Thermal printing is a digital printing process that produces a printed image by selectively heating coated thermochromic paper when the paper passes over the thermal print head. Meaning that when this special chemically treated paper is used and heat is applied, an image or text appears through the change of color on the paper! There are two different types of thermal printing: thermal transfer and direct thermal.

Thermal transfer printers are most often used to create labels, mainly for clothing, and barcodes because of it’s durability and speed of the images it creates and can particularly aid in the prevention of water damage. Direct thermal printing are primarily used in industrial settings because of its fast speed. A major advantage for a direct thermal printer is that the only item that needs to be replaced is the paper that is used. Even though this type of paper may be expensive, there is no requirement to purchase or store ink, and it is the only item that requires replacing in order to keep the printer running smoothly.

Overall, thermal printers are known for their high printing speeds and are very suitable for busy businesses. Because the machine is fairly simple, it rarely needs repairing and is very reliable. Due to recent technological advances, images can last for periods of 50 years or more as opposed to the distorted and faded pictures of the past. These printers also typically cost less than other printers and are generally smaller in size. Many thermal printers can sit on a desk top and take up minimal space, as well as remain quiet while functioning because they contain little or no moving parts.

To view thermal printers that Beagle Hardware offers, please visit http://www.beaglehardware.com/printers.html.