Digital receipt printer

Types of digital receipt printers

A digital receipt printer is an important tool in electronic transactions. It comes in various models and types, including the thermal printer, which works by creating heat on the special heat-sensitive paper to produce clear receipts. This type of receipt printer is fast, quiet, and efficient.

The impact printer uses an inked ribbon and prints by striking the ribbon against the paper through a pin or a print head. These dot matrix printers can print on multi-part forms, but they are noisy. Laser receipt printers can also be used to print receipt paper for business. They use a laser and a heated drum to create sharp text on the receipt paper. While they work faster than impact printers, laser printers are not suitable for printing on thick paper.

Some businesses have turned to using mobile printers to print receipts. These compact printers can easily print a digital receipt from a connected mobile device. The printers use thermal printing technology. Another popular type is the inkjet printer, which works by shooting tiny droplets of ink onto the paper. Inkjet printers can print in color, but they are less commonly used for printing receipts.

Digital receipt printing has gained popularity in recent years. A soft copy of a printed receipt can be sent via email or SMS. Digital receipts provide brands with an opportunity for marketing and engagement. The printed receipt can contain targeted ads or discounts integrated into the digital receipt. These digital receipts are easy to store and manage in online payment systems. Business buyers can choose between digital and printed receipts based on their preferences and printing needs.

Receipt printers connect to a point-of-sale system. They may connect wirelessly via Bluetooth, USB, or through a Wi-Fi connection. Some models support a lightning connector, Type-C, and micro-USB connections. Lightning connectors can be used to connect an iPhone or an iPad to the receipt printer. Type-C connectors can connect with an Android phone, iPad, or iPhone. Micro-USB can be used to connect with Android devices only.

Function and features

A digital receipt printer has several features that enable businesses to improve their operations. They include the:

• Ethernet and WiFi Connectivity

  LAN and WiFi connectivity allow businesses to connect printers directly to their networks via cables or a wireless connection. This enables multiple users to print from a common network. Users don't need to connect the printer to a computer using a USB cable. Receipt printer wireless connectivity enables businesses to set up printers in central locations. It also makes it easy to configure and manage printer settings remotely.

• Mobile Printing

  Mobile printing capabilities enable businesses to print receipts from smartphones, tablets, or other mobile devices. Operators don't have to wait for printing jobs to be sent from desktop computers. They can print directly from their mobile devices and increase printing speed and flexibility.

• Compact Size

  A compact receipt printer small size is suitable for areas with limited workspace. Businesses can utilize their workspaces efficiently and operate within a small footprint. A small printer can also be integrated with other retail terminal equipment such as POS systems without requiring additional counter space.

• USB and Serial Connectivity

  The receipt printer has USB connectivity to enable businesses to connect and transfer data from a computer or POS system using a standard USB cable. It also has serial connectivity for businesses that use legacy systems or require a serial connection for other reasons.

• Energy Efficiency

  An energy-efficient printer operates with low power consumption but delivers the same performance. It reduces operational costs and minimizes the impact on the environment. A receipt printer with energy-efficient features improves energy savings by going into sleep mode after a period of inactivity.

• Multi-Format Printing

  Businesses that need to print in different formats can use a versatile printer. It can print in various formats, such as labelling, barcode printing, and promotional coupons, in addition to receipts. The printer can handle different media sizes and types to meet specific printing needs.

• Rugged Design

  The receipt printer's durable design can handle the demands of daily use in busy environments. It has robust components and materials that can withstand frequent use and potential drops. A rugged printer gives business owners peace of mind due to its reliability and longer service lifetime.

Scenarios of digital receipt printers

Businesses use receipt printers for tasks that involve quick printing on small paper. They use them mostly to print receipts for customers. But they also use them to print tickets, coupons, and label stickers. • Retail shops use receipt printers when customers pay for goods or services. The printer creates a printed receipt that customers keep as proof of payment. The receipts give customers a clear breakdown of the products they bought, the total cost, and the date of purchase. • Restaurants use receipt printers to print kitchen order tickets whenever a new order comes in. The ticket has all the details for the food the kitchen staff will prepare. Some restaurants also give out printed receipt tickets to customers when they pay that can serve as proof of payment or a coupon for discounts. • Hotel staff can use receipt printers to issue printed receipts to guests at check-out or when they make payments during their stay. The receipts detail the services and charges, including room service or any incidental fees. Airlines use high-speed receipt printers to print boarding passes and other travel-related documents at the check-in counters. They may also issue luggage tags with a small receipt printer. Ticketing stations in train or bus terminals often have compact receipt printers to issue printed tickets for travel. Some may also print coupons for discounts or promotional offers using the same printer. E-commerce companies may utilize compact thermal printers to print shipping labels for packages. They may also print receipts to go inside the parcel for the customer's reference.

How to choose a digital receipt printer

• Printer type:

  The diehard thermal printer works by printing on heat-sensitive paper. When heat touches the paper, it changes color, making an impression. This kind of printer is good for printing receipts because it is fast and quiet. The dot matrix printers print on regular paper using an inked ribbon and pins. Although it is slower and noisier, this kind of printer can make multiple copies of the receipt. This can be useful in places where two or more copies of the receipt are needed.

• Connectivity:

  A digital receipt printer can connect to a point-of-sale system via USB, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi. USB printers connect only to a single computer. They are easy to install, but the computer must always be on to print receipts. Wireless printers can connect to any device in the network. They offer greater flexibility because the receipt printer can be placed anywhere within range of the network. Bluetooth receipt printers can only connect to one device at a time. However, their connection range is limited compared to Wi-Fi or USB printers.

• Printer speed and printing width:

  Printing speed is an important factor to consider, especially in high-volume businesses. Receipt printers are measured in millimeters per second. A fast printer won't keep customers waiting, while a slow one might create long queues. The printing width refers to how wide the printed receipt is. 57mm thermal rolls are used by businesses that print invoices, while the 80mm thermal paper is for printing receipts. The paper width can also be 44mm, 60mm, or 75mm. Businesses should check the printing width that is compatible with their point-of-sale system before buying a receipt printer.

• Paper type:

  Thermal printers use heat-sensitive paper, while dot matrix printers work with regular bond paper. The thermal paper comes in different qualities. Some have very good quality that lasts for many years without fading. This kind of paper resists the effects of heat, light, and humidity. Average thermal paper has good quality, but the receipts may start to fade after some years. Low-quality thermal paper may fade in a short time. The regular bond paper can be used with any type of printer. It is better for businesses that want to reduce printing costs or need copies of the receipts.

Q&A

Q: Besides the point-of-sale, where else can the printer be used?

A: Various industries utilize receipt printers for their needs. In logistics, packing slips are printed from these printers; hospitality uses them for kitchen orders, and gaming and entertainment print barcodes for entry passes.

Q: What printing technology should be used for high-volume printing?

A: Thermal printing technology is ideal for high-volume printing. It is fast and reduces the overhead costs of ink cartridges and toners.

Q: Which printer connectivity options are a must for supermarkets?

A: Receipt printers for supermarkets should connect to different devices and multiple networks. Because of this, they should have USB, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi connectivity options.

Q: What type of receipt printer paper is best for restaurants?

A: Restaurants can use either plain or thermal receipt paper. Thermal paper is ideal for kitchen orders as they don’t smudge or get exposed to heat and moisture.

Q: Is the receipt printer limited to printing receipts?

A: No. Digital receipt printers can print documents like invoices, the orders of the kitchen, packing slips, and barcode labels, among others.