Ribbon & Inks

Industrial Ink: supplied by Obeeco LTD

Obeeco supplies a range of high-quality industrial inks. We help manufacturers obtain the most suitable ink for their printing process, ensuring optimal performance and product outcome. We also stock printing solvents, make-up, top-ups and wash solutions, ensuring that your industrial printer remains efficient and in working order.

Industrial Ink for inkjet printing

Industrial inkjet printing has become an integral component on the production floor of many manufacturing businesses. The inkjet technology has allowed manufacturers to increase their speed of printing, improve the output quality, save on production costs and reduce their inventory.

How does industrial inkjet printing work?

In industrial inkjet printing, the printhead doesn’t actually come into contact with the printing medium; instead, tiny droplets are released from the printhead onto the printing surface. These ink droplets are smaller than a human hair in diameter, creating an almost spray-like effect onto the printing medium.
Benefits of industrial inkjet printing
Manufacturers who are adopting industrial inkjet printing onto the production floor, benefit from the huge commercial gains, increasing the scalability and efficiency of their production process.

The benefits of this type of printing technology are tenfold, including:

• High-quality output of products.
• Increased accuracy when printing.
• Increased speed of printing.
• Reduction in inventory.
• Mass production and customization.
• Able to print onto fragile mediums.
• Able to print onto non-flat surfaces.
• Able to print onto very small surfaces.
• Overall reduction in manufacturing costs.

At Obeeco, we supply high-quality industrial inks that are suitable for a range of industrial printers, ensuring that you achieve the desired printing outcome.

Continuous Inkjet Printer

A continuous inkjet printer is the most common type of industrial printer found on the production floor. It is usually used for labelling products within the food and drink industry, pharmaceutical sector or beauty industry.

A continuous inkjet printer is an extremely versatile piece of printing equipment, capable of printing onto a range of mediums, including plastic, paper, metal and even foods such as egg shells.

How does a continuous inkjet printer work?

A continuous inkjet printer uses an ink reservoir to pump ink through the printhead nozzles continuously. This creates a steady stream of ink that is designed to produce prints with pinpoint accuracy and increased efficiency.

The printer uses high-frequency vibration and electrode technology to print onto the printing mediums. No ink is wasted in this process which ensures that manufacturers save on production costs and reduce their output of waste materials.

Industrial Ink for Continuous Inkjet Printer

Selecting the correct type of ink is a crucial step when working with a continuous inkjet printer. The ink needs to keep pace with the fast production line and produce consistent results.

Selecting the wrong type of ink could result in smudged labels, which is a waste for manufacturers who needs accurate labelling on their products, i.e.) expiry dates, batch numbers or serial numbers.

At Obeeco, we can advise you on the most suitable inks for your printing needs. Whether you need industrial ink that can withstand high temperatures or ink that meets statutory requirements for food and drink labelling – we can advise you on the most appropriate option, ensuring that you get the optimal performance from your printer.

Large Character Inkjet printer

Large character inkjet printers are increasingly being added to the assembly line of the production process. They are able to print large symbols, dates, codes, logos, or other important information in a larger format, something that standard inkjet printers are incapable of doing.

Large-character printers are able to print onto various materials, including porous and nonporous mediums. They eradicate the need for additional labelling because the information is printed directly onto the product itself.

How does a large character inkjet printer work?

A large character industrial printer works similarly to other inkjet printers. It’s a non-contact form of printing that uses air to print the ink onto the printing medium. The advantage for manufacturers is that it allows for fast-paced printing on a larger format without compromising on accuracy or quality.

Industrial ink for Large Character Inkjet

Large character inkjet printers are able to print onto various materials, including plastic, wood, fabric, cardboard and much more. Depending on the type of product that needs to be labelled, specific industrial ink will be required in order to achieve the desired printing results.

At Obeeco, we can advise on the most suitable type of ink that is required for large character inkjet printers, ensuring that your printing process is able to keep pace with the assembly line and is optimised for increased efficiency and performance.

