Thermal printer vs. matrix: differences

A Zebra dot matrix printer versus a custom thermal printer

When choosing a printer for our business, we have such a wide variety that it may surprise us if we do not know the characteristics offered by the different printing technologies available on the market. Among the various existing types focused on the business environment, two options stand out due to the advantages they present: thermal printing and dot matrix printing.

Both technologies stand out for their low cost of monocolor printing. Another advantage is that they are easy to use. In addition, we can find them in different sizes, brands and prices. Thus, these peripherals are suitable for all types of companies that need to cover the need to print labels, tickets, barcodes, accounting documents, etc. But which one should you choose? Veamos las diferencias entre las impresoras térmicas y las matriciales.

Differences between printers


There are several features that differentiate both types of printers. One of the main ones is that the thermal one has a more modern technology than the matrix one: while the first one uses heat through a thermal head to record the data on the paper, the second one uses a head that impacts with an ink ribbon on the paper to achieve printing. That is, the matrix needs ink, and the thermal does not.

Another difference is that the thermal one works at a higher speedthan the matrix one. Also, the latter is louder. However, the receipts printed by the matrix ones last longer than those originated by the thermal ones.

As for the costs generated by both peripherals, both are quite cheap. But dot matrix printer materials - ink cartridges - can be a bit more expensive than the heat-sensitive paper needed for thermal printers.

Here you can see a summary of the differences between thermal and matrix printers:

Characteristics Thermal Matrix
Use ink X (NO) (YES)
Silent (YES) X (NO)
Lasting impression X (NO) (YES)
Technology Heat reactive paper Head that impacts with an ink ribbon on the paper
Print speed Fast Slow
Material cost Cheap Slightly higher

Recommended uses thermal printers


The printing of tickets and labels is necessary in many different areas, although it will be necessary to choose one printer or another depending on its purpose. As the text of thermal prints lasts only a short time on paper, it is better to implement this type of printer in supermarkets and buses, for example. These receipts have a short life, so it is not a problem that they end up being deleted. Another alternative they offer is the printing of bracelets, which can be used in hospitals, concert halls or theme parks, among others, as well as the printing of mailing labels, very useful for e-commerce.

All these targets need only black monochrome printing, no text or images using different colors, so a thermal printer is suitable.

They are also suitable for places facing the public since their presence is not annoying. On the other hand, it is not recommended to use a thermal printer in spaces with high temperatures, since the thermosensitive paper can end up damaged.

Recommended uses matrix printers


On the other hand, matrix ones are more suitable for prints that need to last a long time, such as receipts for purchases with a guarantee: technology, automobiles, etc. That is, they are useful when printing invoices, as in the accounting departments of SMEs.

It is better to avoid installing it where customers will be present, as the printing produces a noise that can be annoying for them.

If you still have questions about thermal and dot matrix printers, contact the Logiscenter technical team and they will help you with everything you need.