Direct Thermal Technology and the Benefits of Thermal Printing

What is Thermal Printing?

In the thermal printing process, the image or words on the paper are produced by direct heat transmission. Thermal paper rolls are essentially a self contained printing system. The paper is manufactured by applying surface coatings to paper with a chemical formula that include colorless dyes and developers. When the paper goes through a thermal printer, heat (thermal energy) from the thermal printhead causes the dye and developer to activate and form a high definition image. The thermal printhead consists of miniature heating elements distributed along its printing width. The heating elements are electronically controlled and produce thermal energy which activates a color reaction on the functional thermocoating. The numerous little dots this produces then go to make up letters, barcodes, and images.

What are the Benefits of Thermal Printing?

Thermal printing technology offers advantages including clear legible imaging, fast printing and low cost of ownership. In addition, Thermal printing offers:

1. Noise-free operation
2. 600 dpi capability
3. No ribbons or cartridges
4. Maintenance-free
5. Small printer footprint
6. Full graphics capability

In addition to thermal paper, thermal printing technology can also be used to print labels, tickets and tags. High printing speed, excellent bar code contrast, resistance and portability have contributed to the undeniable success of direct thermal technology for most variable data label applications.