Solvents for industrial ink

In industrial printing, solvents ensure that the ink dries quickly and that the finished printed product is waterproof and able to withstand scratches or abrasion. They are great for increasing the longevity of the label and for adhering to non-porous mediums and outdoor products.

Solvents do not contain water and have a high evaporation rate. In the printing process, they create a chemical bond between the ink and printing medium, meaning that they can be used for printing onto a range of materials such as vinyl, plastics, PVC and other non-absorbent mediums.

In the printing process, solvents will increase the lifespan of the label, ensuring high pigmentation and increased resistance to fading. At Obeeco, we can advise on the best type of solvents for your industrial inks, ensuring that you have the correct solvent for your printing process.

Industrial ink suppliers Ireland

At Obeeco, we supply industrial ink to manufacturers all across Ireland. We have helped businesses in many different industries, perfect their printing process and increase the efficiency of their assembly line. We source the highest quality inks, ensuring that your printed products have an excellent finish and are able to achieve the desired outcome of your labelling or printing needs.

We also supply a range of wash solutions, toners and top-ups, providing a one-stop-shop for all of your industrial printing needs. Our expert team is on hand to answer any questions you may have and to recommend the most appropriate industrial ink solutions to meet your manufacturing needs.

Hot Stamping Foil: supplied by Obeeco LTD

Obeeco supplies hot stamping foil across Ireland. We help manufacturing companies distinguish their products from competitors and increase consumer interest for their goods.

Foils come in a range of patterns, finishes and colours, perfect for creating a unique design that enhances the visual appeal of your product or packaging.

What is hot foil stamping?

Hot foil stamping is a printing method that produces a pigmented, metallic or gold design onto the surface of a printing medium. The process uses a very thin foil which is transferred through heat and pressure via the stamping process.

Hot foil stamping can be used to illustrate letters, numbers or graphics, making them stand out and attract attention to the finished product. It can also be used to create different textures, such as a glossy finish, matte finish or holographic design.

Why use hot foil stamping in manufacturing?

Hot foil stamping in manufacturing produces eye-catching products and packaging that stands out to consumers. The foil conveys a luxurious appeal and catches the surrounding light, literally highlighting your brand in the physical sense and generating consumer interest.

Hot foil stamping can be used for a variety of creative designs, with a range of colours and patterns available, your branded goods can become a prominent option amongst consumer choices, giving you that competitive edge and enhancing your brand image.

Is hot foil stamping permanent?

Hot foil stamping is a permanent design for printing mediums. It produces a high-quality finish whilst also being abrasion and moisture-resistant. It is an ideal option for enhancing the visual appeal of consumer goods and can be used on an incredibly wide range of materials.

What is a die in hot foil stamping?

The ‘die’ in hot foil stamping is the metal plate that is used for engraving the design onto the medium. Dies are usually made from magnesium, brass or copper and include an etched logo, pattern or lettering that is pressed onto the printing medium.

How does a hot foil printer machine work?

If you’re thinking of introducing a hot foil stamping machine onto your production floor, then it’s worth knowing how the whole process works. There are two main methods for the hot foil stamping process, manual or digital – we’ll discuss the difference between both.

Manual hot foil stamping

Manual hot foil stamping uses a stand-alone foil-blocking machine to conduct the process. This type of hot foil stamping is usually used for creative purposes or for small businesses where there isn’t a huge, overwhelming demand for foil-printed products.

The process of manual hot foil stamping includes:

1. The die is mounted into the press.
2. The printing medium is placed into the foil-blocking machine.
3. The die is heated to a high temperature.
4. A manual lever is used to exert force onto the printing surface.
5. The foil then melts onto the medium’s surface, creating a permanent bond.
6. The medium is left to cool.
7. Once cooled, open the foil-blocking machine.
8. Remove the waste foil.
9. The hot foil stamping process is complete.

Digital hot foil stamping

Digital hot foil stamping is a more efficient and fast-paced method for conducting the hot foil stamping process. This method is favoured by manufacturing businesses that are seeking to enhance the design of their branded products or goods.

