Category: Thermal Paper

Are you looking for the right thermal paper to suit your needs? With so many available products, it can be overwhelming to narrow down and decide which item is the best fit. In this blog, we’ll look closer at what makes up thermal paper — the components that make this type of paper ideal for receipt and label printing.

Besides exploring these elements, we will also discuss the importance of considering external factors before purchasing thermal paper. Read on to learn more about understanding and choosing your best solution.

 

Thermal Paper: How Does It Work?

 

Thermal paper is a heat-sensitive paper that alters its color when subjected to the heat produced by a thermal printhead. Thermal printers such as credit card terminals and cash registers use this paper. You should find a dependable thermal paper vendor close to you to obtain high-quality thermal paper, considering they all have comparable characteristics.

Thermal paper is a type of paper that thermal printers use to produce images. The printer uses heat to create an image by touching the paper’s surface with its thermal print head. The heat energy changes the color of the paper coating to black, transferring the image from the printer to the paper. Thermal printing is possible with small and compact printers that use various sizes of thermal paper, such as 4.4″ or 2 ¼” rolls.

Thermal paper differs from regular printing paper in numerous ways. While regular receipt paper has properties like thickness, moisture, and weight, thermal paper has additional features. These include image stability, static density, dynamic sensitivity, and density. You can test both types and compare their properties to see the difference between regular and thermal paper.

 

Factors to Consider Before Buying Thermal Paper

 

If you need to print receipts or other documents, the required paper quality will depend on its intended use. For instance, if you manage a parking ramp or outdoor ATMs, you’ll need a more durable paper quality than printing movie theatre or restaurant tickets.

Keep in mind the following aspects when purchasing thermal paper:

• Paper Quality – Determining the exact length of thermal paper when making online purchases can be challenging. The labeled length may not always match the actual length of the paper in a roll. Thus, it’s important to be cautious when buying thermal paper online. Additionally, the paper’s quality and thickness impact the print’s quality. Using high-quality thermal paper ensures that the printed text does not appear blotchy.
• Paper Roll Size – Thermal paper rolls are available in various lengths and widths, so it’s important to choose the right size based on your needs. Consider the width of your thermal printer to determine the appropriate width of the paper roll you’ll use. Longer rolls are more cost-effective, but be sure they’re compatible with your machine.
• Purchase Quantity – The amount of thermal paper you should buy depends on the number of transactions you handle. Before making a purchase, it’s crucial to think about how much storage space you have and the paper’s shelf life. Buying in bulk can be beneficial. It will help you save a lot of money and take advantage of any discounts. Store thermal paper in a dark location with low humidity and a temperature to make sure you have an adequate supply and don’t run out quickly. Also, ensure to wrap it to protect it from environmental toxins properly. Following these guidelines, you can store the paper for at least three years from the manufacturing date.
• Price – It’s necessary to evaluate pricing and consider your budget to ensure you get the most for your money. If high-quality thermal paper is available at a slightly higher price, it is advisable to opt for it to avoid future issues of poor print quality. Additionally, purchasing in bulk or choosing longer paper can help you save costs. With several brands available in the market, opting for a trusted one that delivers quality is essential. Always purchase from a reliable and trustworthy business.
• Image Quality – It’s crucial to choose thermal printer paper that matches the thermal energy produced by your printer to ensure that your printed images don’t fade quickly. Suppose thermal paper requires more heat to develop an image fully, and the printer produces that heat level. In that case, the resulting images will be more resistant to fading when exposed to high temperatures.

Also read: Selecting the Right Thermal Paper Supplier

Thermal Paper: Features To Look Out For

 

• Heat-Resistant – To prevent thermal receipt paper from being damaged by heat, select a heat-resistant thermal paper. For example, if your documents are kept in rooms that exceed 150 degrees, particularly during summer, the chemicals in the paper may react and make the writing unreadable. Luckily, certain thermal and ATM papers are made to endure high temperatures.
• Coating – Not all thermal receipt papers have topcoats, but those have an extra layer of protection to prevent damage from environmental factors. If you’re using thermal paper in printing applications that aren’t exposed to harsh conditions, dark-coated thermal paper without topcoats is a good option.
• Thickness – Thermal papers that are thicker and longer lasting also have shorter rolls, which means they can only print a limited number of documents. For example, 48-50 microns thick thermal papers are typically only 10 to 18 meters in length.
• Durability – If you want to keep your printed thermal paper for later use, it’s important to choose a durable and moisture-resistant brand that can be easily stored. Opt for an environmentally-friendly thermal paper that doesn’t harm the environment.

