A receipt printer plays an integral role in any POS system, signaling the cash drawer to open when the transaction is completed. Two main types of POS printers, the impact receipt printer and the thermal receipt printer, are industry mainstays.
While an impact receipt printer uses more consumables (ink cartridges and receipt paper), it offers an affordable entry price compared to thermal receipt printers, may offer two-color printing, can print on 2-ply receipt paper, and withstands heat in restaurant kitchen environments. A thermal printer does not use ink -- it uses heat-sensitive receipt paper to create an image on the paper. Thermal receipt printers offer near-silent, speedy printing for fast-paced retail operations, or anywhere silence is appreciated.
POSMicro stocks every POS printer at everyday low prices, including top manufacturers like Epson, Citizen, Star, Samsung, POS-X and Ithaca.
Thermal Receipt Printers
A thermal receipt printer offers quiet, speedy performance at the point of sale. With thermal receipt paper as the only consumable, thermal receipt printers can offer a lower total cost of ownership over the lifetime of the hardware. Manufaturer features and warranties vary, so retailers can choose the perfect features-to-value ratio.
An impact printer is the top choice for printing 2-ply receipts or as a kitchen printer due to their heat resistance and overall durability. Impact receipt printers can have a lower entry price compared to thermal printers, but factor in the ongoing cost of consumables including ribbon and receipt paper.
Most inkjet receipt printers produce crisp, high resolution color printing of receipts, coupons, barcodes, and more. Some inkjet receipt printer models offer a combination of features including check validation printing. Inkjet receipt printers use consumables including replacement ink cartridges and receipt paper.
A multi-function receipt printer combines receipt printing with check validation and/or slip printing in a single device. Available in color or monochrome options, multi-function receipt printers may utilize impact dot matrix, thermal, or inkjet technology.
A portable receipt printer empowers mobile sales forces and improves customer service in busy retail and restaurant locations by offering wireless transaction processing outdoors, at the table, in the field or anywhere a host POS system is not. Because battery life for mobile receipt printers vary from 2 to 20 hours among manufacturers, as does durability and warranty.
Purchase receipt paper by the roll or by the case. There are two types of receipt paper on the market today: thermal receipt paper and plain receipt paper. Consult your receipt printer manual for the correct paper type for your printer.
Receipt printer ribbon for impact printers is available in a variety of colors for Epson, Star, Ithaca, Citizen, and more. Call our sales specialists for receipt printer ribbons if your printer is not represented here.
