3.7 - Thermal Printers Flashcards
How does a thermal printer create output?
By heating certain parts of specially coated paper, which turns black in the heated areas
What is unique about thermal printers compared to inkjet or laser printers?
They use no ink or toner, only heat to create the output
What is a common use of thermal printers?
Receipt printing, such as at a store checkout
What is a disadvantage of thermal printers?
The paper is sensitive to heat and can turn black if exposed to heat sources
What happens if thermal paper is left in the sun or near heat after printing?
The entire page can turn black
What happens when clear tape is placed on thermal paper?
The section covered by the tape slowly turns white
Why is thermal paper not ideal for archiving information?
Thermal paper is sensitive to heat and can degrade over time
What component pulls the paper through a thermal printer?
A feed assembly, which is a long cylinder with friction
How does the feed assembly in a thermal printer work?
Gears on the side turn the cylinder, which pulls the paper through the printer
What creates the output in a thermal printer?
A heating element that heats specific parts of the paper to create black color
How does the heating element in a thermal printer work?
It stays stationary while the paper moves past it, heating different parts to create the output
What type of paper is used in thermal printers?
Thermochromatic paper or thermal paper
What causes the color change in thermal paper?
A chemical in the paper reacts to heat, turning black in the heated areas
Why does thermal paper feel different than regular paper?
It is coated with a chemical that reacts to heat, unlike regular paper
What must you ensure when purchasing replacement paper for a thermal printer?
Make sure you’re using the exact type of thermal paper for the printer
