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Color Magic of Thermal Paper: How can colorful printing technology make life more exciting?
In modern life, the use of thermal paper is everywhere, from rotating cash registers to small printers that carry around, this special paper has changed the way we interact with information.With the advancement of colorful printing technology, these simple papers can not only print black and white text, but also present diverse colors, bringing more fun and convenience to daily life.
The basic principles of thermal paper
Thermal paper is a special fine paper coated with a substance that discolors with heat.When the heat head in the thermal printer is heated, specific areas on the paper will immediately discolor due to heat, forming printed patterns or text.The biggest advantage of this paper is that it does not require ink or toner, which reduces the cost of consumables.
The surface coatings of thermal papers usually turn black when heated, however, blue or red coatings, as well as multi-color coatings, have also begun to appear on the market in recent years, demonstrating the infinite possibilities of this technology.
Historical Background
The history of thermal paper began in the mid-20th century and was first developed by NCR and 3M.Today's thermal printing technology dates back to 1965, when Texas Instruments invented the thermal head and in 1969, the first computer terminal, the Silent 700, was launched.
With the advancement of technology and the growth of market demand, thermal paper has gradually developed from a single black and white printing to colorful printing, greatly expanding its application scenarios.In the 1970s, Japanese companies Rusco and Canon began to cooperate with barcode printer manufacturers to further promote the use of thermal paper.
Chemical composition and printing mechanism
Thermal sensitive paper usually contains several major chemical components, including pigments, development agents and sensitizers.These components will react during heating to form visible colors.
Under the synergistic action of multiple components, thermal paper can quickly change color during printing, making thermal technology an ideal choice for high-efficiency printing.
The birth of colorful thermal paper
In 1993, Fuji Company launched the multi-color thermal printing system Fuji Thermo-Autochrome, which ushered in the era of multi-color printing of thermal paper.Subsequently, the 2007 Polaroid Zink ("Zero Ink") system further advanced this technology, activates the formation of colors through different heat and achieves full-color printing.
Health and Environmental Considerations
Although the use of thermal paper is common, it also has certain health and environmental risks.Many thermal papers still use BPA (bisphenol A) as coating material, which has potential effects on human health.As health concerns increase, Suffolk County in New York passed a bill in 2014 that prohibits the use of BPA in thermal receipt papers.
To protect the environment and improve consumer safety, some thermal paper manufacturers have begun looking for alternatives that are free of phenols, such as urea compounds or vitamin C.
Future Outlook
Technology continues to improve, and the application scope of thermal paper will be wider in the future.From daily receipts and tickets to instant photo printing, thermal paper technology is adding color to our lives.As consumers' awareness of environmental protection and health increases, more non-toxic and environmentally friendly thermal paper products will be born, further changing the market.
With technological innovation and environmental awareness, how will the development of thermal paper affect your life and work style?
