Thermal Paper

Paper coated with a heat-sensitive chemical that turns dark when exposed to the heat from a thermal print head. Requires no ink, toner, or ribbon — the heat itself creates the image. Example: The receipt from a POS terminal or ATM is thermal paper.

Direct Thermal

A printing method where heat from the print head activates a coating on the paper surface to produce an image — no ribbon, ink, or toner required. Most receipt printers and label printers used in retail are direct thermal. Example: Zebra label printers and Epson TM-T88 receipt printers are both direct thermal.

Carbonless Paper

Multi-part paper that transfers an impression from one sheet to the next using a microencapsulated dye coating — no carbon paper required. Used in impact printers for applications requiring multiple copies. Example: A restaurant work order with a white top copy for the kitchen and a yellow copy for the server.

Bond Paper

A durable, uncoated paper stock used in impact printers. Unlike thermal paper, bond paper is not heat-sensitive and is required for kitchen environments where heat, grease, or moisture would destroy thermal output. Example: 3" 2-ply bond rolls used in Epson TM-U220 kitchen printers.

NCR Paper

No Carbon Required paper — the original brand name for carbonless paper, now used generically. NCR paper uses chemical coatings on the back of each sheet (CB), the front and back of middle sheets (CFB), and the front of the last sheet (CF) to create copies. Example: 2-ply and 3-ply restaurant order pads.

Label Roll

A roll of pre-cut adhesive-backed labels on a liner sheet, sized for direct thermal label printers. Common sizes include 4" x 6" for shipping, 4" x 2" for food service dating, and 2" x 1" for price tags. Example: 4" x 6" labels on a Zebra ZP450 for printing shipping labels.

Fanfold Labels

Labels that are folded in a zigzag stack rather than rolled. Fanfold format is used in high-volume shipping stations where a large quantity needs to be loaded at once without stopping to replace a roll. Example: 4" x 6" fanfold labels stacked 1,000 deep for a warehouse shipping station.

Receipt Paper

A general term for the thermal paper rolls used in POS receipt printers. Most commonly 3 1/8" wide, though 2 1/4" is standard for payment terminals and 2 5/16" is used in fuel pump dispensers. Example: The 3 1/8" x 230' roll loaded into an Epson TM-T88.

Paper Core

The cardboard tube at the center of a paper roll around which the paper is wound. Core diameter matters — most POS printers use a 0.5" core, while ATM printers require a 1" core. Using the wrong core size will prevent the roll from fitting properly. Example: ATM rolls require a 1" core; standard POS rolls use a 0.5" core.

Winding Direction (Inside vs Outside Wound)

The direction the paper feeds from a roll. Outside-wound (standard) feeds from the outside of the roll; inside-wound feeds from the center. ATM printers require inside-wound rolls because the thermal coating faces inward. Loading outside-wound paper into an ATM causes blank output. Example: All ATM rolls — NCR, Diebold, Triton — are inside-wound.

Outside Wound

A roll where the printable (coated) side faces outward and the paper feeds from the exterior of the roll. This is the standard winding for nearly all POS receipt printers, label printers, and payment terminals. Example: Standard 3 1/8" thermal rolls for Epson TM-T88 and Clover Station are outside wound.

GSM (Grams per Square Meter)

A measure of paper weight and thickness. Higher GSM means thicker, heavier paper. Standard thermal receipt paper is typically 55–80 GSM. Heavyweight archival paper used for financial and medical records may be 90+ GSM. Example: 55 GSM is a light standard receipt; 80 GSM is a thicker premium receipt.

Image Life

The length of time a printed image on thermal paper remains legible under normal storage conditions. Standard thermal paper has an image life of 5–7 years. Archival-grade paper can retain a legible image for 25+ years. Example: ATM and medical record paper often requires 7–25 year image life for compliance.

