Compare all 11 CW-series ribbons
Side-by-side comparison of all Codewell thermal transfer ribbons — performance ratings, best applications, and substrate compatibility.
| Ribbon | Type | Smudge | Chemical | Heat | Abrasion | Speed | Cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CW-11 Wax | Wax | ₹ | Economy paper labels | |||||
| CW-12 Wax Premium | Wax | ₹ | Premium paper labels | |||||
| CW-15 Eco Wax Resin | Wax-Resin | ₹₹ | Eco-certified labels | |||||
| CW-20 Wax Resin | Wax-Resin | ₹₹ | Coated paper labels | |||||
| CW-22 Wax Resin Premium | Wax-Resin | ₹₹ | Pharma labels | |||||
| CW-25 Wax Resin Super Premium | Wax-Resin | ₹₹ | Cold chain / harsh env | |||||
| CW-28 Resin | Resin | ₹₹₹ | Synthetic labels | |||||
| CW-30 Extreme Wax Resin | Wax-Resin | ₹₹ | Extreme conditions | |||||
| CW-33 Pure Resin | Resin | ₹₹₹ | Maximum durability | |||||
| CW-60 Wash Care / Waterproof | Specialty | ₹₹₹ | Textile wash-care | |||||
| CW-66 Chemical Free Resin | Resin | ₹₹₹ | Eco resin / cleanroom |
Ratings: ●●● = Excellent · ●●○ = Good · ●○○ = Basic · ○○○ = Not applicable. All ribbons available in custom widths 25–160mm and lengths 50–600m.
Substrate compatibility matrix
| Label material | CW-11 | CW-12 | CW-15 | CW-20 | CW-22 | CW-25 | CW-28 | CW-30 | CW-33 | CW-60 | CW-66 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uncoated paper | |||||||||||
| Matte coated paper | |||||||||||
| Semi-gloss paper | |||||||||||
| Polypropylene (PP) | |||||||||||
| Polyester (PET) | |||||||||||
| Polyimide (Kapton) | |||||||||||
| Nylon satin | |||||||||||
| Taffeta | |||||||||||
| BOPP film |
Frequently asked questions
Which ribbon is cheapest for shipping labels?
CW-11 Wax is the most economical ribbon for paper shipping labels. It provides good print quality at the lowest cost per label — ideal for logistics and e-commerce operations printing thousands of labels daily.
What ribbon do I need for pharmaceutical labels?
For pharma compliance labels, use CW-22 Wax Resin Premium (coated paper labels) or CW-25 Wax Resin Super Premium (synthetic labels). Both provide smudge resistance, chemical resistance, and the print durability required for batch codes and expiry dates.
Can I use wax ribbon on synthetic labels?
No. Wax ribbons are designed for paper substrates only. On synthetic labels (polypropylene, polyester), wax ink won't bond properly and will scratch off easily. Use wax-resin (CW-20 to CW-30) for light synthetics or resin (CW-28, CW-33) for full synthetic labels.
Which ribbon lasts longest on outdoor labels?
CW-33 Pure Resin provides maximum durability for outdoor applications. It resists UV exposure, chemicals, heat, and abrasion. Pair it with a polyester (PET) label for labels that last 3-5+ years outdoors.
What ribbon works for garment wash-care labels?
CW-60 Wash Care Ribbon is specifically designed for textile labels. It prints on nylon satin and taffeta and survives 60+ wash cycles, tumble drying, ironing, and dry cleaning — meeting all garment labelling requirements.
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