Have you ever noticed you get a receipt after an ATM transaction; similarly, you go to the superstore and get a small receipt of payment; where they come from, how they are produce, what is the manufacturing process of the thermal paper?
According to history, the paper is a Chinese invention dated back to 105 AD. These days’ lots of different types of papers are available in the market, but we are only sticking to the thermal paper industry in our business ideas category. Thermal paper was invented in the USA in 1968; however, it was not a reality until 1971 when Japanese companies used it in real production. Interestingly Japan invented the first slitting machine.
According to Fortune Business Insights, the thermal paper global market size was 3.45 billion US dollars in 2019. The European Association of Secure Transactions reported 14.5 million POS terminals deployed in Europe for business transactions.
What is Thermal Paper?
It is a special paper that prints information without any kind of ink due to heat printers. This process is done by using heat-sensitive dyes and special color developers during the manufacturing process of the thermal paper.
Market Size and Usage of Thermal Paper
The market size was 3.45 billion dollars in 2019 and it con be increased by 6.9 percent per year and reach up to 5.85 billion dollars in 2027 according to the data and increasing in Asian markets.
We all know that paperless transactions are increasing globally day by day. On the other hand, the use of thermal paper is also increasing globally because of cost-effectiveness. Asia is the most growth region for the thermal industry. There are many benefits to using thermal paper for business transactions.
Now we talk about the usage of thermal paper;
By Industries;
Retail Industry
Logistics
Banks
Medical
Gaming
It is worth mentioning that the retail and logistic industry is highly dependable on thermal papers due to their low-cost printing capability.
Common Use of Thermal Paper;
- POS
- Tags and Labels
- Ticketing
- Lottery and Gaming
- Medical
- Others
- Bank’s ATMs
Before we dig into the business plan of the thermal paper, we will also discuss the manufacturing process of the paper. It could be a little technical for you but if you are reading this article to start a business of thermal paper roll; it is highly beneficial that you have this knowledge.
Read the benefits of thermal paper
In this post, we will discuss the small thermal paper roll for end consumers and will not discuss the jumbo thermal paper roll business.
There are some standard sizes available in the market globally for different kinds of industries.
That is 80mm x 80mm, 57mm x 57mm, 44 x 60mm or even 38mm x 40mm, and some other sizes. So when you want to manufacture the thermal roll keep these sizes in mind to avoid any kind of investment loss.
Manufacturing Process of the Jumbo Thermal Roll Paper
There are four kinds of imaging chemicals used in the manufacturing of jumbo thermal paper rolls. These are as follows;
Leuco dyes
Leuco dyes can switch between two chemical forms, one of which is colorless. The dyes used in the thermal paper are usually triaryl methane phthalide dyes or fluoran dyes or Crystal Violet lactone. These dyes have a colorless leuco form when crystalline or when in a pH-neutral environment, but become colored upon melting or when exposed to an acidic environment.
Developers
Developers are organic acids, which are melting along with leuco dyes in order to provide more color. Examples of such developers include phenols, sulfonylureas, and Zinc salts of substituted salicylic acids. Traditional thermal paper uses BPA as an acid developer but due to some scientific reports this acid can absorb into the body and can affect fertility, for this reason, European authorities took action and ban the BPA acids and most of the manufacturers in Europe turned to BPS acid in the thermal paper manufacturing process.
Sanitizers
Sensitizers are use to add to the paper surface to optimize the colorization temperature and to facilitate the mixing of developers and leuco dyes upon melting. Sensitizers are commonly simple ether molecules.
Stabilizers
Stabilizers are use to add in order to stabilize the layer or glass formed by the leuco dye, developer, and sensitizer and prevent the dyes to return to their original colorless, crystalline forms when stored in hot or humid conditions.
