What are the printing methods of small roll thermal label paper?

The printing methods of small roll thermal label paper mainly include the following:

First, direct thermal printing

Principle: The heat-sensitive agent is applied to the paper to make it a heat-sensitive recording paper. Under the action of heat, the physical or chemical properties of the substance (color developer) on the thermal recording paper change and the image is obtained.

Features: This way does not need ink or other media, directly through the heating print head and label paper contact, so that the thermal sensitive coating chemical reaction and color. It has the advantages of simple process and low cost, and is suitable for fields that do not require high wear resistance and preservation time, such as the price tag of weighing goods in supermarkets, and the printed slip of ATM.

Second, indirect thermal printing

Principle: Using common printing methods, the thermal ink is coated on the transfer paper, and then the paper is in direct contact with the substrate, passing between the thermal printing head and the impression cylinder. Due to heating and pressurization, the ink is melted and transferred to the substrate.

Features: Although this method is one more transfer step than direct thermal printing, it can achieve more complex pattern and text printing, and it is more adaptable, and can be used for a variety of substrates (such as paper, plastic, fabric, etc.).

Third, barcode printer printing

Principle: Barcode printer mainly through thermal printing and thermal transfer printing two ways to achieve the printing of small roll of thermal label paper. Thermal printing is directly heated by heating the print head, so that the thermal label paper is directly heated by the print head, and a chemical reaction occurs and the color is displayed. Thermal transfer printing is to transfer the toner coating of the carbon strip to paper or other materials by heating the print head.

Features: Barcode printer printing method is flexible, suitable for small batch multi-variety label printing needs. Thermal printing method has low cost, but poor wear resistance and short storage time; The thermal transfer printing method has a strong adhesion, and the printed writing is more durable.

Fourth, special printing process

Temperature change printing: Printing with temperature change inks, which change color at specific temperatures, can be used for anti-counterfeiting or special marking needs.

Anti-counterfeiting printing: combined with a variety of anti-counterfeiting technologies (such as fluorescence, watermarking, laser anti-counterfeiting, etc.) to print, improve the anti-counterfeiting performance of the label.

Sum up

There are a variety of printing methods for small roll thermal label paper, including direct thermal printing, indirect thermal printing, barcode printer printing and special printing processes. The choice of printing method depends on the specific application needs and scenarios. For example, in areas where wear resistance and storage time are not required, direct thermal printing with lower cost can be selected; For applications that require complex pattern and text printing, indirect thermal printing or barcode printer printing may be required. At the same time, with the continuous development of anti-counterfeiting technology, special printing processes will also play an increasingly important role in the printing of small rolls of thermal label paper.