Stock Thermal Transfer Ribbons – Immediate Shipment
In short: 60+ ready-to-ship thermal transfer ribbons in Premium Wax, General Purpose Wax, Wax/Resin, and Premium Resin, sized for TSC/Zebra, Honeywell Datamax/Intermec, and SATO industrial and desktop printers, with open per-ribbon pricing and same-day shipment on most SKUs.
Key Benefits
What you get when you order CIS stock thermal transfer ribbons
Same-day shipping on most SKUs
CIS stock ribbons release the same day from the nearest in-stock warehouse.
Four chemistries on the shelf
Premium Wax, General Purpose Wax, Wax/Resin, and Premium Resin | sized for every label and printer.
60+ stock part numbers
TSC/Zebra, Honeywell Datamax, Intermec, and SATO compatible widths and lengths.
Anti-static backcoating
Every ribbon ships with backcoating to prolong printhead life and reduce static-related defects.
Open per-ribbon pricing
No hidden minimums | single-case pricing shown openly, with quantity breaks where the mill offers them.
Human-first service | no bots, no delays
Real specialists confirm ribbon-to-label matching and release the order the same day.
How to Choose Thermal Transfer Ribbons
A five-step decision framework
- 1
Identify your label face stock
Uncoated and coated paper labels run best with wax or wax/resin. Synthetic films (PVC, BOPP, PET, polyester) require wax/resin or resin to anchor the image. Tag stocks and vellums work with wax. Mismatching ribbon chemistry to face stock is the #1 cause of smudging, fading, and poor scan rates.
- 2
Match durability to the application
For shipping, distribution, carton and short-life product ID, choose Premium Wax or General Purpose Wax. For moderate scratch/smear resistance, retail and apparel hangtags, pick Wax/Resin. For chemical drums, medical and pharmaceutical, automotive, electronics, and outdoor/heat applications, choose Premium Resin.
- 3
Confirm coated side in (CSI) or coated side out (CSO)
CSO is the most common standard, TSC, Zebra, Intermec PM/PX, and Zebra desktop printers all run coated side out. Honeywell Datamax M/I/H/W Class and SATO M/CL Class run coated side in. Wrong orientation will not transfer ink and can damage the printhead. Each CIS table lists the correct coating direction.
- 4
Match width and length to your printer
Pick a ribbon width equal to or slightly greater than the label width, a ribbon narrower than the label will leave unprinted edges. Length depends on roll capacity: industrial printers accept up to 1476 ft. or 1500 ft.; desktop printers typically max out at 243–984 ft.
- 5
Decide whether you need general purpose or premium wax
Both are wax ribbons. Premium Wax offers a higher density formulation, better edge definition at 300/400 dpi, and supports print speeds up to 12 IPS, choose it for high-speed print-and-apply lines and high-resolution graphics. General Purpose Wax is the economical choice for standard 6–8 IPS shipping and distribution printing.
Stock Thermal Transfer Ribbons
High-volume widths (4.02", 4.33", 4.09") are highlighted.
Premium Wax Ribbons (high-density wax, up to 12 IPS)
High-density wax formulation engineered for high-speed print-and-apply, shipping, carton and address labeling, and high-resolution 300/400 dpi graphics. Excellent edge definition up to 12 IPS, anti-static backcoating, and wider print latitude than general purpose wax.
