Thermal Printheads

Thermal printheads are devices used to print using thermally sensitive materials (i.e. thermal paper, thermal transfer ribbon) by energizing resistors mounted on a substrate to generate joule heat.

Thermal paper, which is low-cost, easy to handle, and virtually maintenance-free, is used in wide variety of applications, including fax machines, printers, and ticketing equipment.

What’s more, improved characteristics such as recording quality and speed have expanded the application range.

Thermal printheads are roughly classified into thick-film and thin-film types based on the manufacturing method, materials, and structure.

ROHM offers both types, along with hybrid products that combine thick- and thin-film elements in original configurations.

Method
Thick Film
Thick Film
Production Process Comparison
Film formation by screen printing
Film formation by sputtering or metal deposition
(Conduction pattern creation via photo-etching)
(Conduction pattern creation via photo-etching)

[Thermal Printhead Manufacturing Method Comparison]

Thermal Transfer Method

A method in which a wax or resin-based ink tape (ribbon) is melted (glued) onto a material such as paper using heat.

Advantages
Disadvantages
Excellent water and chemical resistance
High running costs
Compatible with plain paper
Complicated printer structure
Difficult to install paper/tape (ribbon)

[Thermal Printhead Manufacturing Method Comparison]

Thermal Method

A method of printing achieved by contacting heat elements with thermal paper (special heat-sensitive paper). Frequently used for receipt printers.

Advantages
Disadvantages
No need for toner, ribbon, or ink
Susceptible to temperature and scratches
Simple printer structure
Easy to install paper