Kids instant printing camera topic: Analysis of different types of thermal printing paper

1. Thermal printing paper basic specifications: 57mm universal width, roll diameter does not affect printing quality

All kids printing cameras use a standard printing paper width of 57mm, with the only difference being the roll diameter of the paper roll. There are three mainstream specifications on the market:

Paper roll specifications	Printing paper diameter	Characteristics
57*30mm	30mm	The paper roll has the maximum capacity, with the highest number of printed sheets per roll and low replacement frequency
57*25mm	25mm	Moderate capacity and highest market applicability
57*23mm	23mm	Small roll diameter, compact size, suitable for camera models with compact internal space

Important note: 57mm is the effective printing width; 23/25/30mm only represents the outer diameter of the paper roll and determines the total number of sheets per roll, without affecting the printing clarity and imaging color effect. As long as the device supports a width of 57mm, the three roll diameter specifications can be interchangeable; Just need to confirm if the physical space of the camera paper compartment can accommodate a larger roll diameter.

Printing size supplement:
(1) 4:3 size: 53mm x 69mm, traditional ratio
(2) 16:9 size: 53mm × 90mm, longer format, suitable for landscape and group photography

The printing width of the two formats is the same 53mm, but the length of the photo is different, which is controlled by the camera software settings and is independent of the printing paper roll hardware.

2. Detailed explanation of four categories of thermal printing paper classification

①Ordinary black and white thermal paper

Basic entry-level consumables, relying on thermal print heads to heat up, the paper is coated with black text and images when heated.
● Imaging effect: black text on white background, only black and white grayscale, no color effect
● Product features: Low cost, medium shelf life; No adhesive backing, printed as regular paper, unable to be directly pasted
● Applicable scenarios: Graffiti recording, simple notes, draft photos, suitable for low budget daily play
● Shortcomings: Only black and white, lacking childlike colors, printing photos cannot be directly pasted into the account book

Ordinary black and white thermal paper with backing film

Add a self-adhesive backing layer on top of regular black and white thermal paper.
● Paper structure: thermal printing coating+white backing paper+adhesive protective layer
● Imaging effect: still black and white image; Tear off the protective layer of the backing paper, and the photo can be directly pasted
● Features: Print black and white photos, and have sticker function, suitable for pasting on notebooks, notebooks, and stationery boxes
● Applicable: Need to paste black and white photos at the same time

②Colored thermal paper (paper body is colored, printing effect is still black and white)

Many people are easily confused with colored printing paper, as the paper base itself is colored (macaron base colors such as pink, blue, yellow, etc.), and the printed pattern is still black and white.

● Imaging: Black text is printed on colored background paper, and the image itself does not have a color filter

● Features: No adhesive backing, beautiful paper background, fresh photo style

● Distinguishing key points: It does not mean printing paper with a single color! Just the paper background color, the image will not change color

● Applicable: Simple decorative ledger, like colored paper backing, no need for color tones on the screen

● If you need to customize different colors, you need to roll up 8000 to customize the color you want. Our regular inventory is pink, blue, and yellow.

③ Single colour thermal print paper

Different from full-color printing, it belongs to single tone imaging consumables, with one fixed filter tone per roll. Common color schemes include red, blue, green, and orange yellow.
● Imaging effect: The printed pattern is rendered as a single color, not a color change in the paper background, but a change in the color tone of the image; For example, the image effect printed on blue printing paper is blue, and the image effect printed on green printing paper is green
● Product features: No adhesive backing, printed as regular photo paper, cannot be directly pasted; Strong atmosphere, full of children’s creative fun
● Attention to use: One roll of paper holds one color; If you need to change the color tone, you need to replace the corresponding color paper roll
● Applicable scenarios: Handheld materials, fun artistic style photos, suitable for children’s color creative creation

④ Single colour backing film thermal paper (white backing film version)

Add adhesive backing film structure on the basis of single color thermal imaging layer; The white backing film is an opaque white substrate.
● Paper structure: printing imaging layer+white opaque white background paper+self-adhesive backing layer
● Imaging&Paste Effect: Simply remove the protective layer of the backing paper and paste directly; The background color of the photo is opaque white, and the monochrome image has high color saturation and rich colors; Paste on the surface of notebooks and stationery boxes without revealing the color of the underlying objects, resulting in a clean and tidy image
● Advantages: Excellent color performance, clean image after pasting
● Disadvantages: The substrate is opaque and does not have a transparent film effect

Single colour backing film thermal paper (transparent backing film version)

Using a transparent PET bottom film with self-adhesive, the protective layer can be peeled off and directly pasted for use.
● Paper structure: printing imaging layer+transparent PET substrate+self-adhesive backing layer
● Imaging&pasting effect: semi transparent photo film; When pasted on different colored carriers, the base color of the carrier will penetrate, creating a creative effect of color overlay; Applying glass or water bottles can provide a thin film sticker texture
● Precautions: Compared to white background film, the color saturation is slightly lower; The base color of the pasted carrier will change the visual appearance of the photo

Back film version: The transparent back film and white back film cannot be easily peeled off by hand, and the dividing line between each piece of paper has been designed and reserved at the factory. So before placing an order, it is important to clarify the paper output ratio of the children’s printing camera to avoid inappropriate printing length.

3. Physical effect display and key points for paper roll installation and storage

Imaging effect description

Single colour printing consumables, each roll locking a fixed color tone (red, orange, green, blue), the same original image taken, loaded into different color paper rolls, will output physical photos with completely different filter styles, which is an important and fun gameplay for children’s printing cameras.

Precautions for installation of paper rolls

1. The outer side of the paper roll is labeled with arrow stickers, indicating the correct direction of paper output; Be sure to load the paper into the paper bin in the direction of the arrow. Reverse loading may result in paper feeding but no image on the white paper.

2. 57 * 23mm/57 * 25mm/57 * 30mm roll diameters can be interchanged, but it is necessary to confirm in advance whether the physical space inside the camera’s paper compartment can accommodate them.

Tips for saving thermal printed photos

1. Thermal printing materials are sensitive to high temperatures and direct sunlight exposure; Try to avoid direct sunlight for photos, which can effectively extend their retention time.
2. For styles with backing film, it is not recommended to immediately peel off the backing adhesive after printing. Leave it for a moment before pasting for better adhesion.