What do the specifications of thermal paper mean?

The specifications of thermal paper are critical for understanding its performance, compatibility, and durability. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the common specifications and what they mean:

1. Paper Size and Roll Dimensions:

• Width: The width of the paper roll, measured in millimeters (mm).
• Significance: Determines the compatibility with specific printer models and the size of the printed receipts or labels.
• Length: The total length of the paper roll, often measured in meters (m) or feet.
• Significance: Longer rolls provide more sheets per roll, reducing the frequency of roll changes.
• Core Diameter: The diameter of the cardboard tube around which the paper is wound, typically measured in millimeters (mm).
• Significance: Ensures compatibility with the printer’s paper feed mechanism.
• Outer Diameter: The diameter of the fully wound paper roll, including the core, measured in millimeters (mm).
• Significance: Determines the space required in the printer’s paper compartment.

2. Paper Weight:

• Grammage: Typically measured in grams per square meter (gsm).
• Significance: Higher grammage indicates a thicker and more durable paper, suitable for high-traffic environments.

3. Sensitivity:

• Thermal Sensitivity: Measures how easily the paper reacts to heat during printing.
• Significance: Optimal sensitivity ensures clear and consistent prints without overreacting to accidental heat exposure.

4. Durability and Longevity:

• Fade Resistance: How well the printed text or images resist fading over time.
• Significance: Important for receipts that need to be stored for record-keeping purposes.
• Moisture Resistance: How well the paper resists damage from moisture, such as warping or smudging.
• Significance: Critical for environments with high humidity or outdoor use.
• Temperature Range: The range of temperatures the paper can withstand without degrading the print quality.
• Significance: Necessary for environments with fluctuating temperatures.

5. Chemical Resistance:

• Resistance to Chemicals: How well the paper resists damage from chemicals such as solvents or cleaning agents.
• Significance: Important for environments where chemicals are commonly used.

6. Environmental Impact:

• Recyclability: Whether the paper can be recycled after use.
• Significance: Relevant for businesses aiming to reduce their environmental footprint.
• BPA-Free: Indicates whether the paper is free of bisphenol A, a chemical used in some thermal paper coatings.
• Significance: Preferred for environments where health and safety are a concern.

7. Compatibility:

• Printer Models: Specifies the models of printers with which the paper is compatible.
• Significance: Ensures that the paper will work properly with the printer.
• Roll Compatibility: Whether the roll is compatible with the printer’s paper loading mechanism.
• Significance: Critical for seamless operation and minimizing jams.

8. Packaging:

• Number of Rolls per Package: The quantity of rolls included in each package.
• Significance: Helps in managing inventory and bulk purchasing.

Summary:

Understanding the specifications of thermal paper is crucial for selecting the right product that meets the specific needs of your business. Factors such as paper size, weight, sensitivity, and durability are important considerations that affect the performance and longevity of the printed materials.