 

Conclusion

 

Thermal paper has proven popular over the years in terminals, POS systems, and various industrial applications. However, the range of thermal paper qualities can vary depending on the sizing, printing surface, or application types. Now that we have reviewed what thermal paper is and highlighted some essential tips to consider before buying, you are prepared with the knowledge to source quality product selections that meet your desired specifications. 

For further guidance in the purchasing process, feel free to ask experts experienced in this segment of industrial supplies since they can provide you with impartial advice per individual needs. In addition, trustworthy manufacturers such as Telemark Diversified Graphics have experience offering superior quality thermal paper products that provide excellence in each aspect while protecting your budget. 

 

FAQs

 

Q. Mention the factors to keep in mind before purchasing thermal paper.

Before buying thermal paper, there are four main factors to consider: the size of the paper roll, the quantity to purchase, the quality of the paper, and the price. In addition, it is important to select thermal printer paper that corresponds to the thermal energy produced by your printer. This will guarantee that your printed images do not fade quickly.

 

Q. How is thermal paper different from regular paper?

Thermal papers have a different composition compared to regular papers, as they are covered with heat-sensitive dye and chemicals. Once subjected to high temperatures, the dye and chemicals react together, which causes a color change.

 

Q. How to choose a reliable thermal paper supplier?

If you want to choose a dependable supplier for thermal paper, there are a few steps you can take. Firstly, conduct research and compare different suppliers. Look for suppliers with a good reputation and consider price, delivery time, customer support, payment options, and security factors. Additionally, check the quality of thermal paper samples before making a decision.

Are you a business owner in need of thermal receipt paper? Productivity, cost-effectiveness, and convenience are probably on your mind as you shop around. Thermal receipt paper is an ideal solution to many businesses’ needs for a reliable, easy-to-use product that will help them save money.

Not only does it offer long-term reliability, but it also provides other key advantages that can benefit any business looking to increase productivity while cutting costs. So let’s take a closer look at the several benefits of using thermal paper rolls so that you can make the best decision for your company.

 

What is Thermal Receipt Paper?

Thermal paper is a type of paper that changes color when exposed to heat. It is commonly utilized in thermal printers, particularly in low-cost or portable machines like cash registers, adding machines, and credit card terminals. Four essential characteristics — image stability, static density, dynamic sensitivity, and density — distinguish thermal paper from normal paper.

 

Why Switching to Thermal Paper is Beneficial?

Switching to thermal paper will prove highly beneficial to your business. The major advantages include:

• Top-Quality Images – If you print brochures regularly, thermal printing can be better than traditional printing. With thermal printing, you can get high-quality images that are not blurry, making it an excellent choice for those in marketing or advertising.
• Low Overall Cost – Thermal printing doesn’t require ink ribbons or supplies as it uses heat transfer to produce images. Compared to impact printers, thermal printers have fewer moving parts, are more durable and reliable, and have lower maintenance costs due to fewer repairs and service calls. 
• Silent Printing – Switching to thermal printers has a major advantage in being less noisy than traditional printers. With thermal printers, you can have high-quality, durable images printed quietly.
• Better Speed – Thermal printers are faster and can produce images quickly using the heat of the thermal printhead. This makes thermal paper printing ideal for quick label or package printing, printing receipts for customers, and printing images on quickly-drying ID cards.
• Accurate Printing – If your business requires printing a large volume of labels, receipts, tickets, and billing papers, it is essential to ensure that the printouts are legible for your customers. Thankfully, the thermal paper has a uniform, smooth covering on its surface, resulting in high-quality prints without the use of ink ribbons. This means you can expect high-definition and clear output, especially for computer billing papers and various ticket types.

