Direct thermal printing is a process that darkens heat-sensitive paper through contact with a heated head. It uses no ink or ribbon, but the print fades with heat, light and solvents.
Why it matters to a reseller
Almost every receipt printer on the market works this way, and that limitation explains a large share of support calls: a faded receipt, a roll darkened next to a fryer. Explain it to the client at the sale so you do not have to defend it under warranty.
Related guides
Related terms
- 80 mm and 58 mm thermal paper
Thermal receipt paper is sold in rolls of two main widths: 80 mm for counter and kitchen printers, and 58 mm for compact and portable models..
- Auto-cutter
The auto-cutter is the mechanism that trims the receipt at the end of printing.
- ESC/POS
ESC/POS is the command set created by Epson that most receipt printers understand.
Hardware involved
- MG80 (Printers)