Using the correct receipt paper for your POS system is imperative to ensuring it functions properly. Both the type of paper and the size of the paper you're using can affect performance. So go ahead and grab a roll of your existing paper, and let's get started!
What Is Receipt Paper Made Of?
Most recept paper is made of base paper; ordinary paper made from wood pulp.
- Carbonless paper starts out as base paper which is then coated with micro-encapsulated dye or ink, or a reactive clay, to produce multiple copies of the same receipt during printing.
- Thermal receipt paper also starts out as base paper which is then coated with micro-encapsulated dye or ink. A layer of primer that fills the empty spaces between surface fibers is then applied to the paper, providing a smooth surface for printing. This precoat layer also acts as a stabilizer that absorbs the activated dye mixture after printing.
Types of Receipt Paper
If you're confused about the type of receipt paper needed for your cash register or POS system, read on to learn about the various types and how they work.
Traditional Register Roll Paper
Traditional register roll paper is the most basic type of register roll paper.
What is Traditional Printing Paper?
Traditional POS paper is just what it sounds like – traditional paper. It is ideal for situations where only one copy of a receipt is needed.
How Does Traditional POS Paper Work?
Traditional POS paper is printed with a standard register ribbon.
As it prints, the ink from the register ribbon is left on the paper, leaving behind a clear, defined print.
Carbonless Register Roll Paper
When two copies of a receipt are needed, carbonless printing paper is the way to go.
What is Carbonless Printing Paper?
Carbonless paper features a convenient two-ply design which produces both a yellow and a white copy. This results in both a copy for you and a copy for the customer. This type of paper is often used in credit card machines.
How Does Carbonless Paper Work?
Carbonless paper uses a traditional register printer with a standard register ribbon.
The ribbon prints onto the first copy, just as with traditional paper.
As it prints, the pressure from the printing transfers a copy onto the second sheet for a duplicate print.
Thermal Register Roll Paper
Thermal printing paper eliminates the need for ink ribbons, relying on heat to produce print.
What is Thermal Printing Paper?
Thermal printing is a digital printing process that produces a printed image by selectively heating a special fine paper called thermochromic paper (thermal paper), as the paper passes over the thermal print head. It is often used in point-of-purchase machines and credit card machines.
How Does Thermal Paper Work?
Heat from the printer is directed in a specific and detailed manner to generate print writing.
Typically, the print will be black in color.
Sticky Media Roll Paper
Adhesive register rolls stick to your desired surface and stay in place.
What is Sticky Media Roll Paper?
Sticky media roll paper has adhesive coating, which allows it to be adhered to any surface it is placed on. It can be repositioned as needed.
How does Sticky Media Roll Paper Work?
It is perfect for keeping receipts in place.
Sticky media can be used as both a label and a receipt to streamline to-go and made to order establishments.
How Wide is Receipt Paper?
Receipt paper rolls range in width from 38 mm up to 4 1/2". Once you know what kind of paper you need, use our printable register roll sizing guide to find the right width for your machine.
- Print this guide on standard 8 ½" x 11" paper.
- Line up one of your current register rolls along the guide to determine the width of the roll you need.
- Order away!
Download Sizing Guide
Is Receipt Paper Recyclable?
Receipt paper is recyclable just like many other forms of paper. There are concerns, however, regarding the Bisphenol A (BPA) coating on some thermal receipt paper. BPA is a plastic component that is known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. Recycling receipts coated in BPA will contaminate other recycled paper, therefore increasing human exposure to BPA. The only way to know if a receipt paper is coated in BPA is to take it to a lab, so there really is no way to separate those receipts from non-BPA coated ones.
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