges," Kamody said.