Definition

Noun: A thermal printer is a type of computer printer that creates images or text on paper by applying controlled heat to a special, heat-sensitive paper. It does not use liquid ink or toner cartridges.

Usage

The term "thermal printer" is used to describe the specific printing device. It is a compound noun. * Receipts from many stores are printed using a thermal printer. * The label maker is a small, portable thermal printer. * For quiet operation, the office uses a thermal printer for shipping labels.

Advanced Usage

• Direct Thermal Printing: This common method refers to the process where the print head applies heat directly to the thermochromic (heat-sensitive) paper, causing it to darken.
  • Most point-of-sale receipts are created through direct thermal printing.
• The technology is often contrasted with other printing methods like inkjet or laser printing.

Variants and Related Words

• Thermal Printing (n): The general process or technology of printing using heat.
  • Thermal printing is favored for its speed and low maintenance.
• Thermal Paper (n): The special, coated paper that reacts to heat, used in thermal printers.
  • The receipt faded because it was printed on old thermal paper exposed to sunlight.

Synonyms

• None direct. It is a specific technical term. Descriptive phrases could include "heat-based printer" or "non-impact printer (using heat)".

Related Phrases

• Thermal print head: The component inside the printer that generates the heat to create the image.
  • The thermal print head may need cleaning if the output is faint.

Noun

1. a printer that produces characters by applying heat to special paper that is sensitive to heat