The process of digital hot foil stamping includes:

1. The design is created using graphics software, as opposed to using a ‘die’.
2. The medium is inserted under the print head.
3. The print head has minute pins on its surface, allowing for detailed designs.
4. The print head is heated to a high temperature.
5. The medium passes through the digital print head, where heat and pressure is applied.
6. The process permanently bonds the foil and the printing medium together.
7. The hot foil stamping process is complete.

Whether you opt for manual or digital hot stamping, both will create equally visually stunning foil designs that are guaranteed to attract attention and stand out.

What can I use hot foil stamping for?

Hot foil stamping can be used to enhance the appearance of a range of goods and products. Some of the popular products that include foil design are:

• Gift cards
• Birthday cards
• Magazines
• Business cards
• Passports
• Wedding invitations
• Packaging
• Diaries/books
• Boxes
• Keyrings

The possibilities for decorating your branded products with bespoke foil design are endless. Due to the range of colours and patterns available, you can create a personalised product that attracts attention and harnesses interest.

What materials are suitable for hot foil stamping?

If you’re thinking of using hot foil stamping for your enhancing the appearance of your goods, then it’s worth knowing which materials are suitable to withstand the process.

Suitable materials for hot foil stamping include:

• Leather
• Paper
• Cardboard
• Plastic
• Fabrics

You can create some really interesting and creative designs using hot foil stamping, allowing you to encase your goods in a shiny appearance that attracts the eye and stimulates consumer interest.

What are the different types of hot foil?

There is a range of foils available, allowing you creative reign to design unique products or packaging. The different types of foil include

Metallic foils

Metallic foils usually come in gold or silver and provide a luxurious and elegant appeal to the finished product or packaging.

Pigmented foils

Pigmented foils come in a range of different colours, from blues, pinks and greens, they offer creative freedom when designing a product.

Pearlescent foils

This type of foil produces a pearly finish, which looks great on luxurious products, they usually come in a semi-transparent finish.

Holographic foils

Holographic foils usually include 2 or more colours, creating a type of rainbow effect that diffracts the light.

Pattern foils

Pattern foils can include a range of designs, from dotted patterns to sparkles, stripes and marble effects; they are great for adding that in that extra visual appeal.

Hot stamping foil suppliers in Ireland

Obeeco is a leading supplier of hot foil stamping products across Ireland. We help manufacturing companies enhance the appeal of their goods and create unique designs that make their brand stand out on the shelf and set their products apart from the competition.

Thermal Transfer Ribbon: supplied by Obeeco LTD

Obeeco is Ireland’s leading supplier of thermal transfer ribbons. We help manufacturing companies improve their printing process, increase efficiency and produce high-quality prints that are durable and long-lasting.

What is a Thermal Transfer Ribbon Printer?

A thermal transfer ribbon printer is a digital printer that uses a special type of ribbon to print onto the material. It produces a permanent print that is scratch-resistant, fluid-resistant and very durable. A thermal transfer ribbon printer is a high-quality option compared to other printing methods.

How Does a Thermal Transfer Printer Work?

A thermal transfer ribbon printer will use a heated printhead to melt the ribbon directly onto the material. These printheads usually have around 12 dots per 1mm of printhead, ensuring that it produces a print with high-edge sharpness – which is very important when printing things like a barcode or QR code.

Flat-head vs near-edge thermal transfer printing

Depending on which type of Thermal Transfer Ribbon Printer you have, it will either use near-edge or flat-head technology. In flat-head thermal transfer printers, the heating element presses flat against the ribbon. In near-edge technology, the print head is positioned at a 45-degree angle.

Both technologies provide high-quality prints, but with near-edge printing, the printing process is much faster. At Obeeco, we supply high-performance thermal transfer ribbon, suitable for both flat-head and near-edge thermal transfer printing.