TSC / Zebra Compatible | 984'
Compatible printers: XI, Z, ZM, Se, SL, Stripe, PAX, S4M, ZE600, ZT220, ZT230, ZT410, ZT420, ZT510, ZT610, ZT620
Specs: 1" fiber core, coated side out · Price per ribbon (1+ cases)
| Part # | Size (in × ft) | Size (mm × m) | Qty / Case | Price / Ribbon | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PW1570984 | 1.57" x 984' | 40mm x 300m | 36 | $1.99 | Premium wax ribbon, narrow format for product ID and small labels. |
| PW2360984 | 2.36" x 984' | 60mm x 300m | 36 | $3.70 | Premium wax ribbon for mid-narrow labels, barcode and product ID. |
| PW3150984 | 3.15" x 984' | 80mm x 300m | 24 | $3.91 | Premium wax ribbon for shipping and carton labels up to 3". |
| PW4020984 | 4.02" x 984'High-volume | 102mm x 300m | 24* | $4.36 | Most-ordered industrial wax ribbon, pairs with 4" x 6" shipping labels. |
| PW4330984 | 4.33" x 984'High-volume | 110mm x 300m | 24* | $4.51 | Wide industrial wax ribbon for 4.33"-edge label stocks. |
| PW6500984 | 6.50" x 984' | 165mm x 300m | 12 | $9.27 | Wide-format wax ribbon for chemical drum and pail labels. |
| PW8660984 | 8.66" x 984' | 220mm x 300m | 12 | $12.02 | Full-width 8.66" wax ribbon for pallet, drum, and signage printing. |
TSC / Zebra Compatible | 1476'
Compatible printers: XI, Z, ZM, Se, SL, Stripe, PAX, S4M, ZE600, ZT220, ZT230, ZT410, ZT420, ZT510, ZT610, ZT620
Specs: 1" fiber core, coated side out · Price per ribbon (1+ cases)
| Part # | Size (in × ft) | Size (mm × m) | Qty / Case | Price / Ribbon | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PW2361476 | 2.36" x 1476' | 60mm x 450m | 36* | $3.69 | Long-length premium wax, fewer changeovers on mid-narrow runs. |
| PW3151476 | 3.15" x 1476' | 80mm x 450m | 24* | $4.92 | Long-length premium wax for 3" carton labels. |
| PW3271476 | 3.27" x 1476' | 83mm x 450m | 24* | $5.09 | Long-length premium wax sized for 3.27" stocks. |
| PW4021476 | 4.02" x 1476'High-volume | 102mm x 450m | 24* | $6.28 | 50% more print length per ribbon, top-volume industrial SKU. |
| PW4331476 | 4.33" x 1476'High-volume | 110mm x 450m | 24* | $6.76 | Long-length premium wax for wide industrial print lines. |
| PW5121476 | 5.12" x 1476' | 130mm x 450m | 24* | $7.99 | Long-length wax ribbon for 5"-edge labels. |
| PW6001476 | 6.00" x 1476' | 152mm x 450m | 12* | $9.35 | Wide 6" wax ribbon, 1476' length for shrink wrap and signage. |
| PW6501476 | 6.50" x 1476' | 165mm x 450m | 12* | $10.15 | Wide 6.5" wax ribbon for chemical and drum labeling. |
| PW6851476 | 6.85" x 1476' | 174mm x 450m | 12 | $11.12 | Wide wax ribbon for 6.85"-edge label stocks. |
| PW8661476 | 8.66" x 1476' | 220mm x 450m | 12 | $13.54 | Full-width 8.66" wax ribbon, long-length for high-volume print. |
Honeywell Intermec Compatible | 509'
Compatible printers: 3400, 8646, PM, PX Series
Specs: 1" fiber core, coated side out · Price per ribbon (1+ cases)
| Part # | Size (in × ft) | Size (mm × m) | Qty / Case | Price / Ribbon | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PW4090509 | 4.09" x 509'High-volume | 104mm x 155m | 24* | $2.96 | Premium wax sized for Honeywell PM/PX 4" industrial printers. |
