Thermal rolls or Receipt paper rolls refer to a type of thermal paper used primarily in thermal printers. These rolls are designed for printing receipts, tickets, labels, and various types of point-of-sale (POS) documents. Instead of using traditional ink or toner, thermal printers use heat to create an image or text on the paper.
Key Features of Thermal Rolls:
- Thermal Paper Coating:
- Thermal rolls are coated with a heat-sensitive chemical layer that changes color (typically black or blue) when exposed to heat. This is how thermal printers produce text and images without using ink.
- The thermal coating is often sensitive to light, heat, and chemicals, so the paper should be stored in a cool, dark place to prevent fading or discoloration.
- Types of Thermal Paper:
- Direct Thermal Paper: The paper is coated with a heat-sensitive chemical that changes color when exposed to the heat generated by the printer’s printhead. Direct thermal paper is commonly used in receipt printers, barcode label printers, and mobile printing.
- Thermal Transfer Paper: This type uses a ribbon to transfer ink to the paper. It’s often used for applications that require higher durability, such as shipping labels.
- Size and Format of Receipt paper rolls:
- Thermal rolls come in various sizes, usually measured by diameter (e.g., 2″ to 4″) and length (e.g., 50 ft to 230 ft). The size of the roll depends on the printer model and the type of application.
- Common roll widths include 2 1/4″, 3″, and 4″, but custom sizes are available.
- Applications:
- POS Receipts: Most retail stores, restaurants, and service-based businesses use thermal rolls for printing customer receipts.
- Barcode Labels: Many industries, such as logistics, shipping, and inventory management, use thermal rolls to print labels and barcodes.
- Ticketing: Thermal paper is used for printing tickets for events, parking, transportation, and more.
- ATM Receipts: Automated teller machines use thermal rolls to print account balance statements, transaction receipts, and other financial documents.
- Advantages:
- No Ink or Toner: Thermal printers don’t require ink or toner, which reduces maintenance and operating costs.
- Quiet and Fast Printing: Thermal printers are known for their speed and quiet operation compared to other types of printers.
- Compact and Portable: Thermal printers and rolls are often smaller, making them ideal for portable or mobile printing.
- Environmentally Friendly: Since thermal printers don’t require ink cartridges, they are considered to be more environmentally friendly, though the chemical coating on the paper can be a consideration for disposal.
- Considerations for Thermal Paper:
- Sensitivity to Heat: Since thermal paper reacts to heat, it can be affected by exposure to high temperatures or direct sunlight, leading to fading or distortion of the print.
- Durability: Direct thermal printing is typically less durable than thermal transfer printing, especially for long-term storage, because the print may fade over time or under harsh conditions.
- Storage: Thermal rolls should be stored in a cool, dark, and dry place to maintain their quality and prevent premature fading.
Common Sizes for Thermal Rolls:
- 2 1/4″ x 50ft: Used in smaller receipt printers and mobile devices.
- 3″ x 100ft: Common size for larger POS printers.
- 4″ x 230ft: Used in high-volume printers for tickets and labels.
Where to Buy Receipt paper rolls:
Thermal rolls can be purchased from various sources:
- Office supply stores (e.g., Staples, Office Depot)
- Online retailers (e.g., Takashi, eBay)
- Specialized suppliers for thermal paper and POS equipment (e.g., Thermal Paper Direct)
Example Product:
- Thermal Paper Roll (3″ x 100 ft): Compatible with most POS receipt printers, this roll is made of high-quality thermal paper and designed for fast, clear printing.
- Thermal Receipt Paper (2 1/4″ x 50 ft): Ideal for mobile printers, providing high-quality receipts for restaurants and retail businesses.
In Summary:
Thermal rolls are used in thermal printers for printing receipts, labels, tickets, and other documents where fast, inkless printing is required. They come in various sizes and types (direct thermal and thermal transfer) to suit different printing needs.