Thermal Transfer Ribbon for Postek Printers
Thermal transfer ribbon for Postek printers such as the TX2, TX3 and C168: size, core and winding by model. Ask us to confirm yours.
Postek TX printers take ribbon up to 118mm wide and 600m on a 1 inch core, wound inside or outside. The C168 takes up to 110mm and 300m on a 1 inch core, and Postek's manual does not state its winding, so we confirm it from your old roll before dispatch. Wax (CW-11) suits paper, wax-resin (CW-22) coated paper, resin (CW-28) polyester and polypropylene.
Supported models
Postek printer models we supply ribbon for
Don't see your model? Ask us to confirm it. WhatsApp us your model number →
Ribbon selection guide
Recommended CW-series ribbons for Postek printers
Wax Resin Premium
Coated paper, polyester and polypropylene labels (Postek TX2, TX3)
View CW-22 specsResin
Polyester, polypropylene and film labels that meet chemicals or abrasion (Postek TX2, TX3)
View CW-28 specsPostek thermal transfer ribbon sizes by model
Postek thermal transfer ribbon comes in two sizes here. The C168 desktop takes up to 110mm wide and 300m on a 1 inch core. The TX series industrial takes up to 118mm wide and 600m on a 1 inch core, wound inside or outside. Postek's C168 manual does not say which side of the ribbon is inked, so the table says so: send us the model and we confirm the winding. Order a ribbon a few millimetres wider than your label.
| Model | Type | Ribbon | Core | Winding |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Postek C168 / 200s | Desktop | 110mm × 300m | 1" | Confirm with usPostek's C168 manual does not state which side of the ribbon is inked. Check your old roll or send us the model. |
| Postek TX2 / TX3 | Industrial | 110mm × 600m | 1" | Inside or outsidePostek gives a ribbon width up to 118mm. |
Swipe the table sideways to see all columns →
Which Postek thermal transfer ribbon for which label
The label decides the grade, not the printer. Find your label material below, then open the grade for its specification. Wax suits paper labels, wax-resin suits coated paper and light synthetics, and resin suits polyester, polypropylene and other films.
| Label material | Ribbon family | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Uncoated paper | Wax | CW-11 |
| Coated paper labels | Wax | CW-12 |
| Coated paper | Wax-resin | CW-15, CW-20, CW-22; CW-25 (harsh); CW-30 (heavy duty) |
| Polyester (PET) labels | Wax-resin | CW-20, CW-22, CW-25, CW-30 |
| Polypropylene (PP) labels | Wax-resin | CW-22, CW-25, CW-30 |
| Polyester (PET) labels | Resin | CW-28, CW-33, CW-66 |
| Polypropylene (PP) labels | Resin | CW-28, CW-66 |
| Polyimide labels | Resin | CW-28, CW-33 |
| Metal-effect labels | Resin | CW-33 |
| Cleanroom-grade labels | Resin | CW-66 |
| Nylon satin ribbon labels | Wash care | CW-60 |
CW-30 works from -40°C to +80°C, CW-33 withstands sterilisation, CW-66 is chemical-free and suits cleanroom and food-contact labelling, and CW-15 is our eco, low-emission wax-resin. Test the full cycle on your own labels, and ask us to confirm your Postek model.
Postek C168 and TX series: a 300m desktop roll and a 600m industrial roll
Postek's manuals give each family one ribbon. The C168 takes ribbon up to 110mm wide, up to 300m long, with a roll diameter of up to 76.2mm on a 1 inch core (25.4mm). The TX series takes ribbon up to 118mm wide, up to 600m long, with a roll diameter of up to 84mm on a core with an inner diameter of 1 inch, which the manual marks as a minimum.
Neither manual states a minimum ribbon width, so for a narrow label send us the label width and the printer model and we confirm what to cut. The C168 manual also says to place a ribbon narrower than 110mm in the middle of the ribbon spindle.
Winding: stated for the TX series, not for the C168
For the TX series Postek's specification says the ink side can be both in and out, and the manual shows a ribbon path for ink side in and one for ink side out. It also gives a test: stick a label to the outside or the inside of the ribbon to check which side the ink is on, and load the ribbon with the ink side facing the media.
For the C168, the manual and the product page do not state the ink side, so we do not state it either. Look at the roll in the printer now, or send us the model and a photo, and we confirm the winding before dispatch.
Reading Postek's numbers: 360m or 300m, and what the manuals leave out
The C168 manual's introduction mentions a ribbon capacity of 360m, but its specification table says 300m. We use the table figure, 300m, and suggest you order by it. Where a printer you own is older or a variant, check the roll that is in it before you rely on either number.
Postek's current TX Exp models have a separate manual that we have not used on this page. If you run a TX Exp, send us the model and we confirm the ribbon.
Send the model, label width, core, winding, roll length and number of rolls. Standard sizes have no minimum order, and a free sample lets you test on your own Postek printer. Widths run from 25mm to 160mm and lengths from 50m to 600m. MSDS is available on request.
Technical notes
Postek ribbon compatibility details
Both Postek families here use a 1 inch core (25.4mm). Winding: the TX series takes ribbon wound ink side in or out, and Postek's manual shows a path for each; Postek's C168 manual does not state which side of the ribbon is inked, so we confirm it against your old roll. Give us the model, and ask us to confirm it.
Postek makes barcode label printers. The models here are the ones whose ribbon width, length and core we have confirmed from Postek's own user manuals.
Postek ribbon: common questions
Does a Postek TX2 or TX3 take inside or outside wound ribbon?+
Either. Postek's specification says the ink side can be both in and out, and the manual shows a ribbon path for each. Tell us your winding and we cut that.
Does a Postek C168 take inside or outside wound ribbon?+
Postek's C168 manual does not state which side of the ribbon is inked. Check the roll in the printer now, or send us the model and a photo of the roll, and we confirm the winding before dispatch.
What ribbon length does a Postek C168 take?+
Postek's specification table gives up to 300m, with a roll diameter of up to 76.2mm on a 1 inch core and a width of up to 110mm. The manual's introduction mentions 360m, but the table says 300m, so order by 300m.
What core and length does a Postek TX2 take?+
A 1 inch core (25.4mm inner diameter, marked as a minimum), ribbon up to 118mm wide, up to 600m long, with a roll diameter of up to 84mm.
Not sure which ribbon is right for your Postek printer?
Tell us your printer model, label material, and application — we'll recommend the exact CW-series ribbon and send a free sample.