Honeywell Intermec Compatible | 1500'
Compatible printers: 4420, 4440, PX, PM Series
Specs: 1" fiber core, coated side in · Price per ribbon (1+ cases)
| Part # | Size (in × ft) | Size (mm × m) | Qty / Case | Price / Ribbon | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PW4091500 | 4.09" x 1500'High-volume | 104mm x 457m | 24 | $6.72 | Long-length premium wax for high-volume Honeywell industrial print. |
Honeywell Datamax Compatible | 1181'
Compatible printers: PRODIGY, DMX, M Class, I Class, H Class, W Class
Specs: 1" fiber core, coated side in · Price per ribbon (1+ cases)
| Part # | Size (in × ft) | Size (mm × m) | Qty / Case | Price / Ribbon | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PW2521181 | 2.52" x 1181' | 64mm x 360m | 36 | $3.14 | Premium wax for Datamax mid-narrow industrial printers. |
| PW3151181 | 3.15" x 1181' | 80mm x 360m | 24 | $5.09 | Premium wax for Datamax 3" industrial printers. |
| PW3501181 | 3.50" x 1181' | 89mm x 360m | 24 | $4.38 | Premium wax sized for Datamax 3.5" print widths. |
| PW4021181 | 4.02" x 1181'High-volume | 102mm x 360m | 24* | $5.01 | Most-ordered Datamax wax, fits M/I/H Class 4" printers. |
| PW4331181 | 4.33" x 1181'High-volume | 110mm x 360m | 24* | $5.41 | Wide Datamax wax for 4.33"-edge label stocks. |
| PW8501181 | 8.50" x 1181' | 216mm x 360m | 12 | $13.70 | Full-width Datamax wax ribbon for W Class wide printers. |
SATO Compatible | 1345'
Compatible printers: M84PRO, M8400RV, GLE, GTE, CL, CT4LX
Specs: 1" fiber core, coated side in · Price per ribbon (1+ cases)
| Part # | Size (in × ft) | Size (mm × m) | Qty / Case | Price / Ribbon | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PW4021345 | 4.02" x 1345'High-volume | 102mm x 410m | 24 | $5.72 | Premium wax for SATO CL/M84 industrial 4" printers. |
| PW4331345 | 4.33" x 1345'High-volume | 110mm x 410m | 24 | $6.15 | Wide premium wax for SATO 4.33"-edge label stocks. |
TSC / Zebra Desktop (½" Core) | 243'
Compatible printers: GC420t, GK420t, GX420T, GX430T, T402, TLP 2742, 3742, TLP-2844, 2242, 2642, ZD220, ZD500, ZD620
Specs: ½" fiber core, coated side out · Price per ribbon (1+ cases)
| Part # | Size (in × ft) | Size (mm × m) | Qty / Case | Price / Ribbon | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PW2520243 | 2.52" x 243' | 64mm x 74m | 36 | $1.41 | Premium wax for Zebra GK/GX/ZD desktop printers. |
| PW4330243 | 4.33" x 243'High-volume | 110mm x 74m | 36 | $2.44 | Most-ordered desktop wax, full 4.33" print width. |
Need a ribbon not listed or help matching to your labels? Request a quote , a real CIS specialist responds in minutes, no bots.
General Purpose Wax Ribbons (economical, up to 8 IPS)
Reliable, economical wax ribbon for barcode label and tag printing, shipping, distribution, logistics, and retail. Performs well on a wide variety of substrates with lower printhead energy and anti-static backcoating.