Benefits of Thermal Transfer Ribbon printing

The benefits of thermal transfer ribbon paper outweigh any other type of printing technology.
With thermal transfer ribbon printing, you can expect:

• High-speed printing that doesn’t compromise on quality.
• Low-maintenance printing.
• High-quality finish.
• Fine image detail.
• Fluid and moisture-resistant.
• Abrasion resistant.
• UV resistant – depending on the type of ribbon.
• Able to print onto a range of different materials.

Thermal transfer ribbon printing is a superior form of printing labels, offering high-speed printing and a better output of printing quality.

What is Thermal Transfer Ribbon?

Thermal transfer ribbon provides the source of ink that is then melted onto the printing material. It is activated by the heat of the printing head and produces a sharp print that is resistant to moisture, chemicals and external elements that may affect its quality.

At Obeeco, we supply up to 50 different colours of Thermal Transfer Ribbon, sourced from leading European manufacturers.

Thermal transfer ribbon types

We supply three different types of thermal transfer ribbon, ensuring that you can achieve the desired quality and durability for your printing needs.

Wax

Wax thermal transfer ribbon is the most economic option. It is usually used for printing onto paper or card, and it can be used for both coated and uncoated paper material.

The benefits of this type of ribbon include:

• Low printing temperature.
• It can be used for printing at high speeds.
• Moisture-resistant.
• High abrasion resistance.
• Suitable for matt paper and semi-gloss paper.
• Lowest cost of the ribbon options.

This type of wax thermal transfer ribbon is generally used for shipping labels, carton labels, retail tags, etc.

Wax-resin

Wax-resin thermal transfer ribbon uses a combination of wax and resin. It is considered to be the middle option of thermal transfer ribbon types and offers a durable printing finish that can withstand scuffing.

The benefits of this type of ribbon include:

• Smudge and scratch resistant.
• Moisture resistant.
• UV resistant.
• Long lifespan of finished label.
• It can be used for printing at high speeds.
• Able to produce finer images on coated or gloss paper.

This type of wax-resin thermal transfer ribbon is generally used for drum labelling, bin labels, high gloss paper, etc.

Resin

Resin thermal transfer ribbon predominantly uses resin and is considered to produce the most durable and long-lasting prints. This type of ribbon is able to withstand the harshest of elements without losing printing detail.

The benefits of this type of ribbon include:

• Mechanical durability.
• Smudge and scratch resistant.
• Moisture resistant.
• UV resistant.
• Able to withstand high temperatures.
• Able to withstand corrosive elements.
• Produces a sharp image.

This type of resin thermal transfer ribbon is generally used in outdoor labelling where high durability is essential, it can also be used for high-gloss paper and synthetic materials.

Thermal Transfer Ribbon sizes

Depending on your labelling needs, you should select the size of ribbon that best matches the size of your label width. This ensures that you get the most out of your product and reduces the amount of ribbon waste.

It’s also important that you ensure your printer is able to handle the width of the ribbon and fit its core size. Smaller printers can usually handle a half-inch core size, but the more industrial and manufacturing-type printers can handle larger 1” core sizes.

What is the difference between direct thermal printing and thermal transfer printing?

Direct thermal printing does not use a toner, ink or ribbon to print onto materials. Instead, it uses a heat-sensitive media that passes under a thermal printhead. Direct thermal printing is not as durable as thermal transfer printing, it is usually more sensitive to heat and light and fades over time – think of an old receipt in your wallet, the ink on the paper will usually fade in 3-6 months.

Direct thermal printing is usually used for making labels with a short lifespan, e.g.) best before dates or shipping labels. A thermal transfer ribbon printer creates labels with a longer lifespan using a special type of ribbon that produces long-lasting, durable prints. This method is a much more high-quality option and suitable for printing onto a wide range of materials.

Thermal transfer ribbon supplier in Ireland

Obeeco LTD is a leading supplier of thermal transfer ribbon throughout the Island of Ireland. The thermal transfer ribbon is sourced from reputable European manufacturers and is of a high-grade, high-performance quality.

For over 40 years, we have helped manufacturers improve their shelf performance and create sustainable printing solutions that improve their labelling efficiency, reduce costs and improve their printing performance.