Thermal printers

• A thermal printer is a non impact printer that uses heat to print on paper.
• Thermal printers are contain many small heating pins and ribbons with different color band.
• These printers are not used ink or toner like other printers.
• They used thermal papers to produce image.





• These are used in airline, banking entertainment, retailer and healthcare industry.

Process

Types

1. Direct thermal printers

• The direct thermal printers print the images by burning dots onto coated paper as it passes over the heated print head.
• These printers do not use ribbons.
• These type of printers commonly used in calculators and fax machine.

2. Thermal wax printers

• This type of printers uses a thermal transfer ribbon that contain wax based ink.
• Heat is applied to the ribbon using thermal print head that melts the ink transfer to the paper .
• The ink is permanent after it cools.

Advantages

• No involvement of cartridges or ribbons.
• Easier to use as there are less buttons and use of software involved.
• Popular in noise free environments and are great for offices.
• Largely inexpensive and come in various models and sizes.
• More efficient and faster in printing.
• More durable compared to other printers.

Disadvantages

• Thermal printers usually do not print out colors well.
• If they become too heated to operate, the ink consumed would be more and the printing may not be precise.
• Print head could be harmed by the high heat used while printing, often resulting on cost to repair when it break down.

My notes