Articles
History, ribbon types, use cases, and technical explainers about thermal transfer printing and the auto-ID industry.
Jul 16, 2026
1D vs. 2D Barcodes (and Where RFID Fits)
A short, non-technical guide to the identification technologies you'll encounter, and what each is actually good for.
Jul 14, 2026
Barcode Label Material Guide: Paper vs. Polypropylene vs. Polyester
The label stock matters as much as the ribbon — here's which material fits which environment.
Jul 12, 2026
Choosing a Rugged PDA / Mobile Computer: A Buyer's Guide
Android or Windows, what an IP rating actually means, and how to size the right device for your team.
Jul 10, 2026
Barcode Scanner Types Explained: Laser, Linear Imager, 2D Imager
Three scanning technologies, and which one actually fits your warehouse, store, or clinic.
Jul 8, 2026
Inside-Wound vs. Outside-Wound Ribbons: Why It Matters
A ribbon that looks identical to the one you always order can still be wrong — because of which side the coating faces.
Jul 6, 2026
Direct Thermal vs. Thermal Transfer Printing: What's the Difference
Two different label technologies, often confused — here's when each one is the right choice.
Jul 4, 2026
Matching Ribbon Width, Length, and Core to Your Printer
The three ribbon dimensions that must fit your printer and label — and what goes wrong when they don't.
Jul 2, 2026
Why Ribbon Cores Come in 1" and 1.5" Sizes
The two standard ribbon core diameters exist for a real mechanical reason — here's what determines which one your printer needs.
Jun 30, 2026
Wax vs. Wax-Resin vs. Resin Ribbons: How to Choose
The three ribbon chemistries explained — durability, cost, and which one to buy for your labels.
Jun 28, 2026
The History of Thermal Transfer Printing
From industrial coding in the 1970s to the barcode labels on every shelf today — how thermal transfer printing became the backbone of modern auto-ID.