Sensitized Coating

The heat-reactive chemical layer applied to one side of thermal paper. This coating contains a color developer (historically BPA, now BPS or Phenol-Free alternatives) that reacts with heat to produce a dark image. The coated side is the print side. Example: If a thermal roll prints blank, it is often loaded with the uncoated side facing the print head.

Top Coating

A protective layer applied over the thermal sensitized coating to improve durability, moisture resistance, and image life. Top-coated paper resists fading from oils, plasticizers, and humidity better than uncoated thermal. Example: Top-coated thermal is recommended for receipts that need to last — healthcare records, financial documents.

2-Ply / 3-Ply

The number of layers in a multi-part carbonless paper set. 2-ply produces two copies (original + one); 3-ply produces three. Color sets are typically white/yellow (2-ply) or white/yellow/pink (3-ply). Example: Kitchen printers print 2-ply bond so the chef and the server each get a copy of the order.

BPA (Bisphenol A)

A chemical compound historically used as a color developer in thermal paper coatings. BPA is an endocrine disruptor with documented health concerns, particularly for staff who handle receipts repeatedly throughout the day. Many paper manufacturers have eliminated BPA from their thermal coatings. Example: Paper labeled "BPA-Free" no longer uses Bisphenol A as its color developer.

BPS (Bisphenol S)

A chemical compound used as a BPA replacement in many "BPA-Free" thermal papers. Research suggests BPS carries similar endocrine-disrupting properties to BPA. Paper labeled "BPA-Free" may still contain BPS unless specifically labeled Phenol-Free. Example: A receipt printed on "BPA-Free" paper that still uses BPS is not a safe substitute for healthcare environments.

Phenol-Free

Thermal paper that contains no BPA, BPS, or any other phenol-based chemical compound in its coating. Phenol-Free paper uses alternative, non-phenolic color developers and is the recognized safety standard for healthcare environments and high-exposure cashier applications. Example: Pharmacy receipt printers and patient-facing terminals should use Phenol-Free paper.

BPA-Free

A label indicating the thermal paper coating does not contain Bisphenol A. Note that BPA-Free does not mean the paper is free of all phenolic compounds — it may still contain BPS. For complete phenol elimination, specify Phenol-Free. Example: Most modern retail receipt paper is BPA-Free but not necessarily Phenol-Free.

Dermal Absorption

The process by which chemicals from thermal paper coatings (BPA, BPS) transfer through skin contact. Research has shown that handling receipts printed on standard thermal paper can result in measurable BPA/BPS levels in the body, particularly with prolonged or repeated handling. Example: Cashiers who handle hundreds of receipts per shift have higher BPA exposure than infrequent receipt handlers.

Thermal Printer

A printer that uses heat to produce an image on thermal paper. No ink, toner, or ribbon cartridge is required. Thermal printers are the standard in retail POS, restaurants, banking, and healthcare due to their speed, low maintenance, and quiet operation. Example: Epson TM-T88, Star TSP100, and Citizen CT-S310 are all thermal printers.

Impact Printer

A printer that creates an image by physically striking an ink-saturated ribbon against paper, similar to a typewriter. Impact printers require both bond paper and an ink ribbon. They are used in kitchen environments where heat would render thermal paper unreadable. Example: Epson TM-U220 and Star SP700 are impact printers used in restaurant kitchens.

Kitchen Printer

An impact printer designed for back-of-house restaurant use. Kitchen printers use bond paper and ink ribbons rather than thermal paper because heat, steam, and grease in the kitchen environment would destroy thermal output. Example: A kitchen display system may replace a kitchen printer, but many full-service restaurants still use Epson TM-U220 or Star SP700 impact printers.

Print Head

The component in a thermal printer that generates heat to activate the thermal coating on paper. Print heads wear over time and can be damaged by abrasive or poorly coated paper. Using incompatible paper can shorten print head life significantly. Example: Cleaning cards are used to remove debris from the print head and extend its lifespan.

