The Ultimate Cheat Sheet On Thermal Paper

Author: POSPaper   Date Posted: 1 June 2016 

Here’s our cheat sheet on Thermal Paper! Here’s our cheat sheet on Thermal Paper!

We get asked all sorts of questions relating to Thermal Paper or Thermal Paper Rolls.

We know this is something you always buy, but do you know exactly what it is, how it works and why you need it?

Here’s our cheat sheet on Thermal Paper!

What is Thermal Paper?

Thermal paper contains a transparent dye that changes to a colour, usually black, when heated. Thermal paper has two/ three layers: 

The paper consists of two or three layers:

substrate, the media, which can be paper or a synthetic substance.

„A coating, which contains the transparent dye mixed with a developer.

An optional top coating that protects the printed thermal paper from environmental conditions that degrade the image.

How is Thermal Paper is printed on?

When a Thermal Printer applies heat to thermal paper, molecules in the dye bond with molecules in the developer, producing the printed image. This is also called ‘developing the image.’

How to use Thermal paper

Thermal Paper only prints in a Thermal Printer. Thermal paper must be placed in a thermal printer so the side of the paper with the coating or top coating contacts the print head. The side of the thermal paper with the coating or top coating is smoother than the uncoated side of the media. 

Thermal Paper Sizes 

Thermal Paper Rolls come in a variety of sizes to suit all different types of printers worldwide. 

We stock the most common size: 80mm x 80mm thermal paper rolls, which fit a variety of popular thermal printers.

We also stock 57mm x 38mm and 57mm x 47mm, both smaller thermal paper rolls, which suit a variety of eftpos machines.

If you need help with sizing please contact us, so we can help you pick the right one!

Benefits of Thermal Paper

  • Thermal Printers are small, quiet and less susceptible to vibration
  • They can be installed and used in any orientation
  • Maintenance costs are lower
  • The paper path is shorter, reducing the chance of a paper jam or misfeed
  • No ribbons or cartridges are required

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