Material Required For Manufacturing
- Slitting machine (according to needs)
- Jumbo roll (paper features as required)
- Accessories (cores, packing materials, etc)
- Skilled labor
Paper Features
- Basic properties: weight, thickness, moisture properties
- Strength properties: tensile and tearing strength, elongation
- Surface properties: brightness, whiteness, smoothness/roughness, strength
- Absorption properties with different liquids
Manufacturing Process of Small thermal paper rolls.
To start manufacturing thermal paper rolls for industry, you must need the jumbo roll and the slitter rewinder machine according to your need.
Generally, a jumbo roll contains 6000 meters approximately, and from that roll, you can make a finished roll that is generally available at 15, 25, 40, 50, and 70 meters long in the market.
Regarding thermal paper slitter rewinder, it is a kind of shear cutting machine, that is using for making POS, ATM, cash register, NCR, ECG, and plotter rolls. As an electromechanical integrated device, it consists of unwinding, transmission, slitting, rewinding, and controlling sections.
In order to purchase the most suitable thermal paper slitter re-winder, you must be aware of several parameters.
The 1st is your jumbo roll width, once your thermal paper jumbo roll width is confirmed, you could choose 500mm, 700mm, 900mm, 1100mm, or 1400mm width machine according to the jumbo roll;
The 2nd is jumbo roll diameter, Maximum 1000mm unwinding diameter is supported generally;
The 3rd is slitting width, the world’s mainstream thermal paper roll width is 57mm and 80mm at present, but it can be changed as per your customer base. Generally, you do not need other sizes for sale in the first phase, when the business grows your customer base can increase and you might need the other sizes.
79mm x 79mm paper rolls are mainly used in ATM cash machines, while 57mm x 40mm rolls are widely used in POS machines. These sizes are occupying 80% of the total market.
The length can easily adjust through HMI PLC test panels that come in modern machines, once your required length is complete machine stops and you need to put another shaft for another roll and the process continues with repetitions until your production requirement is finished.
For width, you need to set up the spacers with a blade in slitters according to your size requirements i.e. 79mm or 57mm.
Some machines also come with flexo printing options on the backside for promotional purposes. Modern machines can also make rolls without a core to save the cost of the roll.
Thermal Paper Roll Business Overview
After technical discussion, we are going to talk about the business plan, cost, and financials of the thermal paper slitting business.
Machine Cost
The machine is available from $10000 to $50000. The prices depend on the manufacturer’s location in India, USA, China, Germany, etc, and functionalities like color or non-color. capacity and many other factors.
Area Required for the Production
Consider the small business with one machine, office, and the space for raw material and finished product we will suggest the minimum area you are required to start the business is 300 sq ft. It can get on rent or purchase as property.
Skilled Labor Requirement
In the beginning, your business can start from one skilled labor only but as you grow, you may need another helper for one machine to get the manufacturing process fast. It is better that your labor understand a little basic electromechanical knowledge, the slitting machine is not difficult to operate, but it also needs you to understand the most basic electrical principles.
Power and Weight
The electrical power of the machine with no color is generally required 2.5 kW, and with color, it can go up to 3.5 kW, as far as the weight concern without color it is approx 1.2 ton and with a color option, it is i.5 ton.
The market
The market has lots of consumers of thermal paper due to its cost-effectiveness, some of them are mentioned below.
- Banks
- Retail Stores
- Logistics companies
- Restaurants
- Cinemas
- Others
Competition
There is no high competition available in the market due to a lack of awareness and cost. Also, most of the customers are repeat customers.
Advertising Methods, Pricing, and Sales Strategy
Lots of advertising channels are available to grow your market, such as website, social media, physical visiting, cold emails and calls, local newspapers, signboards, etc. For pricing and sales strategy always follow the local competitor in the first stage of your business and once you start growing you will understand the game and act accordingly.
Other Necessary Overheads for Production
Packaging material, cores (either plastic or corrugated material if required), etc.
