When did thermal printers come out?

Thermal Printing Introduction

Digital printing method

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If you are looking for the process involving sparks and aluminized paper, please refer to spark printing.

A characteristic feature of thermal printing is that it largely produces monochromatic prints (black and white), although some printers are capable of producing two colors.

Thermal printing, also known as direct thermal printing, is a digital printing technology that generates an image by passing specially coated thermochromic paper over a print head consisting of numerous minutely heated elements. This coating turns black when heated, thus forming an image.

Unlike thermal-transfer printing that uses a heat-sensitive ribbon, thermal printing capitalizes on heat-sensitive paper to achieve similar results without the need for an extra ribbon.

Design and Functionality of Thermal Printers

A thermal printer generally includes three fundamental components:

• Thermal head: Responsible for generating heat to produce an image on the paper.
• Platen: A rubber roller that moves the paper.
• Spring: Applies pressure to maintain contact between the paper and the print head.

The thermal paper is infused with a solid-state mixture of dye and a suitable matrix. For instance, combining a fluoran leuco dye with octadecylphosphonic acid. When heated past its melting point, the matrix allows the dye to react with the acid, altering its color and preserving this altered state in the matrix. This phenomenon is known as thermochromism.

Mostly monochrome, a few thermal printers can print in two colors by applying heat at varying temperatures. Thermal paper, positioned between the thermal head and the platen, is pressed against the head. The thermal head receives an electric current, generating heat that activates the paper’s thermochromic layer to produce an image.

Early thermal paper formulations were sensitive to incidental heat, causing potential issues with legibility due to light, water, and abrasion. Modern formulations, however, are far more stable, retaining text legibility for significant durations.

Common Applications of Thermal Printers

Thermal printers are favored for their quiet operation, compact size, and low power consumption, making them ideal for portable and retail use.

Commercial Applications

In commercial settings, thermal printers find applications in gas stations, kiosks, point of sale systems, slot machines, shipping labels, and hospital cardiac monitors.

Record-Keeping for Microcomputers

The early microcomputer era (late 1970s to early 1980s) saw the use of thermal printers like Atari 822, Apple Silentype, and Alphacom 32. These printers were used for creating permanent information records rather than correspondence.

Fax Machines Usage

In the 1990s, many fax machines employed thermal printing techniques, although by the century's turn, alternative technologies like thermal wax transfer, laser, and inkjet printing became more prevalent.

Seafloor Exploration

The portability and speed of thermal printers make them indispensable in seafloor exploration and geological engineering for printing real-time sonar or seismic images.

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Other Applications

Thermal printers are used for air traffic control flight strips and ultrasound sonogram outputs in hospitals due to their efficiency and reliability. Additionally, devices like the 1998 Game Boy Printer utilized thermal printing technology.

Health Concerns Surrounding Thermal Printing

Studies in the 2000s raised concerns about the presence of bisphenol A (BPA) in thermal paper, leading to calls for removing such paper from the market due to potential health risks.

Historical Evolution of Thermal Printing Technology

Since its early use in the 1970s, thermal printing technology has significantly advanced. Initial breakthroughs saw the credit card industry utilizing thermal printing for receipts in the 1960s, progressing to the first direct thermal printer introduced in 1972 by Blitzprint.

In the 1980s, thermal transfer printing provided more versatility by employing ribbons, allowing printing on varied materials. The 1990s saw the advent of thermal wax ribbon printing for enhanced durability and print quality. These innovations have broadened thermal printing's application across numerous industries.

Today, thermal printing remains vital in sectors such as retail, transportation, and healthcare. Future advancements are expected, particularly with material innovations and AI integration for enhanced print resolution and durability.

In summary, the evolution of thermal printing from the 1970s to present day underlines its transformation and growing utility across diverse sectors.

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