Country Innovation & Supply stocks thermal transfer (TT) ribbons across the four standard ink chemistries, premium wax, general purpose wax, premium wax/resin, and premium resin, sized for every major industrial and desktop thermal printer family. This page is the working reference for matching the right ribbon to the right label, the right printer, and the right application.
Pricing is not published, ribbon pricing tracks raw materials and order volume. Request a quote or call us for current pricing on any part number below.
Key Benefits
- Same-day shipment on all four ribbon chemistries from the nearest CIS warehouse
- Stocked in every common width and length for Zebra, TSC, Honeywell Datamax, Intermec, and SATO
- UL-recognized Premium Wax/Resin available for regulated electrical and equipment labels
- Operator-friendly part numbers, PW (premium wax), SW (general purpose wax), PWR (wax/resin), PR (resin)
- Free ribbon-to-label compatibility review before you commit to a case
Most Popular Ribbon Sizes
| Part # | Chemistry | Size | Length | Printer |
|---|
| PW4021476 | Premium Wax | 4.02" / 102 mm | 1476' / 450 m | Zebra/TSC industrial, coated side out |
| PW4021181 | Premium Wax | 4.02" / 102 mm | 1181' / 360 m | Honeywell Datamax, coated side in |
| PWR4021476 | Premium Wax/Resin | 4.02" / 102 mm | 1476' / 450 m | Zebra/TSC industrial (UL-recognized) |
| PR4021476 | Premium Resin | 4.02" / 102 mm | 1476' / 450 m | Zebra/TSC industrial (polyester labels) |
Not sure which ribbon fits your printer or label?
Talk to a specialist or jump to the full
Printer Compatibility Quick Reference.
Pick the Right Ribbon in Three Questions
- What is the label face stock? Paper, synthetic film, or polyester. This single decision drives most of the ribbon selection.
- What does the label have to survive? Indoor handling, outdoor weather, chemicals, heat, abrasion, or sterilization.
- What printer and printer brand? Core size, coated side in vs. out, and supported ribbon length differ by printer family.
The matrix below maps the first two questions to a ribbon chemistry; the printer compatibility section maps the third to a specific part number.
Ribbon Chemistry, Quick Selection Matrix
| Label Face Stock | Typical Application | Recommended Ribbon |
|---|
| Coated/uncoated paper | Shipping, carton, address, general product ID | Premium Wax |
| Coated/uncoated paper | Budget-driven shipping & logistics | General Purpose Wax |
| Synthetic paper, gloss paper, BOPP film | Product ID, retail tags, durable shipping | Premium Wax/Resin |
| Polyester (PET), PVC film, retro-reflective | Asset tags, chemical drums, automotive, medical, electronics, rack labels | Premium Resin |
Premium Wax Ribbons
The default choice for paper labels in high-volume shipping, carton, and product ID applications. Wax ribbons print fast, transfer reliably, and provide consistent scan rates at low printhead energy, extending printhead life.
Performance ratings (1-5): Transferability 4 · Density 4 · Heat Resistance 2 · Chemical Resistance 2 · Smudge Resistance 2 · Label Compatibility 4
Recommended applications
- High-speed print-and-apply systems
- Shipping, carton, and address labeling
- Small-character and graphics printing on 300/400 dpi printers
- Retail, industrial, and apparel product ID
- All general-purpose paper labeling
Recommended media: coated and uncoated papers, tag stocks, synthetic papers
Technical specs
| Property | Value |
|---|
| Base film thickness | 4.5 ±0.3 µm |
| Ribbon thickness | 7.7 ±0.3 µm |
| Ink color | Black |
| Ink melting point | 74 °C |
| Sensitivity | 11 mJ/mm² |
| Max recommended print speed | 12 IPS (305 mm/s) |
| Printing density | >1.90 Macbeth |
Premium Wax, TSC / Zebra (1" core, coated side out)
| Part # | Size (in) | Size (mm) | Length | Qty/Case |
|---|
| PW1570984 | 1.57" | 40 mm | 984' / 300 m | 36 |
| PW2360984 | 2.36" | 60 mm | 984' / 300 m | 36 |
| PW3150984 | 3.15" | 80 mm | 984' / 300 m | 24 |
| PW4020984 | 4.02" | 102 mm | 984' / 300 m | 24 |
| PW4330984 | 4.33" | 110 mm | 984' / 300 m | 24 |
| PW6500984 | 6.50" | 165 mm | 984' / 300 m | 12 |
| PW8660984 | 8.66" | 220 mm | 984' / 300 m | 12 |
| PW2361476 | 2.36" | 60 mm | 1476' / 450 m | 36 |
| PW3151476 | 3.15" | 80 mm | 1476' / 450 m | 24 |
| PW3271476 | 3.27" | 83 mm | 1476' / 450 m | 24 |
| PW4021476 | 4.02" | 102 mm | 1476' / 450 m | 24 |
| PW4331476 | 4.33" | 110 mm | 1476' / 450 m | 24 |
| PW5121476 | 5.12" | 130 mm | 1476' / 450 m | 24 |
| PW6001476 | 6.00" | 152 mm | 1476' / 450 m | 12 |
| PW6501476 | 6.50" | 165 mm | 1476' / 450 m | 12 |
| PW6851476 | 6.85" | 174 mm | 1476' / 450 m | 12 |
| PW8661476 | 8.66" | 220 mm | 1476' / 450 m | 12 |
Compatible printers: Zebra XI, Z, ZM, Se, SL, Stripe, PAX, S4M, ZE600, ZT220, ZT230, ZT410, ZT420, ZT510, ZT610, ZT620, and TSC industrial equivalents using the same core/coating spec.