SWOT Analysis of the Thermal Paper Roll Business
| Strength | Opportunities |
| 1. Potential of the market 2. Repeated Customers 3. Low Competition | 1. Market future is a good 2. Opportunity to explore new customers every day |
| Weakness | Threats |
| 1. No Experience 2. Capital | 1. Production cost 2. Competition 3. Local legal, power, and capital issues |
Thermal Paper Roll Business Setup Approx. Initial Cost
| Set-up costs US Market | |
| Setting up the business | |
| Accountant’s fees(Yearly) | $1,000 |
| Solicitor’s fees (One time) | $700 |
| Business registration | $300 |
| Domain name registration and Hosting (Yearly) | $500 |
| Insurance premiums (One year) | $700 |
| Licenses | $500 |
| Workers’ compensation (3 months) | $6,000 |
| Setting up the premises | |
| Lease deposit and advance rent | $3,000 |
| Fitout | $2,000 |
| Utility bonds and connection | $1,000 |
| Stationery and office supplies | $1,000 |
| Plant and equipment | |
| Equipment | $20,000 |
| Vehicles | – |
| Telecommunications | – |
| Computers and software | $1,000 |
| Starting operations | |
| Advertising and promotion | $2,500 |
| Raw materials and supplies | $10,000 |
| Working capital | $5,000 |
| Start-up capital | |
| Equity investment | $30,200 |
| Borrowings | $25,000 |
| Total | $55,200 |
*The above report is based on US market pricing. However, these expenses are the same to start a business in all countries you can research the local pricing and make decisions accordingly.
Read the benefits of thermal paper
Manufacturer of Jumbo Thermal Paper Rolls in the USA
The famous supplier of jumbo rolls in the US is as follows;
Mark Adjetey
Manufacturer of Jumbo Thermal Paper Rolls in Europe
Koehler (Germany)
Manufacturer of Jumbo Thermal Paper Rolls in China
APP
Chenming
Guanhao
Thermal Paper Roll Slitting Machine Manufacturer in China
Jota
Bogle
Thermal Paper Roll Slitting Machine Manufacturer in India
WEBTECH
Vinayaka Paper Products
Accurate Engineers.
Is thermal paper business profitable?
In short, Yes, the market has great potential with repeat customers all over the world. It requires a small investment but with great profit, especially with color machines that can be used for promotional material on the back, this can help for upselling with extra profit.
How do I sell thermal paper rolls?
There are multiple channels to sell your product.
- Direct selling
- Online
- Through distributors
- Cold calling and emails to large corporates
What is thermal paper used for?
Thermal paper isa special paper that prints with heat from the thermal printer. The image is produced by heat, without printing ink, when the selected area of the thermal paper passes over the thermal print head. It is commonly used in Banks, Retail, and the logistics industry. The common uses are POS, ATMs, Ticketing, etc.
Can I use thermal paper in a normal printer?
No, it is not recommended to use thermal paper in a normal printer due to its nature that is slippery and thin than normal printer paper.
How long will thermal paper last?
If stored below 77 degrees it can last up to three years without printing, after printing it can last up to 7 years.
The Business Goals
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The basic goal of “The Business Goals” is to help the entrepreneurs’ community in achieving their goals and business objectives by providing the authentic and latest entrepreneurial ideas.
FAQs
How are thermal paper rolls made? ›
The thermal paper consists of base paper and a few special coating layers. On the surface side (the recording side), the precoat layer and the thermal layer are coated.
What is the raw material for thermal paper roll? ›The primary raw materials required for paper roll production are jumbo paper rolls (which are cut into small rolls), the plastic and paperboard cores, packing material, and cartons (to pack the rolls for shipping).
What is the use of thermal paper roll? ›Thermal paper (sometimes referred to as an audit roll) is a special fine paper that is coated with a material formulated to change color when exposed to heat. It is used in thermal printers, particularly in inexpensive or lightweight devices such as adding machines, cash registers, and credit card terminals.
How many pieces are in a roll of paper? ›Most rolls have approximately 150 sheets of paper. However, some double rolls can have up to 352 sheets.
