Frequently Asked Questions

How does an EASYPRINT thermal transfer printer work?
Is thermal transfer a clean print technology?
Do the products require a lot of maintenance?
How often do I need to change printheads?
What is the difference between INKJET and thermal transfer?
What is the difference between HOTSTAMP and thermal transfer?
How often should I change the ribbon?
Can I print in different inks?
What kind of packaging machines can I install an EASYPRINT printer on?
Do I need special training to be able to maintain these printers?
Can I print barcodes?
Can I integrate with other software systems?
What do I do if I have a database that I'd like to print from?
Can I add an EASYPRINT printers to an existing network?
My production line is very cold, but I'd like to use a thermal transfer printer. Can I do that?
What do I do if my production line is really damp?
How well does the print remain on the printed surface?
Where should I order spares from?
How do I get in touch with a service engineer?
Does EASYPRINT have a worldwide service?
Where should I buy my ribbon?
What ribbon can I use?
There are WAX and RESIN ribbons to choose from – what is the difference?

 

How does an EASYPRINT thermal transfer printer work?

This is how EASYPRINT thermal transfer printers work A small, hi-tech ceramic print head transfers heat to an colour ribbon which touches a packaging material or label. This heat results in the transfer of a tiny layer of ink which dries really quickly on the surface. Thermal transfer technology is typically the preferred technology for use on flexible packaging materials or labels. 

 

Is thermal transfer a clean print technology?

Thermal transfer is one of the cleanest Thermal transfer is one of the cleanest print technologies there is. The used thermal transfer colour ribbon can be disposed of in the usual way. This clean technology also makes EASYPRINT products ideal for use in cleanrooms. 

 

Do the products require a lot of maintenance?

Very low maintenance required EASYPRINT thermal transfer printers are designed in such a way as to ensure that as little maintenance as possible is necessary. Our best products are more or less maintenance free, and the only thing you have to worry about is replacing the print head when it reaches the end of its service life.

 

How often do I need to change printheads?

This depends on maintenance, ribbon and environment. It is impossible to give a definitive answer to this question, because a number of factors all have a part to play. In EASYPRINT's experience, its print heads are typically good for about 150 km. But what is absolutely certain is that using the right ribbon is one of the most essential factors. Using non-original ribbons will cause faster wear to the print head and so increase operating costs. 

 

What is the difference between INKJET and thermal transfer?

Difference between INKJET and thermal transfer INKJET technology has been specially designed to print on hard surfaces, and INKJET printers are great at this. thermal transfer printers are designed to print on flexible surfaces at a high resolution. A number of production lines are attempting to use INKJET printers on damp surfaces, resulting in poor quality. In the long run, this reduces the traceability of products.

 

What is the difference between HOTSTAMP and thermal transfer?

The difference between HOTSTAMP and thermal transfer The difference between HOTSTAMP and thermal transfer is very simple: HOTSTAMP involves mechanical stamps, while thermal transfer printers operate electronically. In most cases, HOTSTAMP printers cost less, but typically you will see a return on investment in EASYPRINT thermal transfer printers after a month. 

 

How often should I change the ribbon?

This depends on the length of the ribbon EASYPRINT has developed a system which allows our customers to use 1400 metre ribbon - an option which our competitors have not yet even approached. So many customers don't replace their colour ribbons for a number of days, thereby considerably reducing production downtime. 

 

Can I print in different inks?

Thermal transfer printers can use one colour ribbon at a time. Thermal transfer printers can use one colour ribbon at a time. In other words, you print using one colour - but in return you can insert many different colours, including blue, yellow, red, brown, white, silver, gold, purple, turquoise and many others. 

 

What kind of packaging machines can I install an EASYPRINT on?

EASYPRINT is compatible with most packaging machines. EASYPRINTs can be installed on most packaging machines which package flexible materials. Packaging machines are either stop-start or continuous, and EASYPRINT has solutions for both. 

 

Do I need special training to be able to maintain these printers?

Operating an EASYPRINT printer is easy to learn. It is really easy to use an EASYPRINT, and everyone working on a production line can learn how to do it in a very short time. We recommend that all our customers ask for quick training from our dealers. 

 

Can I print barcodes?

Yes, EASYPRINT supports all standard barcodes including 2D barcodes Yes, EASYPRINT products are very useful for printing barcodes - they can even print the latest 2D barcodes.

 

Can I integrate with other software systems?

The printers' software architecture can be easily integrated with your existing software solutions Lots of our customers have integrated their printers with their ERP systems or production systems with no problems. The printers' software architecture can be easily integrated with your existing software solutions. 

 

What do I do if I have a database that I'd like to print from?

EASYPRINT supports ODBC databases. No problem - if your database supports ODBC then using our printers to print on the basis of your existing database is a breeze. 

 

Can I add an EASYPRINT to an existing network?

All EASYPRINT models are supplied as network printers. All EASYPRINT models are supplied as network printers and can easily be installed in your existing LAN. 

 

My production line is very cold, but I'd like to use a thermal transfer printer. Can I do that?

EASYPRINT can be used in cold environments. There's no problem with using a thermal transfer printer in a cold environment. EASYPRINT has integrated a small heating element in its products which ensures that a constant temperature is always maintained inside the printer. This feature means that your printer won't transfer more heat to the print head in a cold environment. This considerably enhances the service life of your print head. 

 

What do I do if my production line is really damp?

EASYPRINT offers an enclosure for harsh environments. Water is the greatest foe of any production unit. EASYPRINT has developed a special enclosure which protects the printer and controller in wet environments. This has paved the way for phenomenal success in the meat industry, for example, where the production lines are often hosed down daily. 

 

How well does the print remain on the printed surface?

This depends on your environment. Thermal transfer print stays put very well, but at the same time this does depend on which colour ribbon you're using. Our dealers can advise you on exactly which colour ribbon you should be using. 

 

Where should I order spares from?

Your local distributor holds all necessary spare parts. You should order your spares from the dealer where you bought the product. If you don't remember where you bought the product, you can always contact EASYPRINT and tell us your serial number - we would be happy to trace your printer for you. 

 

How do I get in touch with a service engineer?

Please contact your local distributor. There is a list of our dealers here. If you're still having problems, please contact EASYPRINT on tel. +45 46 15 41 40 

 

Does EASYPRINT have a worldwide service?

All EASYPRINT distributors are trained to provide service. EASYPRINT has built up a very strong global network of dealers, all of whom are trained in providing a professional service. If you're not sure who to buy from, there's a list of dealers here.

 

Where should I buy my ribbon?

You should buy your colour ribbons from your local EASYPRINT distributor. You should buy your ribbon from the EASYPRINT distributor who sold you your printer. If you cannot remember who that was, you can contact EASYPRINT directly. 

 

What ribbon can I use?

You should always use high quality ribbon. EASYPRINT provides specially developed ribbons which are optimised to the requirements of our printers. Using the right colour ribbons is extremely important to the quality of the print. Using non-original EASYPRINT ribbons will also reduce the service life of your print head. 

 

There are WAX and RESIN ribbons to choose from – what is the difference?

This depends on your environment and web material. All ribbons contain both WAX and RESIN, it is only the balance between the two that varies. With more RESIN, the print is more resilient and affected less by heat, resulting in good scratch resistance. WAX ensures that the ink can be transferred consistently and covers the base well.