Thermal Paper Quality And Storage

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Most businesses procure thermal paper in bulk to ensure a steady supply and to secure cost savings, often benefiting from discounts associated with wholesale purchases. However, due to the intrinsic sensitivity of thermal paper, proper storage is imperative.

Guidelines for Proper Thermal Paper Storage:

Thermal paper should be stored in cool, dry locations, shielded from direct light, preferably within cabinets. It is essential to maintain humidity below 65%, and during the initial three years of production, the ambient temperature should not exceed 77 degrees Fahrenheit or 25 degrees Celsius.
Maintenance of Image Integrity:
Thermal paper relies on color and chemical reactions for image formation, making it susceptible to UV light exposure, be it natural sunlight or prolonged exposure to artificial light. Even at an image-forming temperature of 158 degrees Fahrenheit, caution is necessary. Papers stored for more than 24 hours in werehouse with high humidity and temperatures below 104 degrees Fahrenheit can compromise image integrity. To prevent print fading, it is advisable to store the paper in areas with minimal UV light exposure.
Image Longevity:
Under standard conditions, regular thermal paper should exhibit a minimum image longevity of 10-7 years, extending up to 20 years for papers with prolonged image life. This assumes proper storage conditions—away from direct light, in cool storage, and low humidity.
Best Practices for Thermal Paper Storage:

In conclusion, optimal thermal paper storage involves keeping it away from direct heat and light sources in a cool, dry, and dark environment, free from alcohol, high humidity, or chemical vapors. Avoid using adhesives during storage, ensuring adherence to proper storage conditions, as unfavorable environmental factors can result in print fading. For additional information and to acquire suitable thermal paper rolls, contact the Sensitive Paper Company.

Qualities of High-Quality Thermal Paper:

In the global market, numerous companies produce thermal paper, with several brands available. However, only a handful of reputable brands provide thermal paper of desirable quality.

Alongside adherence to proper storage conditions, certain factors contribute to the selection of quality thermal paper. Despite following storage guidelines, issues may arise during usage. Why is that?

High-quality thermal paper must possess appropriate thickness, minimal fuzziness, and optimal color receptivity. Failure to consider these elements during paper production may lead to damage to your thermal printer. Hence, it is advisable to opt for quality paper instead of choosing cheaper, lower-quality alternatives.

Features of Quality Thermal Paper:

The paper used for specific applications possesses unique characteristics. For instance, paper for card readers differs from that used in medical devices, like ECG paper, as each application demands specific features.

Thermal paper, like any product, can be exposed to factors leading to damage or deterioration. Factors detrimental to thermal paper include:

High-Quality Printing: Quality thermal paper must facilitate high-clarity and high-resolution printing of images and texts, crucial for printing receipts, invoices, labels, and images.
Suitable Printing Speed: Quality thermal paper should handle the suitable printing speed of thermal printers, particularly important in environments with high-volume printing needs.
Color Stability Over Time: Quality thermal paper should preserve colors and printed images over time, ensuring no color change occurs with time, contributing to print longevity.
Resistance to Heat and UV: Quality thermal paper should resist the damaging effects of heat and UV rays, crucial for papers used in hot environments and outdoor spaces.
Moisture Resistance: Quality thermal paper must resist moisture to prevent wrinkling or loss of print quality in humid conditions.
Chemical-Free: Quality thermal paper should be free from harmful chemicals impacting human health and the environment.
Compatibility with Various Devices: Quality thermal paper should be compatible with various thermal printing devices, providing flexibility in usage.
Quality Certifications: Quality thermal paper typically holds certifications and quality standards such as ISO 9001 or ISO 14001, ensuring product quality.
Reasonable Price: Quality thermal paper should be reasonably priced, striking a balance between quality and cost.

Selecting thermal paper with these features ensures high-quality and durable prints in thermal printing devices.