 

Thermal Receipt Paper: Factors to Consider

Before investing in thermal paper, it is important that you take into account the below-mentioned factors:

• Compatibility – It is important to ensure that the products you use in your business are compatible. For instance, if your printer cannot support the type of thermal paper used in your cash register, you won’t be able to print receipts. So, choose a thermal paper that can work with various devices to avoid this problem.
• Size – The size of the thermal paper roll you purchase should match the number of receipts needed per transaction. For businesses requiring more than one receipt per transaction, buying a larger roll is recommended to avoid running out of paper quickly. Make sure to choose a roll with an endpaper indication line to indicate when it’s time for a replacement.
• Thickness – A thermal paper’s durability and lifespan depend on its thickness. The durability of thermal paper increases with its thickness. However, thick thermal paper rolls are short and can only print a few documents at a time. Try to obtain a thermal paper with at least three protective layers and a thickness of 80–90 microns if you want to assure optimal effectiveness and longevity.
• Quality – The longevity and functionality of paper depend on its quality, which also affects its printing results in a printer. Premium thermal paper can produce sharper images and text on receipts and has a better resistance against paper jams, smudges, and curls. Thermal papers suitable for diverse environmental conditions should endure heat and moisture, preventing them from fading or getting brittle for an extended period.

 

Industries that Benefit from Thermal Paper Printing

 

• Healthcare – Thermal printers are used in the healthcare industry to print labels and tags for different processes. They can aid in improving patient flow, bed utilization, and asset allocation. Smart labels printed by these printers can assist in tracking medical equipment and patients during emergencies. The increased use of automated identification, which increases productivity, is the cause of the increase in the use of thermal printers in the healthcare industry.
• Retail – Retailers prioritize providing customers with fast and efficient point-of-sale (POS) services. Thermal printing is preferred over impact printing due to superior quality and high speeds. Besides being cost-effective, thermal printers have led to their widespread adoption. Technological advances have also made portable thermal printers available.
• Logistics – Thermal printing has seen rapid growth in transportation and logistics. This includes industries such as airlines, distribution, mail, packaging, freight delivery, and railroads. Notably, delivery companies like FedEx and TNT were among the first to use barcode technology to track airline baggage.

 

Conclusion

To conclude, thermal receipt paper has several advantages for businesses and industries. It’s easy to print on, versatile, reduces waste, and can withstand environmental conditions better than regular paper. For individuals looking to make the switch, there are certain factors to consider, such as printer compatibility and cost.

Industries ranging from logistics to healthcare make use of thermal paper printing products to their benefit. Therefore, choosing the right thermal receipt paper supplier is also essential for a smooth transition. A reliable supplier like Telemark Diversified Graphics provides excellent customer service and competitive prices for all your thermal paper needs.

 

FAQs

 

Q. Mention the difference between thermal paper and regular paper.

The difference between thermal media and regular paper is that thermal media is covered with a combination of chemicals and dyes. To create the desired outcome, the printhead in a thermal printer heats certain areas of the paper.

 

Q. Which sectors make use of thermal receipt paper?

Thermal paper is commonly used in various industries, such as transportation, retail, gaming, mobile, and healthcare.

 

Q. Mention the proper method to store thermal paper.

To make sure thermal paper lasts longer, store it in an airtight container that can prevent dust and moisture damage. Do not use plastic bags or cardboard boxes as they offer insufficient protection. In addition, plastic bags may contain plasticizers that can harm the thermal image.

 

Q. Is it possible to reuse thermal paper?

Reusing thermal paper is not recommended as it is chemically treated to darken when exposed to heat. Therefore, it should be responsibly discarded after a single use to ensure clear prints.

Do you need help getting your thermal printer to deliver the clarity of output you want? You’re not alone. Many people encounter problems when working with any thermal billing printer, and thankfully there are a few common causes behind why they may be underperforming.

In this blog, we’ll look at the reasons your thermal printer does not print clearly. Additionally, we’ll also discuss the steps that should be taken to make sure that your printer functions efficiently. However, let’s first understand thermal printing and how many layers are present in thermal paper.

