Posted by There are many models of printers on the market to look for. The most common are direct thermal receipt printer, dot matrix printers, impact printers, and MFPs. However, before purchasing a printer for your POS system, you should consider software requirements, hardware compatibility, device drivers, printer receipt cutter feature options, cable interfaces, environmental limitations, and other advantages.
Pre-requisites For The Working Of Printers
Some printers only work with specific device drivers and software applications. You do not have to buy a printer for limited commercial use. Say one of your direct thermal receipt printer in one of the many POS systems you use has failed. The printer should be able to fill the space of the failed printer. The printer must also be compatible with your current operating system. It is wise to choose a printer that supports multiple operating systems.
Most printers work with Windows drivers, but some require OLE or OPOS drivers to print receipts. For printer and POS compatibility issues, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your retailer. You can replace your current printer with any brand of printer. Most are manufactured in a way that mimics most other brands. However, asking your dealer about options to replace your current printer is a good decision.
How To Connect The Direct Thermal Receipt Printer To The Computer?
You can connect receipt printers to POS systems via a cable interface, serial or parallel, USB, or Ethernet connections. All printers support at least two main types of interfaces: serial and parallel. The USB interface is optional for some printers. If a particular printer meets your requirements perfectly but doesn’t have the interface you’re looking for, ask your dealer about adding an interface. They usually do this but at an additional cost.
Bonus Feature Of Direct Thermal Receipt Printer
Another feature of the printer is the option to cut the receipt. There are two types of receipt cutoff: partial cutoff and full cutoff. Select the manual receipt cutter option if your printer does not require the receipt cutter option. If you run a large business that simplifies customers at checkout, we recommend the automatic receipt cutter option, as it will save you time. You can specify manual receipt shredder printers for locations with low customer flow, such as job sites.
The printer comes in monochrome and two-colour printing options. Bi-colour printers are available in black and red for printing. The company logo is usually printed in red, and the rest of the transaction details are printed in black. Red can be used to highlight the special offers, discounts, and privileges your customers have received.
Things To Consider Before Buying A Printer
One thing to consider before buying a printer is the environment in which you will use it. Are printers used in kitchens, points of sale, hospitals, climate-controlled environments, etc.? Various printers fit the above categories. If you purchase a printer unsuitable for your domain, the printer will not work correctly. Before you buy a printer, ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you want a two-colour printer?
- Do you want the option to auto-cut off receipts?
- Need a printer capable of printing receipts, labels and barcodes?
- Do you want to accommodate print rolls?
- Do you want a drop-down paper-loading mechanism?
- Do you want a printer that can print two- or three-layer receipts?
After reading the above question, more questions will appear. Please address all questions with the agent before making a purchase.
How many types of printers are there?
There are three types of printers: impact, thermal, and multifunction.
Impact Printer
Impact printer is the other name given to dot matrix printers. These printers are not only affordable but also flexible—they print on paper with pins and tape. The printer can print two layers of receipts, one for the customer and one for the seller. These printers are heat resistant and ideal for use in the kitchen. The printer can print in two colors, black and red. However, you will need to purchase the required ribbons to print the above colors.
Where can I use my impact printer?
Kitchens, points of sale, heat-filled manufacturing units, and anywhere you need two-tone, two-tone printed receipts.
Direct Thermal Receipt Printers
Direct thermal receipt printers, as the name suggests, use heat to print images onto paper. We do not use ribbons or pins to print photos. Special receipt paper is required for use with thermal printers. The paper has a special heat-sensitive coating that activates when it comes into contact with the printer head. Also, the printer does not require changing tapes, which makes it less expensive to own and maintain. You can upload your logo directly to the firmware to increase printing speed. It would be beneficial not to use these printers in heat-sensitive areas such as kitchens.
Multifunction Printer
The uses of these printers are to perform multiple functions besides printing receipts. MFPs authenticate checks, read MICR codes, and print receipts. These printers are more expensive than the ones mentioned above due to their versatility. Also, you can use these payment printers to print receipts parallel to your point-of-sale setup.