Thermal printing, also called digital printing, is a process that creates a digital printout by selectively heating individual thermochromic layers of specially printed paper, called thermal paper. When the paper is passed over the print head, the ink reacts with the metal layer beneath it, creating an image on the print piece. Thermal printing has many advantages over other printhead processes. Because it requires no film to be melted, the images created are of nearly unlimited quality and resolution. Because the ink doesn't dry out like traditional inkjet printheads, the finished print is durable even after drying several times. Because there is no ink used, the resulting print is immune to color fading, smudging, or creases.
There are two types of thermal printers available for use in printing. The first type of printer, a direct thermal printer (or DCP), works by using an electric current to heat printed materials to a predetermined temperature. Direct printing is often used to print high-resolution logos, promotional pieces, or signs. Another type of thermal printer is the indirect thermal printer; in this process, an inert gas such as argon or neon is used in combination with a phototactic liquid (usually argon mixed with a small amount of water). With an indirect thermal printer, a solid object is placed in front of the printer and the ink is forced through a tube into the material via the nozzle.
A direct thermal printer heats one side of the print piece to the desired temperature and applies heat to the opposite side. Indirect thermal transfer printers apply heat only to the part of the material that is in contact with the printer's nozzle; this allows for a more direct transfer of thermal energy to the print area. In a few cases, both types of printers may be used in combination; however, the quality obtained from combined thermal transfer and direct thermal printing is generally more consistent and more reliable.
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