 

What is Thermal Printing?

The process of thermal printing involves using a controlled printhead to apply heat onto a heat-sensitive paper. The heat causes chemicals on the paper to create letters or numbers, resulting in the printed image.

 

Types of Thermal Printing

• Direct Thermal Printing

This type of printing uses the printhead’s heat to cause a chemical reaction on the heat-sensitive layer of thermal paper, resulting in a print. Nowadays, thermal paper is more durable and less vulnerable to environmental factors, allowing prints to maintain their color quality for several years.

• Thermal Transfer Printing

Thermal transfer printing involves using a thermal transfer or color foil to print on paper. The thermal transfer ribbon, which is heat-sensitive, sticks to the paper while passing between the printheads.

This process creates a clear and sharp print with a slight shine on the plain surface of the ribbon. Compared to direct thermal printers prints, thermal transfer printing produces longer-lasting results.

 

Different Layers of Thermal Receipt Paper

Thermal receipt paper is coated with heat-sensitive chemicals that change color when exposed to heat. These receipts are commonly used in basic thermal printer to make purchases at businesses. They have multiple layers of coating to ensure that letters and numbers are visible.

• Substrate Layer – The beginning of a receipt paper’s life is marked by the substrate layer, which is composed of the paper material – frequently derived from wood pulp. This layer serves as the foundation for all other coatings of the receipt paper. The base sheet or substrate layer’s density may differ among receipt paper products.
• Pre-Coat Layer – The “base coat” layer acts as a primer by sealing the substrate and creating an even surface for the thermal coating. It also absorbs the activated dye pigments and stabilizes the printed receipt. The melted dye can stick to the printhead without this layer and cause damage. The pre-coat layer prevents this by absorbing the dye pigments.
• Thermal Coat Layer – The thermal paper layer responsible for creating imprints when heat is applied is called the “Active Coat” layer, also known as the thermal coat layer. It contains colorless pigments that change color in response to heat. This layer consists of two main substances: leuco dye crystals and color developers, which are typically separated by a solid solvent.
• Top Coat Layer – The clear PVA layer serves as a protective covering for the thermal coat layer against environmental factors. Though it is not mandatory, it enhances the durability of the receipt papers, making them resistant to harsh conditions, including water, chemicals, and stressed environments.

 

Thermal Printer Not Printing Clearly – Top Reasons

Let’s explore the possible reasons why does thermal printing fade or your thermal printer is not working properly:

• One possible reason for faded print in a thermal printer might be that the printer head has not been cleaned for an extended period.
• If your thermal printer is not printing correctly, it could be because of a lack of power supply.
• If the thermal printer is printing too light, it may be because an incompatible thermal paper roll has been used.
• You can try changing the print density in the printer or app settings to adjust a thermal printer that is printing too lightly. An incorrect density setting may cause this issue.

Also read: Find the Perfect Thermal Printer Paper for Your Needs

Steps to Ensure Proper Functioning of Thermal Printer

To make sure that the thermal receipt printer is working correctly, use these guidelines:

• Keep the Printer Away from Dust

To prevent unclear prints from a thermal printer, cover it and move it to a low-traffic area. Many thermal printers are located in high-traffic spaces where they can be exposed to dust and debris, so relocating the printer to a quieter area can help avoid accidental damage.

Also read: How to store thermal paper?

• Properly Clean the Printer

If a thermal printer isn’t printing clearly, cleaning the working parts and printheads with a soft cloth can improve the clarity. Thermal receipt paper printer heads are sensitive, and regular cleaning can help reduce the issue of light printing. Additionally, cleaning the interior of the printer with a soft cloth can remove dust and debris, which can solve the problem of printing too lightly.

• Precise Heat-to-Speed Ratio

When using thermal receipt printers, organizations often experience issues with unclear or illegible printing. It’s important to ensure that your printer has the correct heat and speed ratio to prevent this from happening. Adjusting the printer to a lower setting can decrease the chances of unclear printing. However, it’s recommended to avoid adjusting the heat settings without the help of a professional.

