Thermal printer creates an image through a heating procedure. Typically, two types of thermal printers are available, thermal transfer or thermal wax and direct thermal or thermal autochrome. Direct thermal printers utilize special paper that is chemically treated, and when heat is applied to the paper the color changes.

The paper is passed through a heating element within the printer through rollers, and for the particular section that is heated the paper surface changes color to form images or text. Alternatively, thermal transfer printers hold the ink on a ribbon and when it is heated the ink is transferred to the paper. Both of these make use of similar types of heating elements.

Thermal printers are extensively used everywhere these days. Many local businesses as well as supermarket still use thermal printer for printing receipt of the transaction. These are also commonly used in bank ATM’s. The ATM machines do not use ordinary ink in printing; they work with thermal printing technology. The thermal papers are loaded in them to provide you receipt on the spot after your transaction is over.

The printers are well known for their superior printing speed, which makes it very suitable for business applications. These are extremely reliable printers and produce images that are durable. Generally, the printer paper used with the device is thinner than standard paper, so each roll lasts longer, thus making it affordable to use. Though there are advancement of various improved printing methods and printers, thermal papers are widely used by many businesses.