Can thermal label paper be reused?

Thermal label paper generally cannot be reused. This is mainly based on the working principle and characteristics of thermal paper:

1、 The working principle of thermal paper

The surface of thermal paper is coated with a special thermal coating. When subjected to the heat of the thermal print head, the chemical substances in the coating will react, resulting in the desired text and images. This color development process is irreversible, which means that once the thermal paper is heated to develop color, it cannot be restored to its original state by further heating.

2、 The impact of reusing thermal paper

Decreased printing quality: Repeated use of thermal paper can cause the thermal coating on its surface to gradually wear out, resulting in poor printing quality and even blurriness. This not only affects the readability of printed files, but may also cause inconvenience to users.

Increasing machine failure rate: After the thermal coating on the surface of thermal paper wears out, the print head may encounter uneven resistance during heating, thereby exacerbating the wear of the print head. In addition, reusing thermal paper may also lead to the accumulation of dust and impurities inside the printer, further exacerbating the risk of machine failure.

Increasing maintenance costs: Due to the decrease in print quality and machine failure rates, users may need to replace print heads and other accessories more frequently, which undoubtedly increases the cost of maintenance and replacement parts.

3、 Shelf life of thermal paper

The shelf life of thermal paper is related to factors such as its quality, storage environment, and the chemical formula of the thermal coating. The service life of general thermal paper is about 6 months, but there are also some special thermal papers that can be stored for longer periods of time, even up to 30 years or more. However, this does not mean that these thermal paper can be reused. Once the thermal paper undergoes color development due to heat, its coating has already undergone a chemical reaction and cannot be restored to its original state.

4、 Classification and precautions of thermal paper

Thermal paper is divided into commercial thermal paper and household error printing paper. Commercial thermal paper may contain harmful chemicals to the human body, such as bisphenol A. Prolonged or excessive exposure may have an impact on human health. Therefore, when using thermal paper, attention should be paid to its composition and purpose, and unnecessary contact should be avoided as much as possible.

In summary, in order to ensure printing quality and the normal operation of the printer, as well as to safeguard human health and environmental safety, it is not recommended to reuse thermal label paper.