In the world of printing and labeling, two types of paper have gained prominence for their unique properties: thermal synthetic paper and thermal paper. This article explores the characteristics and advantages of both, highlighting their applications in various industries.
I. Thermal Synthetic Paper
Thermal synthetic paper is a multi-layered material designed for durability and versatility. Its surface features a thick protective layer, while the bottom layer consists of a highly stretchable, tear-resistant adhesive backing. This composition enhances its water and oil resistance, as well as its durability, tear resistance, and tensile strength.
Key advantages of thermal synthetic paper include:
- High tear and tensile strength
- Water and oil resistance, corrosion resistance
- Long storage life at room temperature with slow fading
- Strong adhesive properties for label applications
- Clear and smooth printing results
- Ability to write on the surface with a pen immediately
- Easy storage and reduced printing costs due to color stability
II. Thermal Paper
Thermal paper, also known as thermal fax paper or thermal recording paper, is a specially treated paper that changes color when exposed to heat. Its manufacturing process involves coating high-quality base paper with a “thermal coating” or heat-sensitive color-changing layer.
The thermal coating primarily consists of two components:
- A colorless or “leuco” dye
- A color developer
This type of thermal paper is also referred to as two-component chemical thermal recording paper.
Applications in Label Printing:
Thermal paper comes in two varieties: with and without a protective layer. The protective layer, applied on top of the thermal layer, serves multiple purposes:
- Protects the thermal layer
- Provides resistance to chemical corrosion
- Prevents label contamination (e.g., from hand sweat or blood stains in blood bank labels)
- Protects the print head
The thermal coating can be designed with different activation temperatures to meet various printing performance requirements.