Blog
What is thermal printer?
A thermal printer operates by utilizing heat generated from a heated printhead to produce images or text on specialized paper or labels, eliminating the need for ink or toner. This feature makes it particularly suitable for applications such as receipts, barcodes, and shipping labels.
There are two primary categories:
Direct Thermal:
- which directly heats chemically treated thermal paper (as seen in receipts), and Thermal Transfer, which involves melting ink from a ribbon onto the surface for the creation of durable labels.
- These printers are recognized for their quiet operation, speed, low maintenance requirements, and cost-effectiveness, especially in high-volume monochrome (black and white) printing scenarios. This video provides an explanation of the operational mechanics of a thermal printer:
How it works:
Heated Printhead: Tiny heating elements in the printhead get hot.
- Heat Activation: When the paper or label passes under the printhead, the heat activates the coating, turning it black to form the image.
- Two Methods:
- Direct Thermal: Heat reacts with the paper’s coating (e.g., POS receipts).
- Thermal Transfer: Heat melts ink from a ribbon onto the media (e.g., durable barcodes).
Common uses:
- ID Badges & Wristbands
- Receipts (Point-of-Sale)
- Shipping & Postage Labels
- Barcodes & QR Codes
- Inventory & Asset Tracking
Advantages
- Durable Prints: Especially with thermal transfer for long-lasting labels
- No Ink/Toner: Lower running costs and less mess
- Fast & Quiet: Ideal for high-volume, real-time tasks
- Low Maintenance: Fewer parts to replace
- Portable Options: These are available in compact, battery-powered models.
Which is better, thermal or inkjet?
It depends on your needs. Thermal printers are faster, cheaper to operate, and more durable — ideal for business use. Inkjet printers are better for high-quality color prints like photos and documents.
Disadvantage of a thermal printer?
- One major disadvantage of direct thermal printing is that images and text will fade after a period of time, meaning direct thermal is not the best option for long-term labeling. Other disadvantages include: Slower print speeds. Short-lasting thermal printheads.