You may be wondering how heat can be used to produce imprints. How about the two types of thermal printing we mentioned above? What do they mean? How do they work? How is one different from the other? How are thermal printers different from ink-based printers? Is it better to print with or without ink? We will explain these and many more as you read on.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nWhy Don’t Thermal Printers Need Ink?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Thermal printers don\u2019t need ink because it was designed to print on heat-sensitive papers or with thermal ribbons<\/a>. Direct thermal printers use heat-sensitive label rolls<\/a> whose ink pigments are activated by heat to produce imprints. Thermal transfer printers, on the other hand, work with thermal ribbons whose ink pigment melts under heat and transfer to the paper.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n While the printhead of ink-based printers release ink to print on the media, the thermal printhead simply emits heat. This invention is now the go-to option for many businesses that issue tickets and receipts, among other thermal prints and labels<\/a> out there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In the next section, we will give you a more detailed explanation of how the two types of thermal printers<\/a> work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The direct thermal mechanism works with special paper, called thermal papers. These papers will produce an imprint on any spot where heat is applied because they contain heat-sensitive chemicals. Heat activates these chemicals to produce imprints.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n So when you feed a thermal paper roll into your direct thermal printer, it runs through the printhead. As each thermal sheet touches the printhead, heat will apply to the specific spots where printing should occur. On those spots, heat would activate the chemicals<\/a> and cause the spot to darken.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The problem with thermal papers is that the entire paper remains active even after you are done with printing. This means that other spots on the paper can still be activated by heat. That is why direct thermal receipts<\/a> and labels damage due to heat exposure. As such, direct thermal printing is only suitable for retail receipts, shipping labels, wristbands, tickets, ID badges, and other short-term items.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thermal transfer printers<\/strong><\/a> use heat too, but they do not apply heat directly to the paper. Instead, they use thermal transfer ribbons. There are different ribbon colors available but thermal transfer printers can only accept one ribbon per time. The printer would apply the color of the ribbon on the entire print on a continuous-fed sheet supply.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The outputs of thermal transfer printing are generally good for archiving and can withstand extreme environments. More so, while direct thermal printers mostly use paper material, thermal transfer printers print on diverse print materials, including plastics and polyester.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are different types of ribbon materials with various degrees of strength and durability. The different ribbon types have different levels of resistance<\/a> to heat, cold, UV light, chemicals, wear, and moisture. They are as follows:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wax ribbons<\/a> print at high speeds and consume less energy because they melt under low heat. They can withstand some friction but cannot hold up to chemicals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These ribbons print at a slower speed but they can print on synthetic surfaces, including matter and coated paper. They offer smear and scratch resistance and can hold up to some chemicals. However, harsh chemicals will destroy them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is the highest quality of thermal transfer ribbon available. It doesn\u2019t print as fast as the other ribbon types but it offers more media options. It is compatible with glossy surfaces and can resist friction, harsh chemicals, outdoor environments, and extreme temperatures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Generally, thermal printing is easier to use. With just a few clicks, you will accomplish your printing in no time. More so, they work very quietly and produce quick prints. And since they don\u2019t require ink, the only supplies you need to purchase are the thermal paper rolls<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Since thermal printers are inkless, you don\u2019t have to wait for the ink to dry after you have printed the label. This means there is less risk of smearing, which is good for a wide variety of applications. In the end, if you are running any kind of business, you would need thermal printers to issue on-the-spot receipts. You can also use them to print labels, tags, and tickets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Check out this video to understand the ink-free mechanism of thermal printers, as well as how thermal ribbons work. You will see a live demo of how the thermal printers transfer ink from the ribbon to the label. It also highlights how to set and replace paper rolls on thermal printers.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow Do Direct Thermal Printers Work Without Ink?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How Do Thermal Transfer Printers Work Without Ink?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Thermal Transfer Ribbons<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Wax Ribbons<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Wax\/Resin Ribbons<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Resin Ribbons<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Benefits of Using Ink-free Thermal Printers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\u2705 Video – Easy to understand how Thermal printer works<\/h4>\n\n\n\n