• No Loose Parts

Regular thermal printer use increases the risk of damaging sensitive components and causes internal parts to become loose, which results in fading prints. Therefore, it is recommended to perform regular examinations of the printer’s internal machinery. This will help reduce the likelihood of experiencing issues such as the printer not producing any prints.

• High-Quality Compatible Products

For thermal receipt printers, buying high-quality and recommended products is crucial. Using low-quality products can harm the printer and prevent it from printing or printing too light.

 

Conclusion

In conclusion, it is essential to understand thermal paper printing and its related elements, such as types of thermal printing, different layers of thermal receipt paper, and reasons why the printer is not functioning correctly.

Proper maintenance, quality thermal paper supplies, and a few troubleshooting tips can go a long way in ensuring your printer runs properly. All of these factors are necessary for effective thermal printing processes to occur.

So if you’re thinking, are thermal printers good? or you’re having trouble with your thermal printer, don’t wait any longer. Reach out to Telemark Diversified Graphics for helpful advice and top-quality products.

 

FAQs

 

What are the main reasons for a thermal printer not working properly?

Improper cleaning, lack of power supply, use of incompatible thermal paper roll, and incorrect density setting are the major reasons a thermal printer might need to be fixed.

 

Mention the different layers of thermal paper.

The different layers in a thermal paper are the substrate layer, pre-coat layer (base coat), thermal coat layer, and top coat layer.

 

How to ensure the proper functioning of a thermal printer?

Here are some guidelines to ensure the proper functioning of your printer:

1. Pay attention to the heat and speed ratio and maintain it correctly.
2. Place the printer in an area with minimal traffic and cover it to avoid external disturbances.
3. Keep the print heads and inner working parts clean by performing regular maintenance.
4. Make sure there are no loose parts in the printer.

 

What are the different styles of thermal printing?

There are two styles of thermal printing:

• Direct Thermal Printing – Thermal printing involves using the heat generated by the printhead to create a chemical reaction on the heat-sensitive layer of the paper, which produces the printed output.
• Thermal Transfer Printing – To print on paper using thermal transfer printing, a color foil or thermal transfer is used.

 

Finding the ideal thermal paper solution is now easier than ever before. Choosing the right product can seem daunting with a wide range of options available. However, by considering factors such as print quality and compatibility, you can identify the perfect thermal paper to meet your specific requirements. 

This blog provides a comprehensive guide to help you choose high-quality thermal paper for all your printing needs.

 

What is Thermal Printing Paper?

Thermal paper is a specialized printer paper that works with thermal printing technologies. This technology uses heat to produce images directly on paper without requiring ink or toner cartridges, making it convenient and efficient for printing labels, tickets, and receipts.

Compared to traditional printing methods, thermal paper offers superior image quality, faster production, and reduced costs. It is also suitable for various environments, including outdoor settings and extreme temperatures, as it is designed to prevent fading caused by changes in climate.

There are two primary types of thermal paper: Direct Thermal Paper and Thermal Transfer Paper.

• Direct thermal paper has a heat-sensitive coating on one side that changes color when exposed to heat, making it ideal for printing receipts and labels quickly and inexpensively.
• On the other hand, thermal transfer paper requires a thermal transfer ribbon to produce a print. The ribbon has ink that is melted onto the paper using a thermal printhead, resulting in a clear and durable image, making it ideal for applications that involve tough conditions.

Thermal paper is commonly used for receipt printing in POS systems, label printing for products and shipping, and barcode printing for clear images. It’s also used for product labeling in retail, hospitality, and healthcare and mobile printing in on-the-go situations. Thermal paper receipt is utilized in handheld terminals for printing receipts and labels and for printing shipping labels, invoices, and waybills in transportation and logistics. In addition, it has various other applications in ticket printing, medical records, event tickets, and laboratory samples.

 

Benefits of Using Thermal Paper

The various benefits of thermal paper are:

• When printing paper receipts, shipping labels, parking tickets, and other types of tickets, it’s essential to ensure that the printouts are clear and easy to read for your customers. The thermal paper offers high-quality and accurate printouts due to its smooth surface coating, which eliminates the need for ink ribbons. This makes it ideal for printing computer billing paper and other ticket types.

