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Background
Anatomy

Anatomy

Receipt Paper Rolls
Image Courtesy of Panda Paper on Unsplash

Receipt paper uses a thermochromic process for inkless printing, achieved through its multi-layered composition1 2. These layers, outlined below, work in tandem to ensure the print’s durability and clarity1.

Topcoat

The topcoat on receipt paper, also known as the protective layer, is applied over the thermal coating to protect the thermally sensitive layer from environmental factors, abrasion, and other physical damages that could affect the print quality and longevity2 3.

Thermal Layer

At its core, the thermal layer contains a mix of active agents that undergo a colour-changing process when exposed to heat2 3 4 5 6. The next section explores the layer in greater detail.

Precoat

The precoat is the coating between the base paper and the thermal-sensitive layer, smoothing the base paper’s surface for a uniform and precise interaction with the thermal printhead2 3.

Base Paper

The base paper makes up the actual paper part of the receipt, offering the essential stability, durability, and specific physical qualities needed for thermal printing2 3.

Backcoat

The backcoat functions as a protective layer, increasing durability and offering protection from physical and environmental damage2 3.

The image below provides a visual representation of the layers and their respective proportions.

Receipt Paper Layers
Image Courtesy of Jujo Thermal

Next, we will delve into the mechanism responsible for the colour change in receipt paper.

  1. Koester V. How Does Thermal Paper Work? [Internet]. ChemistryViews. 2019 [cited 2024 Feb 27]. Available from: ChemistryViews ↩︎ ↩︎

  2. Ouyang F. Complete Guide on Thermal Paper: Composition, Advantages, Uses, and More [Internet]. Panda Paper Roll. 2023 [cited 2024 Feb 16]. Available from: Panda Paper Roll ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

  3. Diamond AS. Handbook of Imaging Materials [Internet]. 2nd ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press; 2018 [cited 2024 Feb 23]. 695 p. Available from: Google Books ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎

  4. Muthyala R, editor. Chemistry and Applications of Leuco Dyes [Internet]. New York, NY: Kluwer Academic Publishers; 1997. 302 p. (Topics in Applied Chemistry). Available from: Google Books ↩︎

  5. Truitt JK. Thermal Paper Coating [Internet]. Dallas, TX; 3953659A, 1976. p. 4. Available from: Google Patents ↩︎

  6. Fukuchi T, Hamada K, Nagai T, Kudoh N, Sekine A. Thermal sensitive recording medium [Internet]. Tokyo, JP; 5811368A, 1998 [cited 2024 Feb 27]. Available from: Google Patents ↩︎

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