What chemical is used in thermal paper? ›The receipts we receive when we buy groceries, prescriptions, gas, clothing, restaurant meals, and much more are generally printed on thermal paper coated with either Bisphenol-A (BPA) or its chemical cousin Bisphenol-S (BPS).
How long does thermal paper print last? ›You can find two different types of thermal printing: direct thermal printing and thermal transfer printing. The lifespan of direct thermal printing is around 7-25 years, whereas thermal transfer printing lasts for 2—35 years.
How many types of thermal paper are there? ›Before looking at them individually, there are three types of paper rolls. They include; Thermal paper rolls. Bond paper rolls.
What is the thickness of thermal paper? ›Standard thermal paper is similar to regular 20-lb. bond paper. Around 80-90 microns thick (thicker than both regular and heavy-weight receipt paper), standard thermal paper typically does not have a top coat and can remain readable for seven to twenty years under proper storage conditions.
What is the size of thermal paper roll? ›The 80mm x 80mm paper roll is without a doubt the most common and popular paper roll on the market. 80mm x 80mm paper rolls fit in most brands of thermal docket printers and is known to some as the standard thermal printing roll.
How do you make thermal paper last longer? ›- Don't store receipts in plastic sleeves.
- Do store receipts away from heat and light.
What is the difference between normal paper and thermal paper? ›
The main difference between thermal and standard paper is that thermal receipt paper has different layers of heat-sensitive chemicals that create text or images. In contrast, the regular paper needs a printer, ink cartridges, or ribbons to print images or text.
How do you identify thermal paper? ›Scratching with your fingernail is the easiest way to determine whether a paper is thermal paper. Since the thermal paper has a chemical coating on the surface, it generates heat when you scratch the paper. As a result of the heat, the paper will produce black marks.
What is the standard size of a roll? ›The standard length is 4.5 feet. The standard width is 2 feet. The standard thickness is 1 inch. Some sod suppliers will provide sod rolls that are 4.3 feet in length by 2 feet, not 9 square feet.
How much money is a piece of paper? ›How much does a piece of paper cost? On average, a standard piece of paper costs anywhere between half a cent to two cents per sheet.
How many papers are in a raw rolling paper? ›One single pack contains 32 rolling papers.
What 3 chemicals are used in paper processing? ›Chemicals typically used for this purpose include epichlorohydrin, melamine, urea formaldehyde and polyimines.
Can thermal paper wet? ›It is also important that you store your thermal paper somewhere that is dry, as the paper will be compromised if it gets wet. This is also true of other liquids and oils, so make sure that your rolls are kept only with other dry materials.
Is there ink in thermal paper? ›There is no ribbon, ink or toner involved with direct thermal printing. Instead, the printhead applies pressure and heat directly onto the surface of heat-sensitive thermal paper. The thermal paper reacts to the heat of the printhead, blackening when heated and producing an image or text.
What is a disadvantage of a thermal printer? ›The biggest disadvantages of thermal printers are that they tend to be more expensive than regular printers, you need to purchase thermal paper, they have color limitations, thermal labels fade overtime, and print heads can get damaged by heat and they are expensive to replace.
Can thermal paper print in color? ›Can Direct Thermal Printer Print in Colour? No, direct thermal printers cannot print in colour. Direct thermal printing technology uses heat-sensitive paper (also called thermal labels or thermal paper ) instead of thermal ribbon for printing. As a result, direct thermal printers can only print in black and white.
Is thermal printing expensive? ›
Cost: The specialty materials used in the thermal printing process are considerably more expensive than their inkjet counterparts; even the most basic thermal printer may cost hundreds of dollars.
What are the five main types of paper? ›Printing paper or printer paper is any form of paper on which printing can be accomplished and includes copier paper, newsprint paper, book paper, magazine and catalog paper, and label paper, many of which have been discussed in this article.
