Frequently Ask Questions

Todaytec manufactures ribbons in Charlotte, NC, Los Angeles, CA and Monterrey, Mexico. Our thermal transfer films are made at our corporate facility in Hangzhou, China. The films are then shipped to our converting facilties all over the world where we manufacture and package ribbons locally.

Our shipping facilities are in Charlotte, NC, Los Angeles, CA, Monterrey, Mexico and Ontario, Canada.

Todaytec manufactures ribbons for all flat head printers. Common printers include Zebra, Datamax, Sato, Toshiba, Intermec, Monarch and TSC Printronix. Todaytec also makes ribbons for Print & Apply and other integrated labeling systems. Please contact us to determine the best ribbon for your printing application.

Todaytec does not currently manufacture ribbons for Markem, Videojet and other near-edge or TTO printers. Our research and development teams are working hard to bring these materials to market soon.

Todaytec will assist end users in finding a quality reseller in your geographic area or within your industry. While we do not accept purchase orders from end users, we will do everything possible to make sure your needs are met by one of our partners.

Todaytec partners with OEM printer manufactuers, VARs, Convertors, Packaging, Office Product, Industrial, Electronic, Electrical and Medical Supply Resellers.

Todaytec uses the same films, waxes, resins and solvents used by other major ink consumable manufacturers. The exact blends and formulations used are unique to Todaytec products. Todaytec uses only the most proven materials to achieve the highest standards of quality and repreatability.

Once a formulation has been introduced to the market, Todaytec contunues to use the originally specified materials for the life of the product.

Yes. Todaytec is the second largest supplier of thermal transfer ribbons by volume in the world. This year we will manufacture over 900 million square meters of thermal film. We service customers who buy less than $10,000 per year and others whose purchases exceed $1 million.

Todaytec has no minimums for standard orders. Our resellers can purchase one case of any material. For special needs, initial testing and introduction orders we will supply less than case quantity for a small fee. Todaytec provides a line of 6-pack products for those customers with low volume needs. This helps Todaytec resellers compete against catalog companies with similar offers. Additionally, Todaytec will create custom case and skid quantities to assist our resellers in providing tailored solutions.

Todaytec is flexible and will tailor payment terms to meet your purchasing goals. Standard terms are Net 30 Days but many companies prefer discount terms for early payment. Longer terms can be provided to resellers with strong credit history who demonstrate the ability to meet payment schedules.

Todaytec provides a program for ribbon resellers that can dramatically reduce costs. If longer lead times are possible, Todaytec can ship resellers directly from our corporate facility in Hangzhou China. The lead time for China Direct shipments varies between 6 and 10 weeks depending on material mix and shipping method. Todaytec handles all import duties and paperwork for China Direct orders.

Todaytec employs outside sales people living in each region of North America. Todaytec sales represenatives are available for on-site training and joint visits to your end users.

All ribbons contain at least some wax and resin. The percentages of wax and resin vary by product and supplier. The terms Wax, Wax-Resin and Resin came about to describe the relative difference in these ingredients. Wax ribbons have very little resin, while Resin ribbins have very little wax. Wax-Resin ribbons fall between the two and can vary greatly by supplier. Resin Enhanced Wax is a term used to explain that a wax ribbon has more resin and a higher performance than standard wax ribbons, but without having enough resin to be classified as a wax-resin ribbon.

Coated side in versus coated side out. This describes which side of the film the transferrable ink is placed on. For example, Zebra ribbons are coated outside. When you look at a Zebra ribbon, the ink is facing you. Alternatively, Datamax ribbons are coated side in. To see the ink on a Datamax ribbon you would need to pull some film away from the ribbon and look at the side that was facing the inside of the ribbon.

All Todaytec ribbons are available with a take up core already attached to the ribbon. Standard ribbons are supplied without a take up core. To request a take up core for your ribbon please contact us by clicking here.

Yes. Todaytec can manufacture ribbons with a custom printed leader and/ or custom labeling. We can assist resellers in designing a leader that enhances their brand and differentiates their product offering. If standard blue leader is acceptable but the labeling needs to be customized, Todaytec can help design a labeling solution that reflects the reseller's branding and contact information.

Todaytec can receive your purchase order via email, fax or by phone. Please see our contact information by clicking here.

Stock products ship the same day for orders placed by 2:00 EST. Standard items ship in 1 to 4 days depending on the quantity ordered. Custom products ship in 3 to 5 days. Once aan order ships, most ship to locations in North America lie within 1 to 3 ship days from a Todaytec facility. Next day ship options are available.
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