Premium Wax, Honeywell Datamax (1" core, coated side in)
| Part # | Size (in) | Size (mm) | Length | Qty/Case |
|---|
| PW2521181 | 2.52" | 64 mm | 1181' / 360 m | 36 |
| PW3151181 | 3.15" | 80 mm | 1181' / 360 m | 24 |
| PW3501181 | 3.50" | 89 mm | 1181' / 360 m | 24 |
| PW4021181 | 4.02" | 102 mm | 1181' / 360 m | 24 |
| PW4331181 | 4.33" | 110 mm | 1181' / 360 m | 24 |
| PW8501181 | 8.50" | 216 mm | 1181' / 360 m | 12 |
Compatible printers: Datamax Prodigy, DMX, M-Class, I-Class, H-Class, W-Class.
Premium Wax, Honeywell Intermec
| Part # | Size | Length | Core Coating | Qty/Case |
|---|
| PW4090509 | 4.09" / 104 mm | 509' / 155 m | coated side out | 24 |
| PW4091500 | 4.09" / 104 mm | 1500' / 457 m | coated side in | 24 |
Compatible printers: Intermec 3400, 8646, PM and PX Series (509'); 4420, 4440, PX, PM Series (1500').
Premium Wax, SATO (1" core, coated side in)
| Part # | Size (in) | Size (mm) | Length | Qty/Case |
|---|
| PW4021345 | 4.02" | 102 mm | 1345' / 410 m | 24 |
| PW4331345 | 4.33" | 110 mm | 1345' / 410 m | 24 |
Compatible printers: SATO M84PRO, M8400RV, GLE, GTE, CL, CT4LX.
Premium Wax, Desktop / Half-Core (1/2" core, coated side out)
| Part # | Size (in) | Size (mm) | Length | Qty/Case |
|---|
| PW2520243 | 2.52" | 64 mm | 243' / 74 m | 36 |
| PW4330243 | 4.33" | 110 mm | 243' / 74 m | 36 |
Compatible printers: Zebra GC420t, GK420t, GX420T, GX430T, T402, TLP 2742/3742/2844/2242/2642, ZD220, ZD500R, ZD620.
General Purpose Wax Ribbons
Economy wax formulation for paper labels where lower cost matters more than peak abrasion resistance. Same printer compatibility as premium wax; coated side and core dimensions match the equivalent premium wax part numbers (SW prefix instead of PW).
Performance: Reliable budget option for shipping, distribution, logistics, and retail product info on art paper, coated/uncoated paper, tag stock, and vellum.
Technical specs: Base film 2.8 ±0.2 µm · Ribbon thickness 7.1 ±0.3 µm · Sensitivity 10 mJ/mm² · Ink melting point 68 °C · Max print speed 8 IPS · Printing density >1.82 Macbeth.
