Thermal Printer Media; Ribbons; Thermal Printer Technology - Printronix SLPA8000 User Manual

Chapter 1
The SLPA8000/7000r Series

Thermal Printer Media

Because there are two modes of operation, there are two kinds of thermal
printer paper:
•
Direct thermal paper: This paper is coated with chemicals that act as
accelerators, ink, and ink binders. In direct thermal mode, the heat from
the thermal printhead contacts the paper and causes a chemical reaction
on the surface of the paper.
•
Thermal transfer paper: This film or synthetic paper substitute is
designed to accept transferred images well and to resist scratching. Most
thermal transfer papers can be die-cut for easy label applications.
Printronix offers a selection of thermal transfer paper sizes and face
stocks, which ensures high print quality and long life when used with
Printronix ribbons.

Ribbons

Use only Printronix Genuine Thermal Ribbons in this SLPA. Printronix thermal
ribbons are engineered to enhance thermal printing capabilities and to
prevent premature wear of the printhead.

Thermal Printer Technology

Unlike a dot matrix, laser, or LED printhead printer, a thermal printer has a
printhead containing heating elements that are used with paper or a ribbon
specially designed for use with a heated printhead. The SLPA uses an inline
thermal printhead, which produces high resolution output quickly and
efficiently.
The Printing Process
The thermal printhead allows two modes of operation:
•
Direct Thermal Mode: The thermal printhead selectively heats tiny
rectangular dots on its surface. When the heated dots contact specially
coated thermal paper, the dyes and developers in the coating react to the
heat and develop an image. This mode of printing is often used for short-
term labeling applications.
•
Thermal Transfer Mode: The heated dots contact a thermal ribbon; the
thermal ribbon reacts to the heat by bonding the image to the paper. This
method is especially suitable for print applications requiring long-term
storage, abrasion resistance, durability in extreme environmental
conditions, and resistance to tampering. (Models designated -DT do not
print in this mode.)
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