The Difference Between Thermal Paper and Normal Paper
Paperis an essential resource in today’s digital economy, where screensand electronic devices reign supreme. From printing documents tolabelling products, paper plays a significant role in our lives.However, not all papers are created equal; there is thermal paper,and there is normal paper. What sets them apart? We are about to findout!
Thermal Paper is not Normal Paper and Vice-Versa
There are significant differences between thermal paper and normal paper, each with a unique purpose application. We’ve highlighted the distinctions below based on key characteristics :
Composition and Printing Method :
The primary difference between thermal and normal paper is their composition and printing method.
Normal paper, or plain or blond paper, is curated from wood pulp or recycled materials. It is commonly employed in typewriters, inkjet and laser prints and writing applications. The printing process entails using dry or liquid toner-based ink that transfers texts and images onto the paper’s surface.
Thermal paper, on the other hand, is a chemically-treated paper coated with a heat-sensitive layer and devoid of ink or toner. It is compatible with thermal printers, which generate heat to create an image or text on the paper’s surface. The heated elements in the printer combine with the heat-sensitive coating to trigger a chemical reaction that produces the desired print.
Printing Speed
Thermal papers have an edge over normal papers in terms of printing speed. Given that thermal printers do not require ink cartridges or toners to function, they generate prints much faster than their traditional counterparts. As such, thermal paper is the best choice for high-volume printing needs such as shipping labels, parking tickets and receipts.
Image Quality
As far as image quality goes, normal paper is a mile ahead of thermal paper. Generally, normal paper offers more versatility where image quality is concerned. Inkjet and laser prints produce high-resolution prints with vivid colours and razor-sharp details. Thus, it is ideal for printing documents, photographs and marketing materials.
On the other end of the spectrum, the image quality of thermal paper is limited — no thanks to the colour and grayscale limitations. It is ideal for printing monochromatic images and simple text such as labels and receipts.
Durability
When it comes to durability, thermal paper has the upper hand! Considering it does not depend on ink that fades or Smudges over time, thermal paper products, such as thermal transfer labels like those from CDM Labels, can withstand water, oils, UV exposure and chemicals. Hence, thermal paper is indispensable in harsh environments such as high humidity and extreme temperatures.
In contrast, normal paper is more prone to damage from moisture and other external elements, making it less ideal for applications that are exposed to harsh factors.
Cost
Cost is a major consideration when exploring the differences between thermal and normal paper. Thermal paper might appear more expensive than traditional paper. Still, when you factor in the cost of ink or toner for conventional printing and printer maintenance, the overall expense matches the cost of thermal paper or might be more expensive ( for high-volume printing needs).
Final Thoughts
Conclusively, thermal and normal paper have different characteristics that serve specific purposes and cater to distinct industries and needs within the printing sector. Understanding these differences and distinctions will help you make an informed decision.
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With a solid foundation in technology, backed by a BIT degree, Lucas Noah has carved a niche for himself in the world of content creation and digital storytelling. Currently lending his expertise to Creative Outrank LLC and Oceana Express LLC, Lucas has become a... Read more