Thermal Transfer Printing
Thermal Transfer Overprinters (TTOs) use a precise heat transfer process to apply clear, durable codes directly onto flexible packaging films, making them ideal for high-speed FMCG production lines. Produces high-resolution prints that are clean, sharp, and instantly dry.
What is Thermal Transfer Overprinting (TTO)?
Thermal Transfer Overprinting (TTO) is a technology that creates messages in resolutions up to 300dpi by pushing a ribbon into contact with a substrate using a heated printhead.
The printhead is made up of a series of miniature print elements under a ceramic coating and a layer on the thermal printer ribbon is covered with a coloured wax and/or resin mixture. The mixture on the ribbon melts as small areas of it come into contact with the elements that are heated, this transfers and adheres colour to the surface of the substrate as it moves under the printhead.
What can a TTO mark?
A TTO (thermal transfer overprinting) printer is designed primarily for flexible packaging materials, but it can cover quite a wide range depending on the ribbon type and surface.
Typical TTO Industries
Snack foods
Perfect for high-speed snack lines, TTO prints sharp, high-contrast codes on flow-wrap packaging without slowing production.
Baked Goods
Print easy-to-read codes on bakery packaging, helping maintain product quality and freshness information throughout shelf life.
Pharmaceuticals
Print precise, high-resolution coding for flexible packaging or labels, supporting traceability and regulatory requirements
Confectionery
Ideal for flow-wrap applications, TTO produces high-quality codes that ensure essential information is clear.
Fresh Foods
Print durable, legible codes on flexible packaging to maintain traceability across the supply chain.
Why choose TTO printing?
TTO is often selected because it offers:
- Clean and user-friendly operation
- Reliable operation in demanding production environments
- Suitable for continuous or intermittent printing modes
- Ideal for coding on a range of plastic films, flat packaging, label stock, pouches and films.
- Proven technology for continuous, 24/7 operation
- High-resolution print for pricing, date and time coding, barcodes, QR codes, logos, ingredients’ lists or even marketing messages
- High-speed production
Linx TTO Technology
Linx TTO Series
Thermal Transfer Overprinters
Data Matrix and QR codes |GS1 compliant 2D codes | Idea for flexible materials | High-speed production | Up to 107mm wide message | Easy integration | Black and colour ribbons