1. What Type of Packaging Machine Do You Have?
Different packaging machines determine the TTO operating mode. Choosing the wrong type means installation failure or inaccurate printing.
| Your Packaging Machine Type | Corresponding TTO Mode | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Vertical Packaging Machine (VFFS) | Intermittent / Continuous | Most common; supports both modes |
| Horizontal Packaging Machine (HFFS) | Continuous | Horizontal flow; film runs continuously |
| Friction Feeder / Label Dispenser | Continuous | Labels or cards separated continuously |
| Filling Machine | Intermittent | Pauses during filling; suits intermittent printing |
💡 Just confirm one thing: Does the film “stop” or “move” during printing? Choose Intermittent if it stops; choose Continuous if it runs. Some models support both modes for ultimate flexibility.
2. What Material Is Your Packaging Film?
TTO is compatible with most films, but not all. Verify that your film material is on the compatibility list.
| Film Material | Compatible | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| PE (Polyethylene) | ✅ Yes | Most common; good results |
| PET (Polyester) | ✅ Yes | Excellent results |
| OPP / BOPP | ✅ Yes | Excellent results |
| NY (Nylon) | ✅ Yes | Good results |
| CPP | ✅ Yes | Good results |
| Metallized Film (VMPET/VMCPP) | ✅ Yes | Excellent results |
| Aluminum Foil Laminate | ✅ Yes | Resin ribbon recommended |
| Paper-Plastic Laminate | ✅ Yes | Good results |
| PVDC (High-Barrier Film) | ✅ Yes | Good results |
| Shrink Film (POF/PVC) | ✅ Yes | Test required after shrinking |
| Non-Woven Fabric | ⚠️ Test Required | Rough surface; high-sensitivity ribbon needed |
| Pure Aluminum Foil | ❌ Not Recommended | Use thermal stamping printer instead |
💡 Not sure about your film? We offer free sample testing. Simply send us a roll of your film, and we’ll verify print quality.
3. What Is the Film Speed? Does It Fluctuate?
This factor directly determines whether TTO can keep up with your production line.
| Scenario | Description | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Constant Speed (e.g., steady 60 ppm) | TTO adapts easily | Standard configuration works |
| Fluctuating Speed (e.g., 30-80 ppm variation) | Requires speed-tracking capability | Choose a model with sync encoder interface for automatic speed matching |
| Very High Speed (120+ ppm) | High demands on ribbon and printhead | Choose high-speed continuous TTO + high-sensitivity ribbon |
💡 Speed fluctuation is an often-overlooked issue. Always provide your speed range, not just the average value.
4. How Many Packs Do You Print Per Minute?
Print frequency determines the TTO model tier and ribbon consumption.
| Prints Per Minute | Recommended Configuration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Below 30 | Economy TTO | Sufficient; best cost-performance |
| 30-80 | Standard TTO | Mainstream choice; stable performance |
| 80-120 | Standard TTO (High-Speed Version) | Enhanced cooling required |
| Above 120 | Premium High-Speed TTO | Requires special evaluation |
💡 Higher frequency = faster printhead and ribbon wear. Factor consumables cost into your selection.
5. What Content Will You Print? What Are the Dimensions?
The complexity of your print content directly affects resolution, width, and ribbon type requirements.
Resolution & Width Requirements by Content
| Print Content | Minimum Resolution | Recommended Width |
|---|---|---|
| Production Date + Expiry (1-2 lines text) | 200dpi | 24mm sufficient |
| Multi-line Text + Batch No. (3+ lines) | 200dpi | 32mm |
| Barcode (Code128/EAN, etc.) | 200dpi | 32mm |
| QR Code / 2D Code | 300dpi | 53mm (recommended) |
| Logo / Graphic Trademark | 300dpi | 53mm or wider |
| Multi-Lane Packaging (multiple prints simultaneously) | 300dpi | 107/128mm (wide format) |
Print Direction Options
| Direction | Description |
|---|---|
| Longitudinal (along film travel) | Most common; suits most lines |
| Transverse (perpendicular to film travel) | Requires checking available installation space |
| Rotated / Angled | Requires special custom evaluation |
💡 Pro tip: If you’re printing barcodes or QR codes, go straight to 300dpi. For just 1-2 lines of text, 200dpi is sufficient.
6. Is There Enough Installation Space? Who Provides the Bracket?
TTO must be installed at the optimal position on your packaging machine. Improper installation affects print quality and equipment life.
| Check Item | What You Need to Confirm |
|---|---|
| Installation Position | Is there adequate clearance between printhead and film surface? (Typically 5-10cm) |
| Mounting Orientation | Horizontal or vertical? Does your packaging machine have pre-drilled mounting holes? |
| Bracket Provision | Does the supplier provide a custom bracket for your machine, or do you need to modify it yourself? |
| Air Supply | Pneumatic TTO requires compressed air; Electric TTO requires no air lines |
💡 What we do: Provide detailed installation dimension drawings or conduct on-site surveys to ensure 100% bracket compatibility with your equipment. No custom modifications required on your end.
7. Can You Test Print Samples First?
“Seeing is believing.” Always confirm actual print quality before purchase.
| What to Verify | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Print Clarity | Are small characters clear? Can barcodes be read by scanners? |
| Adhesion | Is the print easily smudged? Is it abrasion-resistant and alcohol-resistant? |
| Speed Matching | Is print stable at your actual line speed? |
| Film Adaptability | Is print consistent across different batches of the same film? |
💡 Our commitment: Free sample testing service. Send us a roll of your film, we’ll run real tests on our equipment, return samples for your approval, and only then proceed with your order.
8. Standard Ribbon or Resin Ribbon?
Choosing the wrong ribbon means either poor adhesion or insufficient print transfer — or both.
| Ribbon Type | Compatible Films | Characteristics | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Wax / Wax-Resin Ribbon | PE, PP, OPP, Label Paper | General purpose; good adhesion | Economical |
| Resin Ribbon | Metallized Film, Aluminum Foil Laminate, PET, Nylon | Excellent scratch resistance, alcohol resistance, and adhesion | Higher |
💡 Not sure which one to choose? Tell us your film material, and we’ll recommend the exact ribbon type — no trial-and-error waste.
Quick Self-Assessment Checklist (Check off each item for accurate model selection)
| No. | Question | Your Answer | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Packaging machine type? (VFFS/HFFS/Friction Feeder/Filler) | ________ | Key item |
| 2 | Does the film “stop” or “move” during printing? | Stop / Continuous | Key item |
| 3 | What is the film material? | ________ | Key item |
| 4 | Production line speed range? (packs per minute) | ________ | Key item |
| 5 | Print content? (Text/Barcode/QR Code/Logo) | ________ | — |
| 6 | Print content dimensions? (Width × Height) | ________ | — |
| 7 | Print direction? (Longitudinal / Transverse) | ________ | — |
| 8 | Does your facility have compressed air? | Yes / No | Determines Electric vs. Pneumatic |
| 9 | Any special requirements? (Alcohol resistance / Scratch resistance) | Yes / No | — |
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