TSC / Zebra Compatible | 1476'
Compatible printers: XI, Z, ZM, Se, SL, Stripe, PAX, S4M, ZE600, ZT220, ZT410, ZT420, ZT510, ZT610, ZT620
Specs: 1" fiber core, coated side out · Price per ribbon (1+ cases)
| Part # | Size (in × ft) | Size (mm × m) | Qty / Case | Price / Ribbon | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SW2361476 | 2.36" x 1476' | 60mm x 450m | 36 | $2.63 | Economical general purpose wax for mid-narrow shipping labels. |
| SW3271476 | 3.27" x 1476' | 83mm x 450m | 24 | $3.65 | General purpose wax sized for 3.27" stocks. |
| SW4021476 | 4.02" x 1476'High-volume | 102mm x 450m | 24 | $4.49 | Best-value 4" industrial wax for shipping and distribution. |
| SW4331476 | 4.33" x 1476'High-volume | 110mm x 450m | 24 | $4.83 | General purpose wax for 4.33" industrial print. |
| SW5121476 | 5.12" x 1476' | 130mm x 450m | 24 | $5.72 | General purpose wax for 5"-edge label stocks. |
Honeywell Datamax Compatible | 1181'
Compatible printers: PRODIGY, DMX, M Class, I Class, H Class, W Class
Specs: 1" fiber core, coated side in · Price per ribbon (1+ cases)
| Part # | Size (in × ft) | Size (mm × m) | Qty / Case | Price / Ribbon | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SW2521181 | 2.52" x 1181' | 64mm x 360m | 36 | $2.25 | Value general purpose wax for Datamax mid-narrow printers. |
| SW3151181 | 3.15" x 1181' | 80mm x 360m | 24 | $2.81 | General purpose wax for Datamax 3" printers. |
| SW4021181 | 4.02" x 1181'High-volume | 102mm x 360m | 24 | $3.60 | Best-value 4" Datamax wax, shipping and product ID. |
| SW4331181 | 4.33" x 1181'High-volume | 110mm x 360m | 24 | $3.88 | Wide general purpose Datamax wax for 4.33" stocks. |
Premium Wax/Resin Ribbons (scratch & smear resistant, up to 8 IPS)
UL-recognized wax/resin formulation for applications that need moderate-to-high scratch and smear resistance. Strong performance on coated papers, gloss stocks, synthetic papers, and films (PVC, BOPP, PET). Common uses include retail and apparel hangtags, durable product ID, and heat shrink wrap.
TSC / Zebra Compatible | 984'
Compatible printers: XI, Z, ZM, Se, SL, Stripe, PAX, S4M, ZE600, ZT220, ZT230, ZT410, ZT420, ZT510, ZT610, ZT620
Specs: 1" fiber core, coated side out · Price per ribbon (1–2 cases)
| Part # | Size (in × ft) | Size (mm × m) | Qty / Case | Price / Ribbon | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PWR1570984 | 1.57" x 984' | 40mm x 300m | 36 | $5.21 | Wax/resin for narrow durable product ID, better scratch and smear resistance than wax. |
| PWR2360984 | 2.36" x 984' | 60mm x 300m | 36 | $6.88 | Wax/resin for mid-narrow durable labels, works on coated papers and synthetics. |
| PWR4020984 | 4.02" x 984'High-volume | 102mm x 300m | 24 | $11.10 | Top industrial wax/resin, durable barcodes on coated stocks and films. |
| PWR4330984 | 4.33" x 984'High-volume | 110mm x 300m | 24 | $11.97 | Wide wax/resin, strong abrasion resistance for industrial label runs. |
| PWR5120984 | 5.12" x 984' | 130mm x 300m | 24 | $14.36 | Wax/resin for 5"-edge durable labels. |
