How to choose a small ticket printer

There are many types of micro-printers, and now the concept of micro-printers is also vague and the classification is not clear. We don't talk about the micro-printer module here, just talk about the micro-printer as a finished product.

Approximate classification:
From the use classification, it can be divided into dedicated micro printers and general purpose micro printers. The so-called dedicated micro-printer refers to micro-printers for special purposes, such as professional bar code micro-play, professional card micro-play, etc. These micro-plays usually require professional software or driver support, or can only support one or several special The device can work; the general-purpose micro-printer has a wide range of uses and can support the printing output of many kinds of devices. Many printers are actually general-purpose micro-printers.
Classified from the printing method, it can be divided into a pin type micro printer, a thermal micro printer and a thermal transfer micro printer. The printing method of the pin-type micro-playing method is that the printing needle strikes the ribbon, and the ink of the ribbon is printed on the printing paper. The heat-sensitive method is to discolor the heat-sensitive medium coated on the printing paper by heating, and the thermal transfer is The toner on the ribbon is printed on the printing paper by heating (currently used in China). There are also miniature font printers, which are used in taxis.
Classified from data transmission methods, can be divided into wireless micro-printers and wired micro-printers. Wireless micro-play is the use of infrared or Bluetooth technology for data communication, wired micro-play is through serial or parallel data communication. Of course, usually the wireless micro-play has a serial port or a parallel port, and data communication can be performed by wire.

Advantages and disadvantages of several general-purpose micro-plays
Because the range of special printers is relatively narrow, it is not difficult to purchase. The following describes the characteristics of various general-purpose micro-printers as a reference for users to purchase.
1, needle type micro printer
Needle-type micro-printers are relatively common micro-printers, and products produced by Epson print heads (printer cores) have long been used in China. One advantage of needle punching is that the printed documents can be stored for a long time. Of course, this requires that the ink on the optional ribbon must be of good quality, so the micro-spins used in many convenience stores are needle-punched, and because of the needle-type printhead. The control is simple and can be produced using a relatively inexpensive control panel solution, so it is relatively inexpensive. However, there are many disadvantages to the needle: the noise is high, the printing speed is slow, the print head is fast, and the ribbon needs to be replaced frequently. Because of its principle, these are insurmountable.
2, thermal micro printer
Thermal micro-printers are also relatively common micro-printers, appearing later than pin-type micro-printers. Thermal printers print fast, have low noise, have little mechanical wear on the printheads, and do not require ribbons, eliminating the need to replace ribbons. However, it also has disadvantages because it uses thermal paper and cannot be stored indefinitely. It can be stored for 1-5 years under closed conditions.
3, wireless micro printer
Wireless micro-printers are mostly based on infrared-based IrDA technology, but due to the complexity of the IrDA protocol, the accuracy of data transmission cannot be guaranteed.
4, wired micro printer
Compared with wireless micro-printers, the reliability of data transmission is higher, but it is very inconvenient if used in mobile printing.

Other purchase considerations The advantages and disadvantages of several different printers are described above, but there may still be many questions when you buy them. Let's talk about the printer.

Other matters to be aware of during purchase
1, print character set
The character set required by the user may not be exactly the same. Some only need numbers, some need English, some need Chinese characters, and you should pay attention to the required character set when purchasing.
2, size and weight
If it is a printer in a fixed place, as long as the space is sufficient, the size and weight of the printer need not be considered too much, and if it is required to be portable, the size and weight must be considered.
3, the power supply
There are two ways to power the micro-printer now. (The electronic version is slightly below) The printer has no way to use it.
4, paper size
If the user uses it frequently, it is annoying to consider the size of the paper roll and frequently change the paper roll.
5, print width and amount of printed data
The print width is preferably measured by the number of characters printed per line. For example, the same 57mm paper width, more than 24 characters can be printed, and only 10 characters can be played. This depends on the user's needs to determine which one to use. Kind.
6, supplies
Thermal printers and needles use different consumables, so a roll of paper of the same diameter, thermal paper is long, but expensive; the paper used for the needle is short, but cheap. According to the same amount of data printed, the consumption of the two on the printing paper is similar, but the needle hits the ribbon, so in general, the thermal printer consumes less consumables.
7. Other special requirements
Some users have special requirements, such as printing barcodes, printing graphics, etc., which can be selected among different products from different manufacturers.