How to choose thermal paper?

Choosing the right thermal paper for your specific needs is essential for ensuring high-quality prints and maximizing the lifespan of your printer. Here are several key factors to consider when selecting thermal paper:

1. Paper Type (Topcoat vs. No-Topcoat)

Topcoated Thermal Paper: This type of thermal paper has a protective coating on the surface, which helps prevent smudging and improves print quality. It is ideal for high-quality prints that need to last longer, such as receipts or tickets.

Non-topcoated Thermal Paper: This paper lacks a protective layer and is typically used for short-term printing applications where print longevity is not as important, such as in certain shipping labels or short-term receipts.

2. Size of the Paper

Thermal paper comes in various roll sizes, which are important for compatibility with your thermal printer.

Width: Choose the width that fits your printer. Standard widths include 80mm, 57mm, or 58mm, but it’s essential to check your printer’s specifications to ensure the paper fits.

Length: The length of the roll will determine how many prints you can get before replacing the paper. Longer rolls are often more cost-effective but require more frequent reloading in smaller printers.

3. Grammage (Paper Weight)

Weight: Thermal paper is available in different weights, commonly ranging from 50gsm (grams per square meter) to 80gsm or more. Heavier paper tends to be more durable and feels more substantial, making it ideal for high-traffic environments or longer-lasting receipts.

Durability: Heavier thermal paper (e.g., 70gsm to 80gsm) offers better durability and is less prone to tearing or curling.

4. Coating Type

Smooth Coating: A smooth coating provides a cleaner, crisper print quality, ideal for high-contrast text and graphics.

Rough Coating: A rougher coating can be less expensive but may produce prints with lower contrast and sharper detail.

5. Sensitivity of the Paper

Standard Sensitivity: Most thermal papers are designed to respond to heat from a thermal printer’s print head. If you need to print high-quality, fine details, consider papers with higher sensitivity that will provide clearer prints.

Low Sensitivity: For general use where print quality is not as crucial, low-sensitivity thermal paper will suffice.

6. Durability and Fade Resistance

Environmental Resistance: If you need the prints to last for a long time, consider selecting thermal paper that offers fade resistance to environmental factors like light, heat, or humidity. Some thermal papers are treated to be more resistant to these conditions, making them ideal for receipts that will be stored in areas with high exposure to sunlight.

Outdoor Usage: For applications where the paper will be exposed to harsh conditions (e.g., outdoor tickets or labels), look for weather-resistant thermal paper that can withstand UV light, rain, and temperature fluctuations.