General Purpose Wax, TSC / Zebra (1" core, coated side out)
| Part # | Size (in) | Size (mm) | Length | Qty/Case |
|---|
| SW2361476 | 2.36" | 60 mm | 1476' / 450 m | 36 |
| SW3271476 | 3.27" | 83 mm | 1476' / 450 m | 24 |
| SW4021476 | 4.02" | 102 mm | 1476' / 450 m | 24 |
| SW4331476 | 4.33" | 110 mm | 1476' / 450 m | 24 |
| SW5121476 | 5.12" | 130 mm | 1476' / 450 m | 24 |
General Purpose Wax, Honeywell Datamax (1" core, coated side in)
| Part # | Size (in) | Size (mm) | Length | Qty/Case |
|---|
| SW2521181 | 2.52" | 64 mm | 1181' / 360 m | 36 |
| SW3151181 | 3.15" | 80 mm | 1181' / 360 m | 24 |
| SW4021181 | 4.02" | 102 mm | 1181' / 360 m | 24 |
| SW4331181 | 4.33" | 110 mm | 1181' / 360 m | 24 |
Premium Wax/Resin Ribbons
The best all-purpose ribbon for mixed paper-and-synthetic environments. Stronger abrasion and smudge resistance than wax, broader substrate range than resin, and UL agency recognized, important for regulated equipment, electrical, and compliance labels.
Performance ratings (1-5): Transferability 5 · Density 4 · Heat Resistance 3 · Chemical Resistance 3 · Smudge Resistance 4 · Label Compatibility 5
Recommended applications
- Moderate-to-high scratch and smear resistance
- High-speed print-and-apply systems on synthetic stock
- Shipping, carton, and address labeling on coated paper
- Retail, industrial, and apparel product ID
- Heat shrink wrap applications
Recommended media: coated/uncoated papers, coated tag stock, gloss papers, synthetic papers, PVC / BOPP / PET films, retro-reflective face stock.
Technical specs: Base film 4.6 ±0.3 µm · Ribbon thickness 10.0 ±0.3 µm · Sensitivity 14 mJ/mm² · Ink melting point 80 °C · Max print speed 8 IPS · Printing density >1.90 Macbeth.
Premium Wax/Resin, TSC / Zebra (1" core, coated side out)
| Part # | Size (in) | Size (mm) | Length | Qty/Case |
|---|
| PWR1570984 | 1.57" | 40 mm | 984' / 300 m | 36 |
| PWR2360984 | 2.36" | 60 mm | 984' / 300 m | 36 |
| PWR4020984 | 4.02" | 102 mm | 984' / 300 m | 24 |
| PWR4330984 | 4.33" | 110 mm | 984' / 300 m | 24 |
| PWR5120984 | 5.12" | 130 mm | 984' / 300 m | 24 |
| PWR6000984 | 6.00" | 152 mm | 984' / 300 m | 12 |
| PWR8660984 | 8.66" | 220 mm | 984' / 300 m | 12 |
| PWR3151476 | 3.15" | 80 mm | 1476' / 450 m | 24 |
| PWR3271476 | 3.27" | 83 mm | 1476' / 450 m | 24 |
| PWR4021476 | 4.02" | 102 mm | 1476' / 450 m | 24 |
| PWR4331476 | 4.33" | 110 mm | 1476' / 450 m | 24 |
| PWR6001476 | 6.00" | 152 mm | 1476' / 450 m | 12 |
| PWR8661476 | 8.66" | 220 mm | 1476' / 450 m | 12 |
Premium Wax/Resin, Honeywell Datamax (1" core, coated side in)
| Part # | Size (in) | Size (mm) | Length | Qty/Case |
|---|
| PWR2521181 | 2.52" | 64 mm | 1181' / 360 m | 36 |
| PWR3501181 | 3.50" | 89 mm | 1181' / 360 m | 24 |
| PWR4331181 | 4.33" | 110 mm | 1181' / 360 m | 24 |
Premium Wax/Resin, Honeywell Intermec & SATO
| Part # | Size | Length | Core / Coating | Brand | Qty/Case |
|---|
| PWR4090509 | 4.09" / 104 mm | 509' / 155 m | 1", coated side out | Intermec | 24 |
| PWR6501345 | 6.50" / 165 mm | 1345' / 410 m | 1", coated side in | SATO | 12 |
Premium Resin Ribbons
The ribbon for synthetic and polyester labels that must survive chemicals, heat, sterilization, and aggressive abrasion. Required for chemical drums, medical/pharmaceutical, automotive under-hood, electronics, and outdoor asset tags.
Performance ratings (1-5): Transferability 4 · Density 4 · Heat Resistance 4 · Chemical Resistance 5 · Smudge Resistance 5 · Label Compatibility 4
Recommended applications
- High scratch and smear resistance
- Medical and pharmaceutical labeling
- Chemical drum identification (GHS-compliant constructions)
- Heat shrink wrap
- Automotive and electronics manufacturing
Recommended media: synthetic papers, PVC and PET films, BOPP, polyester, retro-reflective, other thermal-receptive synthetic face stocks.
