Thermal printers don't use traditional ink. Instead, they rely on heat-sensitive paper that changes color when exposed to heat.
Here's how it works:
- Thermal printheads contain tiny heating elements that are activated by the printer's electronics.
- When the printhead heats up, it touches the special paper, causing the paper to darken in the areas where heat is applied.
- This creates the image or text on the paper.
Thermal printers are often used for:
- Receipts
- Labels
- Tickets
- Fax machines
Advantages of thermal printing:
- Quiet operation: Thermal printers are generally quieter than inkjet or laser printers.
- Simple design: They have fewer moving parts, making them more reliable.
- Compact size: Thermal printers are often small and portable.
- Low running costs: They don't require ink cartridges, only replacement paper.
Disadvantages of thermal printing:
- Image quality: Thermal prints can fade over time, especially when exposed to sunlight.
- Limited color options: Most thermal printers are limited to black and white printing.
- Specific paper required: Thermal printers require specialized heat-sensitive paper.
