Domestic technical textiles Industry Segment-wise consumption of ...

Computer Printer Ribbon
The computer printer cartridge of a Dot matrix printer (DMP) consists of a cassette and inked fabric
called the printer ribbon. The cartridge is replaced when no further prints can be availed, however in
order to save on costs only the ribbon portion is changed which is called the refill.
Product Characteristics
The Nylon 6 yarn is woven into a fabric which is cut to required size for making computer printer
ribbons. The properties essential for this fabric is
1. High tensile strength
2. Good absorption capacity and capillary action
3. Smudge resistance
4. Scratch resistance
5. Good heat resistance
These properties enable the ribbon to carry the ink and undergo stress during printing.
Market dynamics and key growth drivers
The sale of dot matrix printers (DMP) is key driver of computer ribbon demand. The dot matrix
printing technology is old and has been succeeded by ink-jet and laser printer technology. However,
dot matrix printers continue to thrive and grow largely due to demand from applications that require
large volume printing and where duplicate copies of the print need to be generated in an automated
manner. Examples of such usage areas include banks, railway booking centres, retail store billing
systems etc.
The growth in sales volume of DMP in India over the last 5 years is given below:
'000 units 2002-03 2003-04 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08
Dot Matrix Printer sales 316 346 399 472 441
There also exists a replacement demand for DMPs. Typically, DMPs which are more than six years
old are replaced as the operational performance deteriorates due to wear and tear of the printer head.
The leading suppliers of DMP systems in India are TVS Electronics, Wipro e-peripherals and Epson.
Key manufacturers of computer ribbons
The key manufacturers of computer ribbons in India are:
1. Abee-Info Consumables
2. TVS Electronics
3. WeP (formerly Wipro e-Peripherals)
4. Lipi Data Systems