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How does a 58mm thermal printer print without ink?
Mitsubishi HiTec Paper, which makes thermal paper, explains that direct thermal printing uses heat. A row of many small heating elements runs across the full width of the print head. They heat the paper directly, and a special layer in the paper reacts to form the image. Mitsubishi notes that this means a thermal printer has very few moving parts and needs very little maintenance, and that no toner or ink is needed.
Brother’s white paper on thermal paper describes what is in that paper. Thermal paper contains a transparent dye that changes colour, usually to black, when heated. It has two or three layers: a base, which can be paper or a synthetic material such as polypropylene; a coating containing the dye mixed with a developer; and sometimes a top coating that protects the printed image.
Which way round does thermal paper go?
Only one side is coated, and that side has to face the print head. Brother’s white paper says the coated side is smoother than the uncoated side. It also gives a simple test if you cannot tell: rub your fingernail on the paper somewhere out of the way. The rubbing makes enough heat to leave a mark on the coated side, and no mark appears on the uncoated side.
If your printer feeds paper but prints nothing, one likely reason is that the roll is in the wrong way round.
Why do thermal prints fade?
Because the image is made by a heat-sensitive chemical reaction, the paper stays sensitive after printing. Jujo Thermal, another thermal paper maker, notes in its storage guide that the printed image tends to fade in direct sunlight, and also with long exposure to fluorescent light. It recommends filing printed paper soon after printing.
Brother’s white paper adds that print settings matter. Images that are not fully developed may fade, sometimes very quickly. It says low contrast settings may speed up printing but can stop the image developing fully, making it more likely to fade.
How should you store thermal paper and prints?
Jujo Thermal recommends that, for long-term storage, paper is kept in the dark, at an average temperature below 25°C and relative humidity below 65%. Keep printed tickets out of the sun if you want them to last.
For party tickets this rarely matters, since they only need to last the night. But if you want a ticket as a keepsake, a photo or scan is a safer record.
Tips for printing party tickets
- Load the roll coated side to the print head. Use the fingernail test if you are unsure.
- Check your paper width. A design made for 58mm paper should be printed on a 58mm roll.
- Keep designs bold. Brother notes that most thermal papers print in black, so strong shapes and clear text work best.
- Test one first before printing a whole batch.
Questions people ask
Do thermal printers need ink?
No. Mitsubishi HiTec Paper explains that the print head heats special paper, which changes colour, so no ink or toner is needed.
Why is my thermal printer printing blank paper?
The roll may be in the wrong way round. Brother says only the coated side marks, and that side must face the print head.
Will any 58mm thermal printer work with Thermal Tickets?
Most 58mm Bluetooth receipt printers that use ESC/POS and pair in Android’s Bluetooth settings will work. Print the app’s test ticket first. Printers that only connect through their own app over Bluetooth Low Energy, such as many mini cat printers, are not supported.
How long do thermal prints last?
It depends on the paper and how it is kept. Jujo Thermal says prints tend to fade in direct sunlight and under fluorescent light, so store them somewhere dark and cool.
Where Thermal Tickets helps, and where it does not
Thermal Tickets is our Android thermal printer app for party tickets. You design fun tickets on your phone, see exactly the dots that will print, then print over Bluetooth to a small 58mm or 80mm receipt printer. It works offline with no account.
The free version includes three designs: drink tokens, kids’ party tickets and coat check tags. A one-time Pro unlock adds eight more designs, numbered batches, guest lists, real QR codes, your own logo, saved designs and 80mm paper. There is no subscription.
Printer compatibility: most Bluetooth ESC/POS receipt printers that pair in Android settings work. Printers that only connect through their own app over Bluetooth Low Energy do not, so print the test ticket before the party.
What it is good for: quick, cheap novelty tickets for parties and events at home.
What it will not do: it is for fun party tickets only, and should not be used for paid entry tickets. It does not stop prints fading, so treat them as short-lived.
Questions or bugs: Email us.
Sources
- Thermal paper (thermoscript)Mitsubishi HiTec Paper mitsubishi-paper.com
- Guide to thermal paper selection, usage and archivingBrother anixter.com
- Correct storingJujo Thermal jujothermal.com