A low-cost and low-maintenance printer is highly useful for commercial and personal needs. Traditional printers need powder-based toner or liquid ink to produce the print. However, modern thermal printers need no ink or toner to provide the output. Thermal printing machines use heat to print clear images on papers containing dye. You may use these printers to print tickets, labels, and other things. Let us discuss why thermal printers need no ink for the print.
A thermal printer’s working principles
Heat is essential to produce the print on paper using an inkless thermal printer. The printing machine applies heat to a special thermal paper, which contains a chemical coating reacting to heat. While passing the paper over the thermal print head, chemicals get activated by the heat. So, it results in the production of text or images on paper. So, there is no need to use ink or toner for the printing process.
Thermal printing technology is used in different industries like manufacturing and retail. The absence of toner and ink cartridges has made thermal printers affordable. Organizations that have high-volume printing needs rely on thermal printers.
Why do thermal printers need no ink?
These printers have no toner mechanisms or ink nozzles, so they are highly compact in design. During thermal transfers, heat-sensitive ribbons have replaced conventional ink. The resin or melted wax bonds firmly to the surface to create durable prints.
Additionally, the print head of an inkless thermal printer heats specific areas of the paper.
Different technologies used for thermal printers
As ink is not used for thermal printers, various technologies play a role in running the printing process.
Some printers depend on direct thermal papers with a special coating, which reacts to heat. You have to pass the paper over the print head. It makes the coating darker in areas where you apply the heat.
Thermal transfer paper is another technology, which involves using a ribbon for image transfer onto the paper. Once the ribbon gets heated up, it melts the ink onto your paper. You may use this paper for product packaging and shipping labels. The inkless thermal printer ensures a durable print that lasts for years.
However, it is essential to choose the right thermal printing paper to maintain the best print quality.
Does inkless thermal printing have limitations?
Although an inkless thermal printer is advantageous, there are some limitations. The prints slowly fade away if they are exposed to sunlight or heat. What’s more, the heat-sensitive paper used for thermal printing is a costlier item.
Most thermal printers are monochromatic, although the advanced innovative machines let you print an image in limited colors. So, you must not overlook these factors before using an inkless thermal printer.
Buying a thermal printing machine is the best step for meeting your regular printing needs. The cost-efficient inkless printer will benefit your business.