| PWR6000984 | 6.00" x 984' | 152mm x 300m | 12 | $15.31 | Wide wax/resin for drum and chemical labeling. |
| PWR8660984 | 8.66" x 984' | 220mm x 300m | 12 | $22.16 | Full-width 8.66" wax/resin for pallet and signage printing. |
TSC / Zebra Compatible | 1476'
Compatible printers: XI, Z, ZM, Se, SL, Stripe, PAX, S4M, ZE600, ZT220, ZT230, ZT410, ZT420, ZT510, ZT610, ZT620
Specs: 1" fiber core, coated side out · Price per ribbon (1–2 cases)
| Part # | Size (in × ft) | Size (mm × m) | Qty / Case | Price / Ribbon | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PWR3151476 | 3.15" x 1476' | 80mm x 450m | 24 | $11.50 | Long-length wax/resin for 3" durable barcode printing. |
| PWR3271476 | 3.27" x 1476' | 83mm x 450m | 24 | $11.95 | Long-length wax/resin for 3.27" stocks. |
| PWR4021476 | 4.02" x 1476'High-volume | 102mm x 450m | 24 | $14.66 | 50% more print length per ribbon, fewer changeovers on high-volume runs. |
| PWR4331476 | 4.33" x 1476'High-volume | 110mm x 450m | 24 | $15.82 | Long-length wax/resin for wide industrial print lines. |
| PWR6001476 | 6.00" x 1476' | 152mm x 450m | 12 | $21.86 | Wide 6" wax/resin, long-length for drum and signage. |
| PWR8661476 | 8.66" x 1476' | 220mm x 450m | 12 | $31.65 | Full-width 8.66" wax/resin, long-length for high-volume runs. |
SATO Compatible | 1345'
Compatible printers: M84PRO, M8400RV, GLE, GTE, CL, CT4LX
Specs: 1" fiber core, coated side in · Price per ribbon (1–2 cases)
| Part # | Size (in × ft) | Size (mm × m) | Qty / Case | Price / Ribbon | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PWR6501345 | 6.50" x 1345' | 165mm x 410m | 12 | $24.70 | Wide wax/resin for SATO industrial drum and chemical printing. |
Honeywell Intermec Compatible | 509'
Compatible printers: 3400, 8646, PM, PX Series
Specs: 1" fiber core, coated side out · Price per ribbon (1–2 cases)
| Part # | Size (in × ft) | Size (mm × m) | Qty / Case | Price / Ribbon | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PWR4090509 | 4.09" x 509'High-volume | 104mm x 155m | 24 | $6.73 | Wax/resin for Honeywell PM/PX 4" industrial printers. |
Honeywell Datamax Compatible | 1181'
Compatible printers: PRODIGY, DMX, M Class, I Class, H Class, W Class
Specs: 1" fiber core, coated side in · Price per ribbon (1–2 cases)
| Part # | Size (in × ft) | Size (mm × m) | Qty / Case | Price / Ribbon | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PWR2521181 | 2.52" x 1181' | 64mm x 360m | 36 | $7.36 | Wax/resin for Datamax mid-narrow durable labels. |
| PWR3501181 | 3.50" x 1181' | 89mm x 360m | 24 | $11.59 | Wax/resin sized for Datamax 3.5" print widths. |
| PWR4331181 | 4.33" x 1181'High-volume | 110mm x 360m | 24 | $12.66 | Wide Datamax wax/resin for durable 4.33" industrial print. |
Premium Resin Ribbons (chemical & heat resistant, synthetics)
Pure resin formulation engineered for synthetic films, PVC, PET, BOPP, polyester, and retro-reflective substrates. The right choice for chemical drum, medical and pharmaceutical, automotive, electronics, and heat shrink wrap applications that demand high scratch, smear, chemical, and heat resistance.
