Thermal cash register paper printing paper characteristics and moisture content

Characteristics of Thermal Receipt Paper

1. Thermal Coating:

• Chemical Composition: The core of thermal receipt paper is the thermal coating on its surface. This coating consists of several chemical compounds that react to heat, changing color to form text or images. Common components include:
  • Color Developer: Typically a dye precursor like leuco dye (e.g., crystal violet lactone), which changes color when heated.
  • Developer: Chemicals like phenolic compounds that help the dye precursor become visible.
  • Stabilizers: Compounds that prevent premature discoloration during storage.
  • Fillers: Such as calcium carbonate, which adds thickness and stability to the coating.

1. Base Paper Quality:

• Smoothness: High-quality base paper provides better print quality, ensuring clear and sharp text and images.
• Strength: Stronger base paper reduces the risk of tearing or damage.
• Thickness: The thickness of the paper affects its durability and print quality.

1. Environmental Resistance:

• Temperature Sensitivity: Excessive heat can cause premature discoloration of the coating.
• Humidity Sensitivity: High humidity can affect the stability of the paper.
• Light Sensitivity: Exposure to sunlight can lead to fading of the printed content.

1. Print Quality:

• Clarity: Good thermal receipt paper produces clear and legible text and images.
• Durability: High-quality paper retains the printed content for a longer period without fading.

Moisture Content

The moisture content of thermal receipt paper is critical to its performance. Typically, the ideal moisture content should be controlled to ensure optimal performance:

1. Impact of Moisture Content:

• High Moisture Content: Excess moisture can cause the paper to warp, affecting print quality and potentially causing premature reaction of the coating chemicals.
• Low Moisture Content: Too little moisture can make the paper brittle, leading to cracking and poor print quality.

1. Ideal Moisture Content:

• Generally, the ideal moisture content for thermal receipt paper is between 4% and 6%. This range helps ensure the paper remains stable and performs well during printing.

Managing Moisture Content

• Storage Conditions: Store the paper in a dry and well-ventilated area to avoid excessive moisture.
• Production Control: During the manufacturing process, carefully control the humidity to achieve the desired moisture content.
• Packaging: Use sealed packaging to minimize the impact of external environmental factors on the paper.

Summary

The characteristics of thermal receipt paper include the thermal coating, base paper quality, environmental resistance, and print quality. The moisture content, ideally between 4% and 6%, plays a crucial role in maintaining the stability and performance of the paper. Proper management of moisture content ensures the best longevity and print quality of thermal receipt paper.