Receipt Rolls and Thermal Labels

Three sizes must fit: width, diameter and core

A roll fits only if three sizes agree with the printer: width, outer diameter and core. Common widths are 2 1/4 inch (about 57 or 58 mm), 3 1/8 inch (80 mm) and 4 inch for larger printers. A roll too big in diameter will not let the cover close, and one too narrow will wander. Length per roll, such as 50 or 90 feet, decides how often you change it. Check what your printer specifies and measure an old roll.

Coating side, BPA-free paper and print life

Thermal paper is coated on one side and prints blank if loaded the wrong way: scratch the paper with a fingernail, and the coated side darkens. Plain bond paper is for impact printers, so check which type yours needs. BPA-free thermal paper prints the same way with a different developer chemical. Thermal prints fade with heat, light and contact with plastics, so keep any receipt you need to retain away from them. Round thermal labels and sheets suit label printers instead.

Questions about Receipt Rolls and Thermal Labels

How do I find the roll size my printer takes?

Look for the paper width and maximum roll diameter in the printer's specifications. If you cannot find them, measure the width of the old roll and its diameter. Keep the core size in mind too, as it affects how the roll sits.

Why is my receipt printing blank?

Most likely the paper is loaded with the coated side facing the wrong way, or it is not thermal paper at all. Flip the roll, and test the paper by scratching it: thermal paper darkens at the mark.

Is BPA-free thermal paper any different to use?

It works the same way in the same printers. The difference is the chemical used to develop the image. Print life depends on heat, light and handling in both types, so keep receipts you need away from them.