What are the three types of thermal? ›- Conduction,
- Convection and.
- Radiation.
- Graphical paper. Graphical paper is produced in a number of qualities and is primarily used for magazines and catalogues. ...
- Newsprint. ...
- Tissue. ...
- Fine paper. ...
- Packaging paper. ...
- Book paper. ...
- Packaging paperboard. ...
- Cardboard.
Thermal paper rolls are commonly sold in lengths of 50, 80, 185, 220, 230, and 273 feet.
Why is it called thermal paper? ›Thermal paper is a special type of paper that, when in contact with heat, changes its colour to black or, sometimes, to blue or red. The terms 'heat-sensitive paper' and 'audit roll' are often used as synonyms for thermal paper.
What is the HS code for thermal paper roll? ›HS Code 48119094 | Harmonized System Code Thermal Paper In Jumbo Rolls (Size 1 Mt And Above In Width And 5,000 Mt And Above In Length)
Is thermal paper cheaper than paper? ›Thermal paper is less expensive than other paper used for printing, which means reduced printing costs. Businesses can find reliable thermal paper roll suppliers on the Internet.
What type of paper is thermal paper? ›Also sometimes called receipt printing paper, thermal paper is a kind of specialty paper that changes color when it's exposed to heat, which means it does not require traditional ink. Thermal paper is manufactured through the application of specially designed heat-sensitive chemical materials to a paper base.
How can I improve thermal print quality? ›...
- Maintain The Right Heat And Speed Ratio. ...
- Keep The Print Head Clean. ...
- Protect The Print Head From The Media. ...
- Don't Use Razor Blades Or Box Cutters.
What causes thermal paper to fade? ›
Receipts are printed on thermal papers, which are chemically coated with heat-sensitive dyes that display text and images when exposed to heat. Thermal papers are susceptible to heat, and extended exposure to heat and other harsh environmental elements lead to gradual fading.
How do you restore faded thermal paper? ›If you're no Photoshop genius, you can try restoring it the old-fashioned way: by gently applying heat to the thermal paper. Set your hairdryer on medium and then blow hot air directly towards the receipt until the text becomes visible. You can also heat the receipt using a light bulb if you don't own a hairdryer.
Which paper is better for printing? ›A4. A4 paper is the most commonly-used for printing and measures 210mm x 297mm. This paper comes in many different weights and with several different coatings, meaning there is an A4 paper that is suitable for any printing job.
What material is best for heat transfer paper? ›In general, you will want to avoid any fabrics that are made out of 100% polyester or 100% nylon fabrics. These fabrics can be very difficult to print on and the results are often not as good as they could be. Instead, look for a polyester/cotton blend or a nylon/cotton blend.
What is an advantage of a thermal printer? ›Improved Print Quality – Thermal printers create higher quality, more durable images than impact printers. They produce clear, long-lasting images that are more resistant to factors such as oils, climate, UV rays, etc. The images created by thermal printers are also more legible because there is no ink to smudge.
What is the difference between bond rolls and thermal rolls? ›Thermal paper Rolls are very sensitive to heat and friction. Thermal Rolls have a glossy like top coat. Bond Rolls require ribbon/ink to produce text and imaging. Bond paper has similar resemblance to standard copy paper.
Is thermal paper business profitable? ›Many distributors and suppliers worldwide import Chinese thermal rolls and sell them very profitably. You can also make plenty of profit by selling thermal rolls in your country.
How are thermal labels made? ›Thermal labels use heat to create an image. Thermal transfer uses a thermal ribbon where heat from the printhead releases the ribbon attaching it to the label surface. Direct thermal images are created when heat from the printhead causes components on the label surface to mix causing them to (usually) turn black.
Does thermal paper use ink? ›The thermal paper reacts to the heat of the printhead, blackening when heated and producing an image or text. Maintenance costs for direct thermal printers are low compared to other types of printers due to the fact no ink or toner is needed.