Thermal printers are one of the most popular types of printers on the market. They offer a number of advantages, such as low cost of ownership and easy operation. However, thermal printers also have a number of disadvantages, such as high power consumption and limited durability. In this guide, we will discuss the pros and cons of thermal printers so that you can decide if they are the right choice for your business!
Advantages of Thermal Printers
Here are some benefits of Thermal Printers.
1. Low Cost to Operate
Thermal printers have a number of advantages. One of the biggest benefits is that thermal printers are very low cost to operate. The consumables for thermal printers (paper and ribbons) are very inexpensive, and there are no moving parts inside the printer itself. This means that thermal printers require very little maintenance, which can save you money in the long run.
2. Simplicity
Another advantage of thermal printers is their simplicity. Thermal printers use direct thermal printing technology, which means that they do not require ink or toner cartridges. This makes them much easier to operate than other types of printers, such as laser or Inkjet printers. All you need to do is load paper into the printer and it will start printing! Learn more how thermal printers work.
3. Less Noise
Thermal printers also tend to be much quieter than other types of printers. This is because there are no moving parts inside the printer itself. So, if you are looking for a quiet printer for your office, then a thermal printer would be a good option.
4. High Printing Speed
Thermal printers are also known for their high printing speed. If you need to print a large number of documents quickly, then a thermal printer would be a good choice.
5. No Ink or Toner
As thermal printers do not use ink or toner, they are a more environmentally friendly option. This is because there is no need to dispose of cartridges, which can be harmful to the environment.
6. Longer Life Span
Thermal printers also have a longer life span than other types of printers. This is because thermal printers do not have any moving parts, which means that they are less likely to break down.
7. High Print Resolution
Thermal printers are also capable of printing at a very high resolution. This means that you can print high-quality documents and photos with a thermal printer.
8. Durable
As thermal printers do not have any moving parts, they are also more durable than other types of printers. This means that thermal printers can withstand a lot of wear and tear, and they are less likely to break down.
Disadvantages To Thermal Printers
However, there are also some drawbacks of thermal printers.
1. High Power Consumption
One of the biggest drawbacks is that thermal printers have high power consumption. This means that they can add significantly to your energy bill each month.
2. Low Quality Image Prints
Another disadvantage of thermal printers is that they tend to produce lower quality prints than other types of printers. This is because the paper used in thermal printing is coated with a layer of wax, which can cause the images to appear smeared or fuzzy.
3. No Color Prints
Another downside to thermal printers is that they can only print in black and white. So, if you need to print color documents or photos, then a thermal printer is not the right choice for you. Then you need to go for top-performing color laser printers for printing colored documents or images.
4. Limited Durability
Finally, thermal printers have a limited durability. This is because the wax coating on the paper can eventually wear out, which can cause the printer to malfunction.
5. Short Paper Life
Another drawback of thermal printers is that the paper used in thermal printing has a shorter life span than other types of paper. This means that you will need to replace the paper more often, which can be costly.
6. Cause Problem When Too Heated
Another drawback of thermal printers is that it can overheat and melt the plastic parts inside the printer. This can cause jams, misprints, and void your warranty.
7. Papers Are Expensive To Buy
Another drawback of thermal printers is that the thermal paper can be expensive to replace. Depending on the brand and model of your thermal printer, you might have to buy special thermal paper that is compatible with your printer.
8. Print Head Could Be Harmed
Another drawback of thermal printers is that if you don’t use the right type of thermal paper, the print head on your thermal printer could be harmed. This is because thermal printers use heat to print, and if you use regular paper, the print head could get damaged from the heat.
9. Paper Storage
Thermal printers have to be careful with how they store their thermal paper. If the paper is stored in a humid environment, the paper can warp and the print quality will suffer.
10. Thermal Printers are not as Common
One last disadvantage of thermal printers is that they are not as common as other types of printers, so you might have a hard time finding thermal paper and replacement parts.
Uses Of Thermal Printer
Some of the common uses of thermal printers are mentioned below.
To Print Receipts From Point Of Sale (POS) Systems
POS systems are used by businesses to keep track of customer sales and inventory. A POS system typically includes a thermal printer for printing receipts.
Print Labels For Products, Shipping Information, And More:
Thermal printers can be used to print labels and other information onto paper or plastic. This is often used in shipping and logistics applications.
See our detailed guide on how to print amazon FBA shipping labels effectively.
To Produce an Image On A Special Paper
Thermal printers work by using heat to create an image on a special type of paper. The paper is then cut into small pieces that can be used as labels or receipts.
Prints Without The Need For Ribbons Or Ink Cartridges:
Direct thermal printers are the most common type of thermal printer. They do not use ribbons or ink cartridges, and instead rely on heat to produce an image.
Used in Harsh Environments
They are used in harsh environments where traditional inkjet or laser printers would not last long. Thermal printers are often used in industrial or outdoor applications where other types of printers would not be able to withstand the environment. This includes extreme temperatures, dust, and more. Thermal printers have a variety of uses in both business and industrial applications. They are well-suited for harsh environments and can print labels, receipts, and other information.
Mobile Ticketing
They can be used in Barcode label printing, Mobile ticketing, and Event ticketing.
Hospitals
Thermal printers are also used in some hospitals and doctor’s offices to print out patient information or test results.
Customer Invoices
Some businesses use thermal printers to print out customer invoices or purchase orders.
FAQs
Are Thermal Printers Worth It?
Yes, they are worth it. Many businesses find that thermal printers are a valuable addition to their Point of Sale (POS) system. Thermal printers print receipts quickly and efficiently, and they do not require ink cartridges or ribbons. This makes them ideal for businesses that need to print a high volume of receipts, or for businesses that are located in harsh environments where traditional printers would not last long.
Conclusion
Thermal printers have both advantages and disadvantages that you should consider before buying one. But if you need a printer that is small and portable, or if you need to print on thermal paper, then a thermal printer might be the right choice for you. Here are some of the most reliable thermal printers for label printing of 2022.
