What is the difference between thermal paper and heat transfer paper

Thermal paper and heat transfer paper have significant differences in multiple aspects, which make them suitable for different application scenarios. Here is a detailed comparison of these two types of paper:

1、 Definition and purpose

Thermal paper:

Definition: Thermal paper is a special type of processed paper with a layer of thermal sensitive coating (thermal color changing layer) coated on its surface. When the heat released by the print head acts on the thermal paper, the thermal part will undergo a chemical reaction, forming text or images.

Usage: Widely used as cashier receipts, labels, etc. in supermarkets, shopping malls, fruit shops, bakeries, and other places. In addition, it is also applied in fields such as fax machines and medical record systems.

Heat transfer paper:

Definition: Heat transfer paper is a specialized paper designed specifically for ribbon printing. During the printing process, the ink on the ribbon is transferred to the paper by the heat and pressure of the barcode printer print head.

Usage: Mainly used in occasions that require high-quality printing, such as barcode labels, clothing pattern transfer printing, etc. In addition, it is widely used in industrial printing and transfer printing fields such as textiles, ceramics, and architecture.

2、 Printing principle and effect

Thermal paper:

Printing principle: Based on the chemical reaction of thermal sensitive coating, no ink or carbon tape is required.

Printing effect: Usually monochrome (mostly black), with fast printing speed, but the handwriting may fade over time.

Heat transfer paper:

Printing principle: The ink on the ribbon is transferred to the paper by the heat and pressure of the print head.

Printing effect: It can achieve color printing with high printing quality, clear and durable handwriting.

3、 Paper characteristics and requirements

Thermal paper:

Paper characteristics: Thin texture, fragile, and short shelf life.

Requirement: Keep dry, avoid direct sunlight and high temperature environment to extend storage time.

Heat transfer paper:

Paper characteristics: Smooth surface without reflection, good ink absorption performance.

Requirement: It is necessary to select heat transfer paper suitable for a specific printer to ensure printing quality.

4、 Application scenarios and selection

Thermal paper:

Applicable scenarios: Suitable for situations that require fast printing and low cost, such as supermarket cashier receipts, temporary labels, etc.

Suggestion for selection: Choose thermal paper of appropriate quality based on printing requirements and shelf life.

Heat transfer paper:

Applicable scenarios: Suitable for occasions that require high-quality printing effects, such as barcode labels, clothing pattern transfer printing, etc.

Selection suggestion: Choose suitable heat transfer paper and ribbon according to the printer model and printing requirements.

In summary, there are significant differences between thermal paper and heat transfer paper in terms of definition and use, printing principles and effects, paper characteristics and requirements, as well as application scenarios and choices. In practical applications, the appropriate paper type should be selected according to specific needs.