Authentix unveils security thermal transfer printing ribbons

Authentix recently announced the availability of the latest version of security ink quickly deployable enabling brand owners’ rapid integration of sophisticated covert security ink to products and labels. 

By substituting an Authentix Traceless® Security Thermal Transfer Ribbon (STTR) into an existing Thermal Transfer Ribbon (TTR) printer, a quick transition can occur from standard TTR black ink printing to high security covert STTR solution uniquely verifiable using a specialized Authentix handheld portable reader. The printed version of the label appears identical to standard TTR printing but contains a covert machine-readable ink authenticated by the Authentix Traceless® Ultra Reader.

Benefits of Authentix Traceless® Security Thermal Transfer Ribbons

There are many benefits when implementing Authentix STTR solution including:

• Print linear and 2D barcodes including GS1 compliant QR and Data Matrix codes
• Print variable product information such as serial number, IMEI, size, date, time, lot number, and line number
• Works with most substrates including paper, plastics, and textiles
• Print on apparel labels, hangtags, footwear labels, packaging film, product, and shipping labels
• Virtually any components printed on using standard TTR printers can be instantly converted to this sophisticated STTR solution
• Secure verification for use in multiple industries including apparel, footwear, automotive, electronics, and more
• Easy set up: Drop-in implementation with virtually any existing TTR printer
• Manufactured using ARMOR-IIMAK®’s high quality resin ribbon with excellent durability and stability
• Traceless® Ultra handheld analyzers provide instant confirmation of authenticity
• Custom ribbon sizes are available for certain volume commitments
• Sample ribbons and analyzers are available for trial testing to qualified clients

Industry partnership – ARMOR-IIMAK and Authentix

The Authentix proprietary STTRs are manufactured via an exclusive partnership with ARMOR-IIMAK®, a global leader in Thermal Transfer Ribbon manufacturing and supply to the industry since 1983. The STTR product is supplied directly by Authentix to only qualified clients. The covert security ink used in the ribbons is an ARMOR-IIMAK approved formulation jointly engineered with Authentix and industry tested for over a decade. Authentix Traceless® STTR solution is the fastest method to implement highly secure brand protection with little to no interruption or process changes required. Implementing STTR as part of your overall brand protection solution has never been easier.

Easy implementation, high security, and broad application use

With a switch of the printer ribbon, manufacturers can add a highly secure, covert anticounterfeiting technology to virtually any product including electronics, automotive parts, apparel, footwear, and many more. Also, the solution is ideal for most hangtags, shipping labels, or product labels. The security ribbon and specialized reader are built for both durability and security with drop-in implementation for most existing TTR printers.  Authentix STTR solution delivers high durability for harsh environment labeling and is resistance to heat, steam, abrasion and many chemicals.

These premium resin ribbons also deliver exceptional printing on high-end films covering many different substrate types. Authentix STTR solution contains proprietary markers detectable only by the programmed Authentix Traceless Ultra Reader. The product is available exclusively through Authentix and supplied to only qualified brand owners or authorized contract manufacturers. To ensure security, an agreement for chain of custody and security handling procedures are required and maintained.

For optimal print results, thermal transfer printing should occur in the temperature range of 41°to 95°f (5° to 35°c) at 45% To 85% relative humidity. Suggested storage conditions for up to one year duration are 23° to 104° f (-5° to 40°c) at 20% to 85% relative humidity. To ensure reliable detection of the printed registration area, it is necessary to have adequate print size area. Below are some general guidelines for printing on synthetic or coated label stock:

• A minimum size of a single line of 8 pt text, 1.5 cm long is required for most substrates
• A single line of 12 pt text, 1.5 cm long, is optimal for any substrate and recommended
• Any bar code should be detectable for most any substrate

Traceless® Ultra handheld analyzer

Security Thermal Transfer Ribbon print can be verified by the Traceless® Ultra Analyzer, manufactured only by Authentix and made available to our security clients for field or factory use.

• Precision built for reliability, durability and accuracy, even under extreme conditions.
• Used for over a decade in multiple industries and ideal for fast, non-destructive verification.

Implementing secure brand protection made easy

As an authority in authentication solutions, Authentix has thrived in supply chain complexity for over 25 years. For commercial brand owners, Authentix designs and deploys advanced anticounterfeiting and anti-diversion solutions to detect, identify, and remediate illicit trade throughout the supply chain.

For more information about Authentix STTR solution for brand protection, contact Authentix at info@authentix.com or visit https://authentix.com/solution-technologies/thermal-transfer-printing-security/