120mm thermal printer

Types of 120mm thermal printers

Thermal printers use heat and thermal reactive paper to print instead of ink. This type of printer will generate an image by selectively heating coated paper as it passes over the print head. The result is a crisp and clear printed image.

120mm thermal printers are used to print labels, tickets, and receipts. The 120 mm measurement refers to the maximum width of the media. This printer can handle media up to 12 cm wide, which is wider than the standard printer that can print up to 5 cm in width. The printer can operate at a printing speed of 200 – 350 mm per second, which reduces waiting times significantly.

Manufacturers make thermal printers in two main variants: direct and transfer thermal printing.

• Direct thermal printing: In direct thermal printing, the print head heats specific areas of the thermal paper to create the desired image or text. The paper itself is heat-sensitive and darkens when exposed to the printer head's temperature. This process produces a darkened image that shows the required information. Direct thermal printing is commonly used for producing barcodes, QR codes, and simple graphics in labels and ticket printing.
• Thermal transfer printing: Thermal transfer printers work differently. They use a ribbon that has ink on it. The print head applies heat to the ribbon, and the ink gets transferred from the ribbon to the label or tag. This method produces high-quality prints with sharp and durable images. Transfer printing is mostly used to print labels that require more detail, like industrial labels that need to last longer and stay readable even when exposed to harsh conditions.

Both printing methods have unique advantages that make them suitable for different thermal printing applications. Using thermal transfer printing, businesses can make high-resolution prints that have complex logos and images. Printouts from direct thermal printing will fade or darken over time because they rely on heat-sensitive paper, but they print faster and at a lower cost of operation.

Function and features of 120mm thermal printers

• Compact size:

  120mm thermal printers are small and efficient printers ideal for cramped workspaces. Because of their compact size, they take up less room on desks or counters, which is especially useful in places with a lot of activity, such as retail checkout areas or restaurant kitchens. Their quick printing speeds also cut down on the time people wait in line. By occupying less physical space and operating at high speeds, these printers help keep workplaces organized and running smoothly.

• High printing speed:

  These models print at speeds from 100 to 200 millimeters per second. The faster the printer produces text or images, the less time users will have to wait. Faster printing reduces wait times in line.

• Wide connectivity options:

  These printers can print from many electronic devices. They support wireless printing via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. They work with mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. The models also connect to computers wirelessly over a network. For cable connections, the printers have USB and serial ports. The many ways they can connect to devices allow for flexible printing anywhere.

• Compact design:

  Thermal printers are often compact and lightweight, making them easy to store or transport. Their small size helps save space and makes them convenient for mobile applications.

• Easy media loading:

  Thermal printers have user-friendly designs that allow for quick and simple loading of printing supplies, such as thermal paper rolls or labels.

• Low noise operation:

  Known for their silent working, these printers are ideal for quiet environments where noise could be disruptive, such as offices or libraries.

• Environmentally friendly:

  These printers use athermal printing method, known for being eco-friendly as they do not need ink or toner cartridges. They also use energy-efficient technologies, which helps to conserve power.

• Cost-efficient printing:

  Thermal printing costs are low because no-ink is required. Once the printer is purchased, only economical thermal paper rolls need to be bought. The paper rolls also last a long time, providing greater value over time. Businesses save money on both the supplies and the printer itself.

Scenarios of 120mm thermal printer

The wide-format thermal printer has many uses in different industries that require wide-format printing. Here are some common printer uses:

• Shipping and Packaging

  Courier companies, as well as the shipping and logistics industry, use this printer to print large shipping labels. The labels contain vital information like tracking numbers, barcodes, and any other information that will help handlers and customers track packages.

• Retail

  Some retailers use the wide-format thermal printer to keep shelf labels updated. This printer comes in handy because it is fast and can be used to print labels in large quantities. Retailers can also use it to print asset labels that will be used to track assets across the business.

• Manufacturing

  The manufacturing sector uses the thermal printer to print labels that can be affixed to products and packages. These labels can have barcodes for easy inventory management or work order labels that have all the details required for each task.

