The production process of small roll thermal label paper involves multiple key links, which together determine the quality and performance of the final product. The following are several key steps in the production process of thermal label paper:
1、 Paper based selection
The bottom layer of thermal label paper is the paper base, and the quality of the paper base directly affects the printing effect and durability of the label paper. High quality paper with a certain thickness and strength is usually selected as the substrate to ensure stability and durability during the printing process, thus meeting the needs of various application scenarios.
2、 Preparation and coating of thermosensitive coatings
Composition of thermal sensitive coating
Thermal sensitive coating is a key component of thermal label paper, which determines the thermal properties and color rendering effect of the paper. Thermal sensitive coatings are mainly composed of thermal sensitive pigments (such as colorless dyes, phenols, or other acidic substances), polymers, and other additives. These components can undergo chemical reactions under heating conditions, releasing colors.
Coating process
Uniformly coating the prepared thermosensitive coating on the base paper is an important step in the production process of thermosensitive label paper. This step requires precise control of the thickness and uniformity of the coating to ensure consistency in the printing effect. Usually, manufacturers use rollers or other coating equipment to complete this process.
3、 Drying and solidification
After applying the thermosensitive coating, it is necessary to perform drying treatment to remove moisture from the coating. There are various drying methods, including airflow drying under low temperature conditions and rapid drying using ultraviolet lamps. These drying methods not only help remove moisture, but also ensure the gloss and flatness of the coating, allowing the coating to firmly adhere to the paper and achieve the best printing effect.
4、 Protective layer coating (optional)
In order to improve the durability and adhesion of thermal label paper, sometimes an additional protective layer is applied on top of the thermal coating. The protective layer can absorb some of the light that causes chemical reactions in the thermal sensitive coating, slow down the deterioration of the printing paper, and protect the thermal sensitive components of the printer from damage. The coating and drying methods of the protective layer are similar to the production of thermal sensitive coatings, and are also completed through coating and drying processes.
5、 Cutting and packaging
Splitting
Cut the coated and dried thermal label paper into individual sheets or rolls according to the required specifications. During the slitting process, it is necessary to ensure the dimensional accuracy and edge quality of the label paper.
Packing
Pack the cut thermal label paper to prevent moisture, contamination, and damage. The packaging material is usually moisture-proof paper or plastic film, and is labeled with relevant product information and usage instructions.
6、 Quality inspection
Throughout the entire production process, strict quality testing is required for raw materials, semi-finished products, and finished products to ensure that the quality of thermal label paper meets standards and customer requirements. The testing content includes the flatness of the paper, the uniformity of the coating, the printing effect, and durability.
In summary, the production process of small roll thermal label paper is a complex and delicate process that requires strict control of each link to ensure product quality. By continuously optimizing production processes and technological means, the performance of thermal label paper can be further improved and costs can be reduced to meet the diverse needs of the market.