Technical specs: Base film 4.5 ±0.3 µm · Ribbon thickness 6.7 ±0.5 µm · Sensitivity 16 mJ/mm² · Ink melting point 83 °C · Max print speed 8 IPS · Printing density >1.80 Macbeth.
Premium Resin, TSC / Zebra (1" core, coated side out)
| Part # | Size (in) | Size (mm) | Length | Qty/Case |
|---|
| PR1570984 | 1.57" | 40 mm | 984' / 300 m | 48 |
| PR2360984 | 2.36" | 60 mm | 984' / 300 m | 24 |
| PR3150984 | 3.15" | 80 mm | 984' / 300 m | 24 |
| PR4330984 | 4.33" | 110 mm | 984' / 300 m | 24 |
| PR2361476 | 2.36" | 60 mm | 1476' / 450 m | 24 |
| PR4021476 | 4.02" | 102 mm | 1476' / 450 m | 24 |
| PR4331476 | 4.33" | 110 mm | 1476' / 450 m | 24 |
| PR5121476 | 5.12" | 130 mm | 1476' / 450 m | 24 |
Compatible printers: Zebra XI, Z, S Stripe Series.
Premium Resin, Honeywell Datamax (1" core, coated side in)
| Part # | Size (in) | Size (mm) | Length | Qty/Case |
|---|
| PR4021181 | 4.02" | 102 mm | 1181' / 360 m | 12 |
| PR4331181 | 4.33" | 110 mm | 1181' / 360 m | 12 |
Compatible printers: Datamax Prodigy, DMX, M-Class, I-Class, H-Class, W-Class.
Printer Compatibility, Quick Reference
| Printer Family | Typical Core | Coated Side | Common Lengths |
|---|
| Zebra ZT/XI/Z/ZM/S Series (industrial) | 1" | Out | 984', 1476' |
| Zebra G/ZD desktop (GK420t, ZD220, ZD620, etc.) | 1/2" | Out | 243' |
| TSC industrial (MH/MX/ME series, equivalents) | 1" | Out | 984', 1476' |
| Honeywell Datamax (Prodigy, M/I/H/W Class) | 1" | In | 1181'; I/W/H also support 1476' |
| Honeywell Intermec (3400, 8646, PM, PX) | 1" | Out (509') or In (1500') | 509', 1500' |
| SATO (M84PRO, CL, CT4LX, GLE/GTE) | 1" | In | 1345' |
Datamax note: I-Class and W-Class printers accept ribbons up to 1476' but must be coated side in. H-Class accepts 1476' coated either side, and some H-Class models accept 1968'.
Datamax Coated-Side Rule
Datamax printers are the most common source of ribbon mismatches. When in doubt:
- M-Class, Prodigy, I-Class, W-Class → coated side in, 1181' or 1476'
- H-Class → coated either side
- If the ink test shows no transfer, the ribbon is loaded backwards, flip and re-test
Ordering & Shipping Notes
- Stock ribbon orders received by 2 p.m. local time ship the same day from the nearest CIS warehouse. Orders after 2 p.m. ship the following business day.
- Drop-ship items (non-stock sizes) ship within 3 business days from the manufacturer.
- Returns require a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) issued before shipment.
- Custom ribbon lengths, widths, near-edge formulations, and color ribbons are available on quote, see Industrial Labels for custom requirements.
How to Order
- Identify your label face stock and choose the ribbon chemistry from the selection matrix.
- Confirm your printer's core size and coated-side spec in the printer reference table.
- Match a part number from the chemistry table above.
- Request a quote with the part number and case quantity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my printer needs "coated side in" or "coated side out"?
Zebra and TSC industrial printers run coated side out. Honeywell Datamax and SATO run coated side in. Honeywell Intermec varies by model and ribbon length. Load a ribbon and run the ink-rub test; no transfer = ribbon is in backwards.
Can I use a wax ribbon on synthetic labels?
You can, but smudge and abrasion resistance will be poor. Synthetic face stocks (BOPP, PET, vinyl) should run with Premium Wax/Resin or Premium Resin.
Why does my ribbon "show through" the back of the printed label?
The ribbon is too wide for the label or you're running a half-empty roll. Order the next-size-down ribbon width or enable the printer's ribbon-save mode.
How long does an unopened ribbon last?
Two years from manufacture date when stored at 5–35 °C and 45–85% RH. Ribbons stored too hot or too humid lose transfer quality.
Next Steps
- Request a Quote, by part number and case quantity
- Talk to a Specialist, for printer compatibility help or custom widths
- Don't see your size? Custom widths, lengths, and near-edge formulations available on quote.
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