Some of these disadvantages are not as bad as they seem. And some of them can be mitigated if you understand what to do. More so, you would have to weigh these disadvantages against the advantages before you conclude on thermal printers. As you read on, we will explain in more detail the different disadvantages of thermal printers and show you how they weigh up against their advantages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"Disadvantages](\"https:\/\/gorillaoutput.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/Depositphotos_221274760_s-2019-e1601412210759.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nThermal Printer Disadvantages<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The major disadvantages of thermal printers include their high cost implications and color limitations. Their labels also have a short lifespan and strict storage conditions. What’s more, their supplies are a bit costlier than regular printer supplies. But overall, they are cheaper to operate and maintain. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Thermal printers are more expensive than comparable regular printers. More so, special papers, including thermal papers cost more than regular printing papers. More so, the parts of thermal papers, especially the printhead, are expensive to replace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, we cannot judge the cost of printing supplies by the cost of printing media alone. Remember that thermal printers don\u2019t need toner or ink<\/a> cartridges. These costs will offset the extra cost on thermal papers<\/a> (for direct thermal printers) and thermal ribbons (for thermal transfer printers).<\/p>\n\n\n\n As regards the cost of maintenance, thermal printers don\u2019t break down as often as standard printers. This is because they don\u2019t have many moving parts. The lower downtime of thermal printers can also offset overall maintenance costs despite its expensive parts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The short lifespan and strict storage conditions of thermal prints are among the downsides of using thermal printing. Thermal papers won\u2019t last long if you don\u2019t store and handle them properly according to the manufacturer\u2019s recommendations. But even under the best storage conditions, the image would eventually fade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you handle thermal prints the way you would regular papers, the print might fade away within 24 hours. But under optimal storage conditions and careful handling, the print might last for 20 years. As such thermal printers especially direct thermal printers are not good for long-term applications<\/a>. However, thermal transfer printing with resin ribbon and synthetic wax is good for long-term applications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Generally, direct thermal printers can only print a maximum of two colors, usually black and red. But some thermal papers use blue pigment instead of black. Thermal transfer printers<\/a> can print a wider range of colors but the colors are usually not so vibrant. Standard printers are still the best for color printing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the color limitations of thermal printers<\/a> should not be an issue if you are printing receipts, tickets, barcodes, and other basic applications. The issue of color limitation only arises when you want to print photo-grade images.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Bisphenol-A (BPA) is one of the major chemicals used in thermal papers. This chemical can disrupt human hormones and is a risk factor<\/a> for certain endocrine disorders. Over the years, many awareness groups have called for the removal of BPA from thermal papers because of its health implications.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many manufacturers have removed BPA from their thermal papers but they replaced it with BPS. But some people have argued that BPS is also as dangerous as BPA. Experts, however, say the people at risk from BPA exposure are those who have constant exposure daily. Rare exposure is not likely to harm your health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Aside from the downsides of thermal printers, their labels have a few downsides too. For starters, their prints can ruin easily. Common factors like touch and ambient heat can destroy thermal prints. These downsides are due to the fact that the labels are sensitive to heat and very fragile.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n After printing on thermal papers, they remain heat-sensitive<\/a>. This means that if the heat level is high enough and the exposure is long enough, your printed thermal paper will darken. Sadly, heat exposure damages thermal papers permanently. Sources of heat that can damage your thermal prints include direct sunlight and heat from the kitchen area, among others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Thermal papers are so heat-sensitive that if your hand is warm and you hold the paper long enough, it would create an imprint. That\u2019s why you sometimes would notice your fingerprint on a thermal receipt if you have been holding it for long. At other times, you might just notice slight stains and smudges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The heat setting of your printer determines how dark the thermal paper would get. If the heat setting is too low, the print would be faded and if it\u2019s too high, barcodes, for instance, would not have clear lines. It takes a lot to get the correct heat setting for each printing application if you use the printer for multiple purposes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n They print fast and quietly, they help you reduce inventory, and they have a short downtime. More so, portable handheld thermal printers allow you to print on the spot. You can carry them around everywhere.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n The print speed of thermal printers is amazing. They can create an image in milliseconds and you wouldn\u2019t have to wait for the ink to dry. This makes them ideal for printing packaging and product labels<\/a>, as well as tickets and receipts. When you switch to thermal printing, the days of long queues while people wait to collect their receipts or tickets would be over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s not all bad with thermal printers. If you run a small business, the advantages of using thermal printers will surely outweigh its disadvantages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This video explains some of the issues you might run into if you are using thermal printers. It also discusses some of the advantages of using thermal printers. What\u2019s more, you will learn how to save money with thermal printers.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHigh Cost Implications<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Short Lifespan And Strict Storage Conditions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Color Limitations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Health Concerns of BPA<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Downsides of Thermal Prints<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Thermal Papers Remain Heat-Sensitive After Printing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Print Can Degrade From Human Touch<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The Heat Setting Can Ruin Your Print<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Advantages of Thermal Printers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\u2705 Video – Saving Money with Thermal Printers – The SECRETS! Pros and Cons of Thermal!<\/h4>\n\n\n\n