
SolFree® is an innovative manufacturing process that uses no solvents. Traditional thermal ribbon manufacturing uses solvents to act as a binding agent which is then evaporated. The majority of the solvents are removed via heating but some dry trace quantities will remain in the ribbon.
Solvents in themselves are harmful to both people and the environment—this is why it has to be evaporated from the thermal ribbon.
The inks used to make the ribbon grade are identical in both manufacturing processes. This means ribbons made with SolFree® have identical performance.
The SolFree® process results in an improved backcoat which provides better printhead protection. Solvents also deteriorate the thermal printhead.
As much as 365 g of CO2 can be saved compared to the traditional manufacturing process.
