Thermal Transfer Overprinters

Industrial, high-speed , high-resolution coders for flexible materials

Linx thermal transfer overprinters deliver reliable industrial coding for global production lines. Moreover, these systems are ideal for high-speed FMCG applications. As a result, they provide a reliable solution for consistent, error-free batch numbers, date codes, expiry dates, logos, barcodes, 2D codes and product marking on plastics, film packaging, labels, gloss card and other flexible materials.

What is Thermal Transfer coding?

To begin with, Thermal Transfer Overprinters (TTOs) use a precise heat transfer process to apply clear, durable codes directly onto flexible packaging films. Consequently, they are well suited to high-speed FMCG production lines. In addition, they produce high-resolution prints that are clean, sharp and instantly dry.

Learn more about how thermal transfer coding works

Benefits of Thermal Transfer Coding

Firstly, Linx TTOs are compact, and therefore can integrate easily into small spaces on existing production lines.
Moreover, the codes are instantly dry, so there is no need for ink, solvent or drying time.
In addition, they support both intermittent and continuous motion packaging lines, which increases flexibility.
Finally, they are designed for VFFS, HFFS, flow wrap and other flexible packaging machines, ensuring seamless integration across a wide range of applications.

Linx Thermal Transfer Overprinters

  • Linx Thermal transfer overprinters
  • Linx thermal transfer overprinter printing flow wrap film
  • Ribbons for thermal transfer printers
  • Ice cream packets with TTO coded 2D codes
  • Rice packet printed with thermal transfer printer
  • Ham film packet printed with thermal transfer
  • croissant film packet printed with thermal transfer printer

Linx TTO Series

High-resolution solution for flexible materials

Features

Suitable for 24/7 operations | Data Matrix and QR codes | High-speed production | Batch and date coding | Suitable for intermittent and continuous lines | Black or coloured ribbons

Key Benefits:

  • Ideal for flexible materials such as films, foils, plastics and labels
  • Choice of 32mm, 53mm or 107mm wide printheads
  • Small footprint, ideal for integrating into exisiting lines
  • High-speed coding, up to 1000m per second/700 prints per min

Linx TTO coders provide a cost-effective and reliable solution, backed up by our product advice and support teams.
The Linx range of TTOs ensures we can find a solution to any coding requirement or application.

Applications for TTO printers

Food

Print clear, reliable date and batch codes on flexible films to support compliance and traceability.

Snack foods

 Perfect for high-speed snack lines, TTO prints sharp, high-contrast codes on flow-wrap packaging without slowing production.

Baked Goods

Print easy-to-read codes on bakery packaging, helping maintain product quality and freshness information throughout shelf life.

Pharmaceuticals

Print precise, high-resolution coding for flexible packaging or labels, supporting traceability and regulatory requirements

Confectionery

Ideal for flow-wrap applications, TTO produces high-quality codes that ensure essential information is clear.

Fresh Foods

Print durable, legible codes on flexible packaging to maintain traceability across the supply chain.

Coding GS1 with Linx TTO Series

Coding GS1 codes with Linx thermal transfer overprinters provides a reliable way to create a high‑quality code that remains clear and scannable throughout the product’s lifecycle. As a result, you can support accurate data capture for traceability and ensure compliance with global GS1 standards, even in fast‑moving production environments.

Moreover, Linx’s official partnership with GS1 UK reinforces our commitment to delivering trusted, standards‑compliant coding solutions. As a GS1 UK‑approved provider, we validate our products, including the TTO Series printers, to print GS1‑compliant 2D codes with precision and reliability.

FAQ

What is TTO coding?

Thermal Transfer Overprinting (TTO) is a digital printing method that uses a heated printhead to transfer ink from a ribbon onto flexible packaging materials, creating high-resolution, durable codes.

What types of packaging is TTO coding best suited for?

TTO is ideal for flexible materials such as plastic films, foils, and labels, commonly used on flow-wrap, vertical form fill seal (VFFS), and horizontal packaging machines.

What information can be printed using TTO?

TTO printers can produce a wide range of variable data, including batch numbers, expiry dates, barcodes, QR codes, product information, logos, and ingredient details.

Why choose TTO over other coding technologies?

TTO provides high-resolution, bold prints that are instantly dry, making it ideal for flexible packaging where speed, print quality and durability are critical.

How easy is it to integrate a TTO printer into a production line?

TTO printers are designed for easy integration with most packaging equipment, including flow wrappers, baggers, and labelling systems.

What are the benefits of using ribbons in TTO printing?

Thermal ribbons provide consistent, high-quality prints with strong contrast, and are available in different colours to suit various packaging designs.

Which industries commonly use TTO coding?

TTO is widely used in industries that rely on flexible packaging, including food, snack, bakery, fresh produce, and contract packing.