Ribbons are used with Thermal Transfer labels (Thermal Transfer Printing) to produce an image that is compatible with a variety of environments and applications. Printers that use ribbons will have spindles to hold and control the ribbon during printing to prevent ribbon wrinkle and monitor ribbon out conditions.
How do you use wax ribbon?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xTCdDH-G3cY
How long does zebra ribbon last?
According to Zebra Card Printer Solutions, thermal ribbons can be stored for about two years before drying out and becoming unusable.