Thermal transfer ink and transfer medium

A method of forming a thermal transfer ink medium capable of producing linear increases in optical printing density with linear increases in printing energy, comprising:

• admixing a first organic component not having a melting point below about 200.degree. C., and present in the ink composition in an amount between 5 to 70 wt. %, based on the total weight of the ink composition, a second organic component comprising wax material having a melting point below about 200.degree. C. and colorant to form a uniform mixture thereof;
• and
• disposing the uniform mixture of the first component, second component and colorant on a support film.

A thermal transfer ink medium, comprising:

• a support layer;
• an ink layer disposed on the support layer, the ink layer comprising colorant, a first organic component which does not have a melting point below about 200.degree. C. and present in the ink composition in an amount between 5 to 70 wt. %, based on the total weight of the ink composition and a second component of a different composition than the first component, the second component comprising wax material and having a melting point below about 200.degree. C.