Thermal paper is specifically designed for use in thermal printers and fax machines. Its quality directly affects print quality, print lifespan, and even the lifespan of the printer and fax machine. The market is flooded with thermal paper of varying quality, and since there are no national standards, many users are unsure how to assess its quality. This facilitates the production and sale of substandard thermal paper by many vendors, causing losses for users. These losses range from shorter print lifespan and blurry text to serious damage to printers. This article will guide you on how to identify good and bad thermal paper to avoid being scammed. Thermal printing paper generally consists of three layers: the bottom layer is the paper base, the second layer is the thermal coating, and the third layer is the protective layer. The thermal coating or protective layer is the primary factor affecting its quality.
If the thermal coating is uneven, it will result in uneven printing quality, with some areas showing darker colors and others lighter ones. An improper chemical formula for the thermal coating will also shorten the paper's shelf life. Good quality thermal paper can be stored for 5 years (at room temperature and away from direct sunlight), and some even offer long-lasting storage up to 10 years. However, an improperly formulated thermal coating may only last a few months.
The protective coating is also crucial for post-printing shelf life. It absorbs some of the light that can cause chemical reactions in the thermal coating, slowing down paper deterioration and protecting the printer's thermal elements from damage. However, an uneven protective coating not only significantly reduces its protective effect but can also cause small particles of the protective coating to flake off during printing, rubbing against the printer's thermal elements and causing damage.
Thermal paper is generally sold in rolls, with 80mm×60mm and 57mm×50mm being the most common sizes. The first number indicates the width of the roll, and the second is the diameter. A 1-2mm error in width generally has no impact on use, as printers usually don't print to the edges. However, the roll diameter has a significant impact on the purchaser, as the total length of the paper directly affects the roll's cost-effectiveness. If the stated diameter is 60mm but the actual diameter is only 58mm, the roll length will be reduced by about 1 meter (the exact reduction depends on the paper thickness). However, thermal paper rolls sold in the market are usually labeled X0, and the actual diameter is often less than X0. It's also important to pay attention to the diameter of the core tube in the roll. Some vendors will tamper with the core tubes, using larger ones, which further shortens the paper length. A simple way to check is for the purchaser to bring a small ruler and measure the diameter to see if it matches the diameter stated on the packaging. The diameter of the core tube should also be checked to avoid being cheated by unscrupulous vendors who shortchange you.