Articles

Types of printers for payment terminals

There are only two types of printers that may be used in payment terminals. These are common cheque printers and special kiosk printers. The latter differ from common printers by service conditions, dimensions and improved mechanisms reliability and durability.

Let’s first give a definition of the term a “kiosk printer”. A kiosk printer is an open-frame printing mechanism that can be used in payment terminals, automated teller machines, information kiosks and so on.

Printers for kiosks can be of different types depending on the field of their application. There are dot matrix, thermal and dye-sublimation printers.

A dot-matrix printer is a type of a printer that produces characters by striking pins against an ink ribbon; it is analogue of usual computer printers. Such printer can print on special multi-layer paper that allows printing of several copies simultaneously. Its disadvantages are low speed and image quality, as well as need for consumables. Dot matrix printers are usually used for cheque and receipt printing.

A thermal printer is the most commonly used type of kiosk printers. Such printer produces printed image by selectively heating special coated thermal paper. These printers are characterized by high printing speed, noiseless operation and absence of consumables. However, they also have some disadvantages. Thermal printers are not capable of printing several copies of the document simultaneously, and thermal paper is sensitive to environmental exposure.

Dye-sublimation printers are used mostly in photo print kiosks for printing photos from digital media. They employ a printing process that uses heat to transfer dye from special ribbon to printer paper. Such printers can produce 256 different shades of each colored panel that makes them an ideal solution for full color photo printing.

Each type of printer has special sensors to detect absence of paper that allows working in autonomous mode. Besides, they are equipped with a mechanism that prevents a printer from mechanical damage in case a document is pulled out in process. The principle of operation is very simple. First the whole document is printed, then it is cut off and only after that it can be handed over to the client.

The paper in these printers is fed directly that excludes the possibility of it to get stuck or folded. All printers are equipped with cutting mechanisms with improved reliability and prolonged service life period.

Some printers possess the built-in mechanism for gathering unclaimed documents. In a specified period of time unclaimed cheques will be moved to special tray. This function is especially useful for automated teller machines.

Everything you should know about touch monitors Quality, accuracy, high image clarity, undisturbed operation, fast response as well as installation and use simplicity are among main touchscreen advantages. One of touch monitor shortcomings is the need for ventilating and noise eliminating systems. However, noiseless operation may be achieved by means of using solid-state disks and fanless power supply units.

Touch screen – touch the future today The popularity of touch screens continues to grow every day. Now all you need to operate your computer is just to touch its monitor.

[all articles]