If thermal printers don\u2019t use ink<\/a>, how then do they create imprints? How do thermal printers work? If thermal printers can\u2019t run out of ink, why do they print faded imprints after some time? You will find answers to these questions as you read on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thermal printers<\/strong><\/a> use heat to create imprints by changing the paper\u2019s color or transferring pigment from a ribbon to the label material. Direct thermal printers<\/a> change the color of heat-sensitive papers, while thermal transfer printers transfer pigment from a thermal transfer ribbon to the label material.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The printhead of thermal printers heats up so that as the label material moves through the printer, heated points create imprints while other areas remain plain. Since this process doesn\u2019t use ink, it\u2019s durable and only requires buying label materials, such as paper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Direct thermal printing and thermal transfer printing are the two types of thermal printing mechanisms. We mentioned earlier that direct thermal printers change the paper\u2019s color<\/a> while thermal transfer printers transfer ribbon pigments. Now, let\u2019s take a closer look at how these two types differ in the way they create imprints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Instead of ink, Direct thermal printers use special papers<\/a> coated with heat-sensitive chemicals. Electrical currents generate heat on the thermal printhead which, in turn, heats the paper. Heated areas of the paper change color because of the special chemical coating on them.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This mechanism does not involve the use of conventional ink cartridges or toners. Once you have the direct thermal printing paper, all you need is heat from the printhead to activate specific areas of the paper\u2019s chemical coating. The paper darkens in those areas to produce an image on the label.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thermal transfer printers also don’t use ink at all. Instead, they use printing ribbons<\/a> and roll-form labels. So rather than print ink on label, their printheads transfer heat to thermal ribbons. When this happens, the ribbon material melts and adheres to the label material in specific areas to create an imprint. These printer can never run out of ink. They will keep printing so long as you replace the ribbons when they are exhausted.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Do](\"https:\/\/gorillaoutput.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Depositphotos_371689324_s-2019.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nHow Do Thermal Printers Create Inkless imprints?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Why Direct Thermal Printers Never Run Out of Ink?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Why Thermal Transfer Printers Never Run Out of Ink?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n