Premium Wax-Resin Ribbon
Premium durability for high-demand label environments
About Premium Wax-Resin Ribbon
CW-22 raises the bar on wax-resin performance — sharper print, higher smudge resistance, and better adhesion on coated and synthetic substrates. A trusted choice for pharma and industrial labelling.
Key features
- High smudge and scratch resistance
- Excellent adhesion on synthetics
- Sharp, high-density print
- Performs well at higher print speeds
Applications
Compatible substrates
Industries
Which label materials CW-22 prints on
CW-22 is our premium wax-resin grade. In the grade table it is listed for coated paper, polyester (PET) labels and polypropylene (PP) labels, so it is the first wax-resin grade that covers both common films as well as paper. It is not listed for HDPE, which is CW-25 only.
The applications above include pharmaceutical batch labels and industrial part identification. Those are jobs where one printer often has to handle a paper carton label and a film vial or part label in the same week, and CW-22 is the grade whose list covers both without a change of ribbon.
CW-22 compared with CW-20 and CW-25
Printer makers sell wax-resin in tiers. A premium tier gives sharper print, higher scratch and smudge resistance, and on some labels durability close to resin. CW-22 is our premium wax-resin grade, and CW-20 is the standard grade below it.
The label lists show where each one fits. CW-20 covers coated paper, light synthetics and PET. CW-22 adds polypropylene. CW-25, the super premium grade above CW-22, lists coated paper in harsh environments, PET, PP and HDPE, so HDPE is the clearest reason to move up. If you do not print on HDPE, test CW-22 first and move to CW-25 only if the print fails your own tests.
Printer settings for CW-22
You may land a little higher on darkness with CW-22 than you would with CW-20, and you may need to hold the speed down. TSC notes that wax-resin needs higher temperatures for ink transfer, and Zebra places it at moderate speeds. Raise darkness in small steps, and slow the printer before you turn the darkness up further. Stop at the lowest setting that gives a barcode that scans, since a setting that is too high can burn through the ribbon and wear the printhead.
When the same printer switches between paper and film labels, re-check the setting for each stock. Zebra's troubleshooting tables list a wrong ribbon and label combination among the causes of faint print, so a faint result on one stock does not mean the ribbon is faulty.
Sizes and ordering CW-22
CW-22 is slit in widths between 25mm and 160mm and in lengths from 50m to 600m, on half-inch or 1-inch cores, notched if needed, wound inside or outside. For pharmaceutical or compliance labels, send us the label material and what the label must go through. Zebra advises pre-testing every ribbon for its end use, so we send a free sample for you to put through your own tests before you order volume.
Standard sizes have no minimum order and are dispatched the same day. MSDS is available on request.
Specifications
| Product code | CW-22 |
| Type | Wax-Resin Ribbons |
| Widths | 25–160mm (custom) |
| Lengths | 50m–600m |
| Cores | ½" & 1" (with punching) |
| Wound | Inside & outside |
| Leader | Blue, green, silver, transparent |
| Supply | Pan-India |
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Get a quote +91-9818254785CW-22 Premium Wax-Resin Ribbon: common questions
What is CW-22 ribbon?+
CW-22 is Codewell's premium wax-resin thermal transfer ribbon. It is listed for coated paper, polyester labels and polypropylene labels, and it is the premium grade of our five-grade wax-resin range.
What is the difference between CW-22 and CW-20?+
Both are wax-resin. CW-20 is the standard grade, listed for coated paper, light synthetics and polyester. CW-22 is the premium grade and also lists polypropylene. Test both on your own labels with a free sample.
Can CW-22 print on polypropylene labels?+
Yes. Polypropylene (PP) labels are listed for CW-22, CW-25 and CW-30, and CW-22 is the first of those in the range. Polyester and coated paper are listed too.
When do I need CW-25 instead of CW-22?+
CW-25 is the only wax-resin grade listed for HDPE labels, and it also lists coated paper in harsh environments. If your label is coated paper, PET or PP, test CW-22 first.
Is CW-22 suitable for pharmaceutical batch labels?+
Pharmaceutical batch labels are among the applications listed for CW-22. Whether it passes depends on your label, adhesive and what the label meets, so test it on your own label. We send a free sample for that.
Does CW-22 need a different printer setting from CW-20?+
It may need a little more darkness or a slower speed. Raise darkness in small steps and stop at the lowest setting that gives a barcode that scans.
Can I order CW-22 in a custom size?+
Yes. Widths run from 25mm to 160mm and lengths from 50m to 600m, on half-inch or 1-inch cores, inside or outside wound. Standard sizes have no minimum order and are dispatched the same day.
Printer compatibility
Premium Wax-Resin Ribbon (CW-22) is a flat-head thermal transfer ribbon, slit on ½" or 1" cores to match your printer model. Tell us the model and we will confirm the size, core and winding.
