Continuous-feed paper is used in two types of printing applications. The first accommodates long documents, while the second accommodates large page or image dimensions. Although roll- or fan-fed paper will not be found in laser or solid-ink printers, which image a page at a time in a single pass, these feeder-hardware types can be found in many types of line-at-a-time devices that rely on bidirectional printheads traversing a moving medium. Depending on the nature of your business, one of these devices may be better suited to your output than page-by-page hardware.
Dot Matrix
Before and after printing, dot matrix printers use fan-folded paper that stacks in a single-page-sized pile. These printers can work with multi-part forms, labels, microperforated sheets that resemble cut-sheet media, cash-register receipts, and other point-of-sale or point-of-shipping materials because they are fed by sprocket-driven mechanisms that resemble the hardware that advances film through a camera or projector. Because their printheads make physical contact with the paper surface, they can produce multiple copies of a single page in a single pass, making them ideal for distributing paperwork across multiple company departments.
Thermal
Label and barcode printers use thermal technology, which has two output options. Direct thermal printers use heat to turn the surface of special paper black where information must appear. Ribbon printers use heat to lay down an image on a colour medium that is made of wax, resin, or a combination of the two. These printers are frequently used as cash register output devices. Some printers use continuous-feed paper, which is cut to length as it prints. Others make use of labels that peel away from a continuously fed backing sheet.
Inkjet
Inkjet printers use roll-fed media to create large images, from desktop and wide-format printers used by individual artists and graphic-design studios to big-bed devices that output vehicle wraps and signage. Some of these devices can produce weather-resistant output for outdoor use thanks to UV ink-curing systems. The largest of these machines print on substrates such as plastics and fabrics.
Plotter
To create maps, equipment, and building designs, the plotting device in the cartographer’s, architect’s, or engineer’s office uses pens to draw lines, shapes, and lettering. These drafting machines are incapable of combining colours or rendering continuous-tone imagery, but they can quickly create exploded diagrams of manufacturing processes, blueprint-style floor plans and elevations, and line drawings. Some models include blades that can cut out artwork from vinyl and other sign-making materials.
Dye-Sublimation Photo
To print images on cut-to-length continuous media, small photo printers can use dye-sublimation hardware. Unlike ink-based printers, which use fluid dyes or pigments to generate output, dye-sublimation printers vaporise a sheet of cyan, magenta, yellow, and black onto the printing medium. In terms of image quality, their photographic output rivals film prints, but their comparatively low resolution becomes apparent when they print type. When compared to inkjet-based photo printers, dye sublimation has a shorter output life.
