Direct thermal printing, the most common type of thermal printing, uses heat-sensitive paper to create images. This method generally produces monochrome output, typically black or blue, depending on the paper’s formulation. However, variations exist, including limited color thermal printing, which uses specialized paper containing multiple heat-sensitive layers to produce a small range of hues.
The ability to generate color output, even a limited one, expands the potential applications of this technology. While monochrome printing remains sufficient for applications like receipts and labels, the addition of color enhances visual appeal and communication potential in areas like ticketing, wristbands, and small-format signage. Historically, adding color required separate print processes, increasing complexity and cost. Advancements in thermal paper and printer technologies now allow for simplified color integration.