TSC / Zebra Compatible | 984'
Compatible printers: XI, Z, S Stripe Series
Specs: 1" fiber core, coated side out · Price per ribbon (1–2 cases)
| Part # | Size (in × ft) | Size (mm × m) | Qty / Case | Price / Ribbon | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PR1570984 | 1.57" x 984' | 40mm x 300m | 48 | $7.44 | Premium resin for narrow polyester and synthetic labels, chemical and heat resistant. |
| PR2360984 | 2.36" x 984' | 60mm x 300m | 24 | $11.17 | Premium resin for mid-narrow durable labels, automotive, medical, electronics. |
| PR3150984 | 3.15" x 984' | 80mm x 300m | 24 | $14.88 | Premium resin for 3" durable barcode labels on synthetics and films. |
| PR4330984 | 4.33" x 984'High-volume | 110mm x 300m | 24 | $20.47 | Wide premium resin, top choice for drum, chemical, and outdoor labels. |
TSC / Zebra Compatible | 1476'
Compatible printers: XI, Z, S Stripe Series
Specs: 1" fiber core, coated side out · Price per ribbon (1–2 cases)
| Part # | Size (in × ft) | Size (mm × m) | Qty / Case | Price / Ribbon | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PR2361476 | 2.36" x 1476' | 60mm x 450m | 24 | $16.74 | Long-length premium resin for mid-narrow durable labels. |
| PR4021476 | 4.02" x 1476'High-volume | 102mm x 450m | 24 | $28.47 | Long-length 4" resin, durable barcodes for chemical, medical, electronics. |
| PR4331476 | 4.33" x 1476'High-volume | 110mm x 450m | 24 | $30.71 | Long-length wide resin for high-volume durable label runs. |
| PR5121476 | 5.12" x 1476' | 130mm x 450m | 24 | $36.28 | Long-length resin for 5"-edge durable labels. |
Honeywell Datamax Compatible | 1181'
Compatible printers: PRODIGY, DMX, M Class, I Class, H Class, W Class
Specs: 1" fiber core, coated side in · Price per ribbon (1–2 cases)
| Part # | Size (in × ft) | Size (mm × m) | Qty / Case | Price / Ribbon | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PR4021181 | 4.02" x 1181'High-volume | 102mm x 360m | 12 | $22.77 | Premium resin for Datamax M/I/H Class, durable 4" industrial print. |
| PR4331181 | 4.33" x 1181'High-volume | 110mm x 360m | 12 | $24.56 | Wide Datamax resin for 4.33" durable labels, drum and chemical. |
Prices shown are per ribbon at the listed case-quantity tier. Where the mill publishes additional tier breaks, your CIS specialist will confirm at quote. * indicates items that ship directly from CIS warehouses; other ribbons may drop ship from the manufacturer.
Compliance & Stock Guidelines
- All CIS stock ribbons ship with anti-static formulation and backcoating to prolong printhead life.
- Premium Wax: sensitivity 11 mj/mm², recommended max print speed 12 IPS, ink melting point 74°C. Best for high-density images at 300/400 dpi.
- General Purpose Wax: sensitivity 10 mj/mm², recommended max print speed 8 IPS, ink melting point 68°C. Most cost-effective for routine shipping and distribution.
- Premium Wax/Resin: sensitivity 14 mj/mm², recommended max print speed 8 IPS, ink melting point 80°C. UL agency recognized; suitable for coated paper, gloss, and films.
- Premium Resin: sensitivity 16 mj/mm², recommended max print speed 8 IPS, ink melting point 83°C. Required for chemical drum, GHS/BS5609, medical, and automotive.
- Datamax note: I & W Class printers can use ribbons up to 1476 ft. (must be coated side in). H Class can run 1476 ft. coated side in or out; some H Class printers accept 1968 ft. ribbons.
- For ribbon-printed label stocks, see stock thermal transfer labels. For direct thermal (no-ribbon) labels see stock direct thermal labels.
Watch: Label Printing Capabilities: Flexo, Digital, Thermal Transfer
A look at how CIS prints labels across flexographic, digital, and thermal transfer processes, and how we pick the right method for your run length, artwork, and substrate.
- Flexographic printing uses flexible relief plates and fast-drying inks, which makes it the low cost-per-label choice on long runs.
- Digital printing is the better fit for short runs, versioning, variable data, and fast proofs with no plate charge.
- Thermal transfer covers durable in-plant and on-demand printing where labels are produced as they are needed.
- Substrates include paper, films, foils, and synthetic facestocks, with laminates and varnishes available in line.
- Spot color matching holds brand colors consistent across reorders.
Stock Thermal Transfer Ribbon FAQs
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Talk to a real CIS thermal specialist in minutes, no bots, no delays. We'll match the right chemistry, width, and length to your printer and labels, then release the order the same day.
Also explore: stock thermal transfer labels · thermal labels resource center · stock direct thermal labels · industrial labels