Glossary · Definition
Thermal Printing
Thermal printing uses heat to mark media. Direct thermal uses heat-sensitive paper; thermal transfer melts a ribbon onto media for more durable output.
By PrinterArchive EditorialEdited by PrinterArchive Editorial
Thermal printing forms images using heat from a print head. It is the technology behind most receipts, many shipping and barcode labels, and tickets, where mechanical simplicity and reliability matter.
There are two main forms. Direct thermal marks heat-sensitive media with no ribbon, but the result can fade with heat, light, or age. Thermal transfer melts pigment from a ribbon onto media for more durable output.
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Glossary · Definition
DPI (Dots Per Inch)
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Glossary · Definition
Duplex Printing
Duplex printing produces output on both sides of a sheet. It can be automatic or manual depending on the printer.
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PPM (Pages Per Minute)
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History · The rise of heat-based receipt and label printing
A History of Thermal Printing
How thermal printing became the standard for receipts, labels, and tickets, and how the two main thermal methods differ.