Both thermal paper and carbonless paper can work as receipt paper. In this article, we will discover the distinctions between thermal paper and carbonless paper.
Firstly, let us see what exactly is thermal and carbonless receipts.
What is Thermal Paper?
Thermal paper rolls Source: Panda Paper Roll
Thermal paper is a particular type manufactured with specialty coating that aids inkless printing. Without using ribbons or inks, a distinct image is created on the paper when heat is applied to the coating.
Basically, heating causes the coating to turn black, which then causes the image to transfer to the paper. However, thermal paper printing is one of the most cost-effective printing processes due to its low maintenance requirements and low energy consumption.
In today’s time, thermal paper is used widely in several industries as a payment method. After any payment transaction, a receipt is issued as proof of the transaction, such as cash registers, bill payments, banking transactions, etc.
What is Carbonless Paper?
Carbonless paper rolls Source: Panda Paper Roll
Carbonless paper is coated with two different types of chemicals: Coated Front (CF) and Coated Back (CB). These chemicals are in small capsules, which are released when pressure from a pen or printer is applied.
Basically, the carbonless paper has a two-ply (or three-ply) construction which is created from wood pulp. When pressure is applied, an encapsulated ink or dye coated on the back of the top sheet of paper is transferred from the top to the bottom.
Carbonless copy paper is used in diverse corporations to produce one or more document copies, like invoices, etc. Although small-scale companies also use these sheets, including dry cleaners, shoe retailers, small grocery stores, and many others.
This was a glimpse of thermal paper and carbonless paper. Now we will discuss the differentiators of each.
Difference Between Thermal Paper and Carbonless Paper
There are several significant differences when comparing carbonless paper to thermal paper. Let us discuss a few of them below.
Ply
While purchasing a paper, checking the number of ply in every paper you purchase is essential. The thermal paper roll consists of only 1 ply, while carbonless paper can have multiple ply such as 2ply, 3ply, or 4ply. Nonetheless, each has benefits, but the more the ply is present, it is more long-lasting and easy to read.
Color
Many people choose to go with color printing for attractive marketing. However, there are limited color options in both the paper, yet carbonless paper comes in either pink, white, or yellow. Comparatively, thermal paper is available only in white.
Speed
We look forward to fast speed when it comes to printing. Among thermal and carbonless paper, thermal printing is faster; despite using heat, it is capable of printing quickly. Meanwhile, the carbonless paper takes longer to print; the printing can get smudge. Thermal paper can deliver highly complex images or text in less than a minute.
Accuracy
A printing receipt is mainly used widely in transaction methods as proof of a payment done by an individual. Keeping this in mind, it is crucial to look into the accuracy of printing. Otherwise, a minor printing error could cause a major problem. For instance, if the numbers are printed accurately or clearly, there might be a misunderstanding between a customer and a vendor. However, thermal printing is more accurate and sharp compared to carbonless paper. Thermal paper is capable of printing highly complex images or text precisely; meanwhile, there is a chance of smudge printing in the carbonless method.
Print ribbons
Printer Ribbons Source: Panda Paper Roll
Carbonless receipt paper requires the use of a traditional printing ribbon, which delivers a quality print, depending upon the pressure on the first sheet, to print the image or text on the paper under it. Similarly, in thermal paper, there are no ribbons present; it highly works on the heat produced to create high-quality images or text.
Cost
While buying any product, we look precisely into the cost. However, it is mandatory to look into pricing, especially for the products we use frequently. Printing machines are the ones that are used most often to create billing receipts and invoices. There is a big difference of costing between thermal and carbonless printing. Since the thermal printer does not need moving parts, such as inks, ribbons, etc., it is comparatively less costly in maintenance. While carbonless printing needs ribbons, ink cartridges, etc., maintenance is a high cost since more parts are utilized. But the price of thermal paper roll is expensive compared to carbonless paper.
Applications
In today’s date, both thermal and carbonless papers are widely used, yet there are few places where these are applicable more often. Thermal papers are widely usable in where billing transaction is more frequent, such as, in a supermarket, credit card terminals, barcode label printing, cash registers, hospitals, banking transactions, etc. Meanwhile, carbonless paper is commonly used in restaurants, grocery stores, application forms, billing receipts, etc.
Conclusion
Now you can choose between carbonless and thermal paper as a business owner. A remarkable part of this industry is that thermal paper is regularly used everywhere in millions of places daily – this can generate huge, compatible profits for you.
Panda Paper Roll is China’s premier paper roll manufacturer and supplier. We manufacture both thermal and non-thermal paper products for every purpose and are used in every market sector. Reach us if you are looking for any paper products. We offer a special price for bulk orders and also provide a free sample at your doorstep.