POS Printer

Point of Sale printer — a receipt printer connected to a POS system. Most POS printers are direct thermal and use 3 1/8" wide rolls. Example: Epson TM-T88VI connected to a Square or Clover POS is a POS printer.

Mobile Printer

A compact, battery-powered thermal printer designed for use away from a fixed location — in vehicles, on delivery routes, or at tableside. Mobile printers typically use 2 1/4" or 3" rolls and connect via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. Example: Brother PocketJet for law enforcement citations, Zebra ZQ520 for field service, Star SM-S220i for tableside restaurant orders.

Label Printer

A thermal printer designed specifically for printing adhesive labels. Label printers use roll or fanfold label stock rather than continuous receipt paper. Common brands include Zebra, Brother, DYMO, and Rollo. Example: A Zebra ZD420 printing patient wristbands in a hospital admissions department.

PocketJet

A line of full-page-width mobile thermal printers made by Brother, primarily used in law enforcement for in-vehicle citation and field report printing. PocketJet printers use 8.5" wide continuous thermal rolls — not standard POS paper. Example: Brother PocketJet PJ822 is the most widely deployed citation printer in US law enforcement.

Ink Ribbon

A fabric or film cartridge saturated with ink, used in impact printers to transfer an image to paper. When the print head strikes the ribbon, ink transfers to the paper beneath. Ribbons are available in black, black/red, and purple. Example: Epson ERC-38 is the ink ribbon used in Epson TM-U220 kitchen printers.

Epson ERC Ribbon Series

Epson's line of ink ribbon cartridges for their impact printers. The ERC number designates the specific cartridge format. The ERC-38 (also compatible with ERC-30 and ERC-34) is the most common in restaurant kitchen applications. Example: ERC-38 black fits TM-U220; ERC-02 fits older terminal printers; ERC-27 fits certain cash register models.

Star RC700 Ribbon

The ink ribbon cartridge used in Star Micronics SP700 series kitchen impact printers (SP712, SP717, SP742, SP747). Available in black (RC700B), black/red (RC700BR), and purple (RC700P). Example: A restaurant using Star SP712 kitchen printers needs RC700B or RC700BR ribbons.

Ribbon Colors

Ink ribbons are available in several color combinations. Black prints all text in black. Black/Red allows the printer to print certain characters (such as negative amounts) in red while the rest prints in black. Purple is used in some time clocks and older office equipment. Example: Restaurants often use Black/Red ribbons so negative voids appear in red on kitchen tickets.

Time Clock Ribbon

An ink ribbon cartridge used in employee time clocks such as Amano, Lathem, Acroprint, and Rapidprint models. Time clock ribbons are typically smaller than printer ribbons and come in black/red or purple. Example: Amano PIX-21 uses a specific black/red ribbon — always verify the model number before ordering.

Compatible (OEM-Compatible) Ribbon

A ribbon manufactured by a third party to the same specification as the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) ribbon, but sold at a lower price. Compatible ribbons use the same cartridge format and ink quality and are a standard cost-saving choice for high-volume users. Example: A compatible ERC-38 performs identically to the Epson OEM version at a lower per-unit cost.

ATM Paper

Thermal paper specifically manufactured for ATM receipt printers. ATM paper is inside-wound on a 1" core and available in 300' and 500' lengths. It is completely different from standard POS paper — they are not interchangeable. Example: NCR, Diebold, Triton, and Hyosung ATMs all require inside-wound 3 1/8" ATM rolls on a 1" core.

Pump Paper / Dispenser Paper

2 5/16" wide thermal rolls used in outdoor fuel pump dispensers. Must be UV-stable and weather-resistant — standard thermal paper will blacken or fade rapidly when exposed to heat and sunlight. Example: Gilbarco Encore and Dresser Wayne dispensers require 2 5/16" UV-stable pump paper.

