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Thermal Paper Questions

Questions & Answers

  • Q: Do you use controversial chemicals, bisephenol A (BPA) in your paper?

    A:

    No, we don't use controversial chemicals, bisphenol A (BPA) in Micro Format thermal paper or in any Micro Format SecureGuard thermal paper products.

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  • Q: What is thermal paper, and how does It work?

    A:

    Thermal paper is a specialty paper that changes color when subjected to heat, without the use of traditional ink. A thermal print head consists of a multitude of miniature heating elements distributed along its printing width. It is commonly used to produce paperwork on demand.

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  • Q: What is the difference between thermal paper and regular paper?

    A:

    Paper is either thermal or non-thermal. The difference between the two is that thermal paper uses heat to imprint images whereas non-thermal paper uses ink or toner to image on the sheet.

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  • Q: How do I store my thermal paper?

    A:

    Thermal paper products should be stored in a dark place at a relative humidity between 45 – 65 % and a temperature below 77°F to assure satisfactory performance for at least three years from the date of manufacture. After imaging, the paper should not be stored touching plastic folders to preserve the paper for the full expected life cycle.Thermal paper can last anywhere from 6 months to 25 years after imaging, depending on the quality of the paper manufactured. 

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  • Q: How do I measure the dimensions of my roll?

    A:

    The width of the roll is measured going straight across the face of the paper.

    When measuring the diameter of the roll, you must measure from edge to edge; going straight across the center of the core.

    Size:    “Width x Length x Core“. For example, 3 1/8” x 230′ x 7/16″ paper roll means the paper roll width is 3 1/8”, the length is 230′, the core is 7/16”.

    Roll_Measuring

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  • Q: Why is core size so important?

    A:

    Various printers accept different core sizes to have the labels work correctly within the printer.

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  • Q: What does inside wind and outside wind mean in relation to a thermal roll?

    A:

    The paper is either wound with the front side facing on the outside of the roll (FRONT - OUTSIDE WIND) or with the Back of the paper on the outside (FRONT - INSIDE WIND).

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  • Q: How do I tell if my paper is direct thermal or thermal transfer paper?

    A:

    Direct thermal paper is activated by heat and/or friction. Therefore, simply scraping the edge of your fingernail back and forth on the front would cause a black image to appear. If a black image does not appear, the paper is thermal transfer.

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  • Q: What is the difference between the Direct Thermal Printers and the Thermal Transfer Printers?

    A:

    Thermal printers work by applying electrical current to a heating element, which either reacts with chemical compounds in the paper or melts a wax or resin compound onto the paper.A Direct Thermal Printer requires thermal paper that is manufactured with a special dye, when heated this dye changes color creating the image on the paper.  A Thermal Transfer Printer functions more like to a traditional impact printer, heat is applied to a special wax or resin ribbon, this material is fused to the paper to create the image.

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  • Q: Are SecureGuard products by Micro Format made in the USA?

    A:

    Yes, All products sold by Micro format, Inc. are manufactured in the USA.

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