Thermal Paper (also known as an audit roll) is a fine paper that has been coated with a substance that changes color when subjected to heat. It’s found in thermal printers, especially in low-cost or portable devices like adding machines, cash registers, and credit card terminals. It all depends on which thermal paper roll you require. There are many types of thermal papers. In this article we get to know about what thermal paper is and how to identify it for selecting the right one for you.
What is Thermal Paper?
Thermal Paper is regular paper that has been pigmented and chemically processed. The paper is made up of numerous layers. There is a topcoat, an active coat, a base coat, and a substrate. Let’s take a closer look at each of them:
- The topcoat is a protective covering that prevents the receipt paper from fading.
- The active coat is made up of compounds that react when heat is applied to them.
- The base layer is made up of a binding agent. Binding agents include starch, gelatin, and alkali salts. Heat is transferred to the paper through the base layer.
- Substrate Layer: The substrate layer is made up of paper.
How to Identify a Thermal Paper and Selecting the Right One
It’s critical to choose the correct Thermal Paper for your printing project. There are several diameters of thermal paper rolls, for example: Thermal paper are mostly in used.When most documents come out of the printer, they appear good, but the true test is how well they will hold up over time. Problems with refunds, servicing, warranties, and compliance might develop when printed data is unintelligible.
Before selecting a paper, keep the following factors in mind: potential exposure to excessive heat or moisture, durability requirements, and expected lifespan. The following areas should be examined to guarantee that papers stay intact and readable during their useful life.
Heat
If you’re worried about being exposed to intense heat, go with a heat-resistant material. Documents left in vehicles, for example, where summer temperatures can reach over 150° F (66° C), can turn black and unreadable due to chemical reactions in the paper. But Thermal paper is deliberately made to tolerate greater temperatures to prevent this problem.
Moister
If your document will be exposed to moisture, either from the elements or from being stored in a wet or humid environment, choose a Thermal paper it’s a moisture-resistant paper or a synthetic material to prevent it from decaying and becoming illegible.
Thickness (Durability)
Customers have a tendency to regard thicker materials as being of a higher grade since they are more durable. However, the thickness of the material results in less paper being contained on each roll. As a consequence, a smaller number of papers may be produced before the roll needs to be replaced.
Capacity for Archiving (Intended Lifespan)
When papers have to be referred to and preserved for a longer period of time, they need to be more durable and require increased protection from heat, moisture, and other environmental variables. During the lifetime of a document, storage is a factor that is critical yet sometimes disregarded. Check to see that the content you pick has the appropriate rating to satisfy your archive needs.
Top coating
There is a base coat and a thermal coat on every piece of thermal paper, but only some of them have a topcoat. The use of a topcoat adds an additional layer of protection against the effects of a particular environmental exposure. In applications that call for minimal resistance qualities, topcoated materials are not required and can be used instead.
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