UV-Stable Paper

Thermal paper formulated to resist fading from ultraviolet light exposure. Standard thermal paper degrades rapidly in sunlight; UV-stable paper maintains image integrity in outdoor applications. Required for fuel pump receipts, parking tickets, and any receipt left in a vehicle. Example: A citation left on a windshield in direct sun requires UV-stable paper to remain legible.

DMS (Dealer Management System)

Software platform used by automotive dealerships to manage sales, service, parts, and finance operations. DMS-connected printers at the sales desk, F&I office, and service write-up stations use standard 3 1/8" thermal paper. Example: Reynolds & Reynolds ERA and CDK Global are the two most widely used DMS platforms in US dealerships.

Wristband Label

A specialty label roll designed for printing patient identification wristbands in healthcare settings. Wristband labels must be Phenol-Free due to prolonged skin contact and are typically printed on Zebra desktop or mobile label printers. Example: Hospital admissions departments use Zebra ZD420 printers with wristband label stock for patient ID.

MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition)

A technology used in banking to print characters (such as account numbers on checks) in magnetic ink that can be read by automated processing equipment. MICR printing requires special magnetic toner or ink — it is distinct from standard thermal printing. Example: The routing and account numbers printed at the bottom of a bank check use MICR technology.

Adhesive Types (Labels)

The type of adhesive backing on a label determines where and how it can be used. Permanent adhesive bonds strongly and is hard to remove cleanly. Removable adhesive peels off without residue. Freezer-grade adhesive bonds at low temperatures. Tamper-evident adhesive leaves a visible pattern if removed. Example: Food dating labels use removable adhesive; shipping labels use permanent adhesive.

Heat Sensitive

A description of thermal paper's reaction to elevated temperatures beyond normal printing. Thermal paper will darken when exposed to heat from sunlight, car interiors, hot surfaces, or friction. This is why standard thermal paper cannot be used in outdoor or kitchen applications. Example: A receipt left on a hot car dashboard may turn completely black due to heat sensitivity.

Case Quantity

The number of rolls included in a standard carton. Ordering by the case significantly reduces per-roll cost. Common case quantities for 3 1/8" receipt paper are 50 rolls per case; for 2 1/4" terminal paper, 50 rolls per case is also standard. Example: A restaurant ordering 3 1/8" thermal by the case receives 50 rolls and pays a lower per-roll price than single-roll ordering.

Roll Dimensions (Width x Length)

Paper rolls are specified by width (the dimension that determines printer compatibility) and length (the amount of paper on the roll). Width must match your printer exactly. Length affects how often you change rolls — longer is more efficient for high-volume use. Example: "3 1/8\" x 230'" means the roll is 3 1/8 inches wide and 230 feet long.

Custom Printed Rolls

Receipt paper pre-printed with a logo, promotional message, or other branding on the back or front of the roll. Custom printing turns every receipt into a branded touchpoint. Available in most standard sizes. Example: A restaurant printing its social media handles and website URL on the back of every receipt.

OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer)

The original brand manufacturer of a printer or ribbon — as opposed to a compatible (third-party) replacement. OEM ribbons are made by the printer manufacturer; compatible ribbons are made by third parties to the same specification. Example: An Epson-branded ERC-38 ribbon is OEM; a Paper Roll Products ERC-38 is a compatible replacement at a lower cost.

Volume Pricing

Discounted per-unit pricing available when purchasing in larger quantities. B2B buyers who order paper in case quantities or establish a business account typically receive lower per-roll pricing than retail consumers. Example: A chain with 50 locations ordering paper by the pallet receives substantially better pricing than a single-location buyer.

B2B Account

A business-to-business purchasing account that provides access to wholesale or volume pricing not available to retail consumers. B2B accounts at Paper Roll Products include volume discounts, same-day shipping eligibility, dedicated support, and centralized ordering for multi-location businesses. Example: A franchise operator with 30 locations sets up a B2B account to centralize ordering and receive consistent pricing across all sites.