What is a thermal printer used for?

A thermal printer is a type of printer that uses heat to transfer an image or text onto paper or other media. This technology is widely used in retail receipt printing, label printing, and ticket printing. Two main types of thermal printing technologies exist direct thermal and thermal transfer. Direct thermal printing uses heat-sensitive paper that changes color when exposed to heat, while thermal transfer printing uses a heated ribbon to transfer ink onto the media. Thermal printers are popular due to their reliability, speed, and low maintenance requirements. They are also generally smaller and quieter than other types of printers, making them suitable for use in various environments.