RIBBON CONSERVATION RESISTIVE RIBBON INKS.

Resistive ribbon thermal transfer printing employs ribbons having a resistive, support layer; a thin aluminum interlayer; and an ink outer layer, which is transferred by heat generated in the ribbon itself. Ribbon conservation is achieved by underfeeding the ribbon, with the level of current driven into the printhead and other parameters selected so that the ink layer only partially releases during each moment of printing. A ribbon for such conservation printing is achieved by providing carbon black in polyamide of low melt viscosity, with a minor amount of a hydrate which will break down at the printing temperature.