Thermal paper is essential for many businesses that rely on receipt printing, from retail and hospitality to healthcare and logistics. With a wide variety of thermal paper roll sizes available, choosing the right type for your POS (Point of Sale) system can be challenging. This guide explores the different sizes of thermal paper rolls, helping you select the most suitable option for your operations while maximising efficiency and print quality.
What Is Thermal Paper?
Thermal paper is a special fine paper coated with a chemical formula that reacts to heat. When it passes through a thermal printer, the heated print head creates images or text directly on the paper without the need for ink or toner. This makes thermal paper a preferred choice for high-speed, low-maintenance printing applications such as thermal receipt rolls in POS systems.
Importance of Choosing the Right Size
Using the right thermal paper roll size ensures seamless printing, reduces printer wear, and helps minimise paper wastage. It also ensures that your POS hardware functions without jams or interruptions. Using an incorrect roll size could lead to inefficiencies, increased operating costs, or damage to your POS hardware.
Common Thermal Paper Roll Sizes
Let’s look at some of the most common thermal paper sizes used in different industries:
1. 80x80 Thermal Paper Rolls
One of the most widely used thermal receipt paper sizes in the retail and hospitality sectors is the 80x80 thermal roll. The dimensions refer to:
- Width: 80mm
- Diameter: 80mm
The 80x80 Thermal Rolls Box 24 is a popular option among businesses that require a bulk supply. This size is ideal for high-volume printing due to its large diameter, which reduces the frequency of roll changes.
Industries That Use 80x80 Rolls:
- Supermarkets
- Fast food chains
- Hospitality POS systems
- Ticketing systems
2. 57x57 Thermal Paper Rolls
Smaller POS machines, such as those used in cafes, food trucks, and mobile businesses, often use the 57x57 thermal paper rolls.
- Width: 57mm
- Diameter: 57mm
This size is compatible with many portable and mobile POS printers. It’s more compact but still offers ample printing capacity for simple receipts.
Best For:
- Mobile EFTPOS terminals
- Handheld POS systems
- Small-scale businesses
3. 80x70 and 80x60 Rolls
If your POS machine cannot handle the full 80x80 size but still requires wide-format printing, the 80x70 and 80x60 options are practical alternatives. These sizes maintain the 80mm width but with a reduced diameter, making them suitable for more compact printers.
- 80x70: Medium-capacity receipt printers
- 80x60: Suitable for mid-volume printing needs
These rolls are perfect for locations with moderate transaction volumes.
4. Custom and Specialty Rolls
Some applications require unique sizes, such as thermal labels, linerless rolls, or colour-tinted paper. While less common, businesses can order thermal paper in custom sizes to fit specialised POS equipment.
How to Identify the Right Thermal Paper Roll
When choosing a thermal paper roll, there are a few important aspects to consider:
1. Printer Compatibility
Always check your printer’s manual or specifications to confirm the supported roll size. Using an incompatible roll can result in paper jams or poor-quality prints.
2. Paper Width and Roll Diameter
Width must match your printer’s thermal head width, while the diameter should fit within the printer housing. For example, an 80x80 thermal paper roll fits standard desktop thermal receipt printers, whereas a 57mm width is used in handheld units.
3. Paper Quality
Ensure the paper has a high-quality thermal coating for clear and durable prints. Low-grade paper might fade quickly or result in uneven printing.
4. Roll Length
Longer rolls (with larger diameters) reduce the need for frequent replacements, making them more efficient for high-volume businesses.
Benefits of Buying Thermal Paper Rolls in Bulk
When businesses purchase thermal receipt paper in bulk, such as the 80x80 Thermal Rolls Box 24, they not only reduce costs per roll but also ensure a steady supply of paper for uninterrupted operation.
Bulk Buying Advantages:
- Cost savings
- Reduced frequency of reordering
- Greater inventory control
- Ideal for multi-terminal setups
Thermal Paper Rolls and POS Hardware
Your POS hardware is only as effective as the consumables it uses. High-quality thermal paper rolls ensure optimal performance, reduce wear on printer heads, and contribute to better customer service through professional-looking receipts.
Make sure to:
- Store rolls in a cool, dry place
- Avoid exposure to direct sunlight or heat
- Rotate stock to use older rolls first
Environmental Considerations
Although thermal paper is not always recyclable due to its chemical coating, many manufacturers now offer BPA-free or eco-friendly options. Look for sustainable solutions if your business prioritises environmental responsibility.
Conclusion
Understanding the different sizes of thermal paper rolls is key to ensuring your POS system runs smoothly and efficiently. Whether you operate a bustling retail chain or a small mobile food truck, selecting the correct thermal paper roll—such as the widely used 80x80 Thermal Rolls Box 24—can enhance your operational efficiency, customer experience, and cost management.
When in doubt, consult your POS hardware documentation or speak with a specialist supplier like POS Plaza to make an informed choice. With the right thermal receipt rolls, your business will always be ready to print.