• Healthcare Sector

  The thermal printer can also be used to print labels for medication that can be attached to medicine bottles. The labels print with QR codes, barcodes, and other vital information that will help practitioners avoid dangerous mix-ups.

• Transportation

  In transportation, the thermal printer can be used to print boarding passes and train tickets. The thermal printer offers high-speed printing, which enables transportation hubs with large crowds to move passengers through quickly.

• Security Access Control

  Organizations can use the thermal printer to create ID badges and access control cards. The printer is portable, so security personnel can use it on the spot to verify and allow access.

• Event Management

  Thermal printers can come in handy for event organizers who need to print badges and tickets. The printer is portable and can deliver high-quality printing quickly. They can also use it to print maps that will help attendees navigate through events.

• Custom Label Printing at Retail Stores

  Some businesses use the thermal label printer to offer custom label printing services to their customers. The printer can print labels for many different uses, such as custom wine bottle labels, and can be used as a logo or branding item.

• Food Industry

  The food industry uses the thermal printer to print wide labels that comply with health regulations. Restaurants and food companies can also use it to print barcodes for inventory management.

Choosing a 120mm thermal printer

Researching the target audience and understanding their needs when choosing a thermal printer that is 120mm wide. Know what kind of businesses will be using the printer and their specific printing requirements.

Examine the kind of labels or receipts the 120mm thermal printer will be utilized to print. Printers intended for explicit applications might have additional highlights or strength features. Check which interfaces the printer model has. Guarantee it is viable with the gadgets and frameworks utilized in the business. Pick a printer from trustworthy makers for great quality pictures, durability, and solid execution. Quality printers duplicate makers' confided-in image claims. Further, make sure to pick a model with elements and velocities that can fulfill the business's needs. Select a printer that can keep up with effective work. Conceivable extra printer costs incorporate upkeep, supplies, and consumables. The printer's all-out cost should impact the decision.

Choose a 120 mm thermal printer that has excellent connectivity features and is easy to integrate into the current system. Make sure the printer is compatible with popular operating systems and works with various software applications. Look for a model that offers plug-and-play compatibility, reducing the time needed to set up the printer. Select printers that offer drivers for common programming languages. Check if the thermal printer can be upgraded to support newer technologies. It is critical to choose a printer with good connectivity options that supports mobile printing, which is important for businesses with employees who work on the go.

Check which thermal labels or papers the 120MM printer can handle within the chosen width. Ensure it can print on labels with the needed coating, adhesive, and durability for the job. Research how fast and how clearly different models produce printer images. Models with higher printing resolutions can print more complex graphics. Choose a printer that works with the thermal labels or receipts. Ensure it can handle any supplies the business keeps in stock. Select a printer that matches the business's budget and total cost of ownership. Consider factors like printing speed, image quality, and supported label types to ensure it meets specific printing needs. Compatible labels and different models may provide varying levels of printing performance.

120mm thermal printer FAQ

Q1: How wide can the labels or receipts be when printed with a 120mm thermal printer?

A1: The 120mm thermal printer is capable of handling media up to120mm wide, which includes printing wide format labels and receipts. This encompasses formats like shipping labels, barcode labels for inventory management, and other wide-format thermal prints.

Q2: Does the 120mm thermal printer use thermal paper only, or can other materials be used too?

A2: While it is called a thermal printer, the printer works only with thermal printing paper. This paper is specifically coated with a heat-reactive material that allows for printing without the need for ink or toner. The printing process creates images and text directly on the paper through a thermal print head that selectively heats the coated paper when required.

Q3: What resolutions are available for 120mm thermal printers?

A3: The printers come with a variety of options. The options available will depend on the specific model. They usually have a standard printing resolution of 203 dots per inch (dpi). Some of the printers, especially the ones used for printing barcode labels, can print at higher resolutions of up to 300 dots per inch (dpi) for more detailed graphics and images.

Q4: Is it possible to get 120mm thermal printers that support multi-interface connectivity?

A4: Yes, some printers offer multi-interface connectivity. They may allow simultaneous connections to multiple interfaces like USB, Bluetooth, Ethernet, and serial/parallel ports, enabling flexible integration options.