Technology guide
Thermal transfer overprinting (TTO) is the go-to technology for high-resolution coding onto flexible films and labels, common on flow-wrap, pouches, and labelling lines.
A TTO printer presses a thermal printhead against a thermal-transfer ribbon, melting wax/resin ink from the ribbon directly onto flexible packaging film. Because the printhead addresses each dot, TTO produces sharp text, real-time dates, and scannable barcodes.
TTO runs in intermittent mode (for flat, indexed packaging) or continuous mode (for film on the move), and its only consumable is the ribbon.
TTO and thermal inkjet (TIJ) serve different substrates: TTO is built for flexible film and labels, while TIJ excels on cartons, cases, paper, and many rigid surfaces. Plenty of lines use both. If your packaging mixes film and board, tell us the details and we will help you map the right method to each.
TIJ Print Solutions specializes in thermal inkjet. We’re happy to help you choose the right technology for your line — even when that conversation starts here. .
Tell us your product, substrate, and line speed and we’ll help you weigh the options — and show you where thermal inkjet is the simplest, lowest-maintenance fit.
TTO is used for high-resolution coding — dates, text, and barcodes — directly onto flexible packaging films and labels, such as flow-wrap, pouches, and lidding.
No. TTO melts ink from a ribbon onto flexible film using a thermal printhead, while thermal inkjet (TIJ) jets ink from a cartridge onto cartons, paper, and rigid surfaces. They suit different substrates and often run side by side.