 

• Thermal printers are much faster than traditional printers because they instantly transfer images from the printer head to thermal paper. The printouts dry immediately, reducing waiting times and making them perfect for printing receipts. Thermal printers are also low-maintenance since they use thermal energy to transfer images, eliminating the need for maintenance tasks like wiping ink from the print head required with traditional printers.

 

• Another advantage of thermal printing is that it’s more affordable than other printing methods. Thermal paper rolls are less expensive than other types of printing paper, and there is no need to pay for ink refills or maintenance, unlike traditional printing, which can be costly. Although the upfront cost for a thermal printer can be higher than a regular printer, thermal printers are low-consumption and don’t require ink, toner, or cartridges.

• Thermal printers are durable and reliable because they have fewer moving parts than ink printers, and they don’t suffer from paper jams, which are common with ink printers. Additionally, waterproof thermal rolls can be used to ensure the rolls last even longer, making thermal printing a time-saving and cost-effective option for businesses.

 

How to Choose Thermal Paper?

Keep in mind the following factors before selecting the right thermal paper:

• Moisture – If the document is likely to be exposed to moisture due to environmental factors or storage in a damp location, it is recommended to use a paper with additional moisture resistance or synthetic material to prevent the document from deteriorating and becoming more illegible.
• Heat – It is advisable to opt for heat-resistant materials if there is a risk of exposure to extreme heat to prevent paper documents from turning black and becoming unreadable due to the chemicals in the paper reacting. For instance, leaving documents in a vehicle during peak summer temperatures, which can exceed 150 degrees, can trigger this reaction. Therefore, it is recommended to use thermal materials that are specially designed to withstand higher temperatures.
• Coating – Some thermal papers do not have a topcoat, which is an additional layer for protection against certain environmental factors. However, papers without a topcoat are suitable for applications that do not require high resistance. It should be noted that all thermal papers have a base coat and a thermal coat.
• Thickness – Customers often perceive thicker materials as more durable and of higher quality. However, thicker materials also mean fewer sheets of paper per roll, resulting in the need for more roll changes when printing documents.
• Smoothness – To ensure that your thermal roll paper is suitable for printing, it should be smooth on both sides. If the paper is not smooth, it may produce dust during printing, which could damage the printer’s header.
• Dimensions – It’s important to know the size and capacity of your printer to choose the right thermal paper rolls. Most printers are designed to work with a specific paper size, and the dimensions of the paper go beyond just its width. You’ll also need to consider the core size, roll length, and compatible roll diameter. While some dimensions may have slight variations, it’s crucial to get the roll diameter and core size exactly right.
• Durability – Choosing a durable storage solution that meets your archiving needs is important to ensure that your documents last longer and remain protected from environmental factors such as heat and moisture. Many people need to pay more attention to the importance of storage when it comes to the lifespan of a document. Make sure to select a material that is rated to meet your archiving requirements.

 

Conclusion

Choosing the right thermal paper can be intimidating, and it is important to acknowledge all the factors when deciding. Thermal paper saves costs through its efficiency and convenience, eliminating ink, ribbons, and other supplies. Quality thermal papers also offer higher durability, longer shelf life for documents, clarity of printouts, easier document authentication, and improved traceability.

With this knowledge, anyone can find their ideal thermal paper match and make an educated decision. As discussed in this blog post, there are many different aspects to consider before deciding on the perfect fit for your needs. If you need assistance selecting the best thermal paper for your applications, contact Telemark Diversified Graphics.

 

FAQs

 

Which factors should be considered when selecting thermal paper?

When selecting thermal paper, consider moisture, heat, coating, thickness, smoothness, dimensions, and durability. Then, choose a material that suits your printing needs and archiving requirements.

 

How does thermal paper compare to regular paper?

Thermal paper is better than traditional printing because it has better image quality, faster production, and lower costs. In addition, it can be used in different environments, such as outdoors and in extreme temperatures, and it is resistant to fading due to climate changes.

 

Which fields make use of thermal printing paper?

Thermal paper is utilized in various areas, including product labeling, mobile printing, transportation, logistics, and printing receipts and labels.