direct thermal printer

direct thermal printer

A low- to medium-resolution printer that uses a type of coated paper that darkens when heat is applied to it. The paper is passed by a line of heating elements that burn dots onto the paper. This is typically used in barcode printers and other small specialty printers. It was widely used in early fax machines. See thermal wax transfer printer and printer.

Direct Thermal Printer
This earlier printer from Datamax was designed to print barcode labels and other point-of-sale tickets and tags. The unit handled media up to 4.6x12" and thermal wax transfer capability could be field installable. (Image courtesy of Datamax.)