A thermal printer is a type of printer that uses heat to print images on paper. The thermal head is a component that consists of a heating element. Thermal printers are faster and quieter than other types of printers, such as dot-matrix or inkjet printers. There are two types of thermal printers: direct thermal printer and thermal transfer printer.
A direct thermal printer is a type of printer that uses heat to print images on paper. The paper is coated with a substance that is sensitive to heat, and when the paper is passed through the printer, the heat from the print head activates the chemical, which turns the paper black. Direct thermal printers are generally used for printing labels and receipts, as they are quick and easy to use. However, they are not as durable as other types of printers and the images can fade over time.
A thermal transfer printer is a type of printer that uses heat to transfer ink onto paper. The ink is generally in the form of a ribbon and the heat is generated by a print head that contains a resistive element. When the resistive element is heated, it melts the ink, which is then transferred to the paper. Thermal transfer printers are generally used for printing labels and other types of high-quality prints.
Direct thermal vs thermal transfer printer
| Direct Thermal | Thermal Transfer |
Printing Quality | Sharp quality labels | High-definition text and graphic print |
Printhead | Short-lasting | Long-lasting |
Shelf Life | Short-lasting | Long-lasting |
Supplies | No Ribbon | Ribbon |
Sensitivity | Heat, light | Nil |
There are a few things to consider when choosing a thermal printer for your business. The type of business you have will dictate the type of printer you need. For example, if you run a business that requires printing labels, you will need a different type of printer than if you run a business that requires printing receipts.
The volume of printing you do will also dictate the type of printer you need. For example, if you only print a few labels or receipts each day, you can get away with a less expensive and lower quality printer. However, if you print hundreds or even thousands of labels or receipts each day, you will need a more expensive and higher quality printer to handle the volume.
Other than business type and printing volume needs, you might want to consider the speed of the printing. If you need to print a lot of labels or receipts, then you will need a printer that can print quickly.
Lastly, take a look at your budget. Prices can vary greatly, so it is important to find one that fits your budget.
