How does thermal transfer overprinting work?
A TTO coder (Thermal Transfer Overprinter) uses a thermal printhead that locally heats an ink ribbon. Under the effect of heat, the ribbon's ink transfers directly onto the packaging film, at 300 dpi resolution. The result: perfectly sharp dates, batches, logos, barcodes and DataMatrix codes, without smudging.
TTO advantages
- 300 dpi resolution: 100% readable GS1 barcodes and DataMatrix codes
- Real-time variable data: dates, batches, counters, data tables
- Clean operation: no solvent, no odor, ideal for food environments
- Controlled operating cost: a single consumable, the ribbon
- Compact integration: mounts directly on baggers, flowpacks and labelers
Intermittent or continuous?
| Mode | Principle | Typical applications |
|---|
| Intermittent | The head prints while the film is stopped | Stop-and-go vertical baggers, thermoformers |
| Continuous | The head traverses while the film is running | Horizontal flowpacks, high-throughput lines |
On which substrates?
TTO excels on all flexible packaging: PP, PE, PET films, aluminized complexes, bags, flowpacks, lidding films, banderoles and labels (with resin ribbon for varnished surfaces).
The ALLEN FRANCE TTO range
Our
NG Series covers all print widths: the
NG2+ and the
53K (with ultrasonic indexing and SMARTFORCE™ system) for standard formats, the
NG4,
NG6 and
NG8 for wider widths, and the
XL5000 for large format. Each model is available in intermittent and continuous versions.
Choosing the right ribbon
Ribbon selection is decisive: wax for paper and standard films, wax-resin for versatility, resin for synthetic films and varnished labels requiring high rub resistance. Our
shop offers ribbons and maintenance kits for every model.
Conclusion
TTO is the reference technology whenever high-quality variable data must be marked on flexible packaging. To validate the machine/ribbon combination on your films, our technicians perform free adhesion tests on your samples.
ALLEN FRANCE, distribuidor oficial de Allen Coding y Diagraph desde 1984, acompaña a los industriales en sus proyectos de marcaje y trazabilidad. Nuestros técnicos se encargan de la instalación, la formación y el mantenimiento de sus equipos en toda Francia, con stock permanente de consumibles y repuestos. Contacte con nuestros expertos para un presupuesto gratuito y una demostración sobre sus propios productos.
