11th April 2025
Thermal paper rolls are best known for receipts at tills and card machines. However, these heat-sensitive rolls show up in more places than you might think. From fun days out to everyday services, thermal paper surprisingly has an important part in many industries.
Amusement Parks and Arcades
A visit to an amusement park might not bring thermal paper to mind, but it’s there in several forms. Game ticket dispensers often use thermal paper to print prize tickets, as well as wristband printers at the entrance, which will often use thermal rolls too for ticketing. In arcades, machines that print out scores or vouchers also rely on thermal printing.
Lottery Terminals
Lottery tickets and scratchcards usually get all the attention, but many lottery terminals print out the tickets using thermal paper. Thermal paper rolls allow for fast, clear printing without the ink. They’re ideal for quick turnover at newsagents, supermarkets, and corner shops where queues move quickly.
Pay-and-Display Machines
Many pay-and-display machines still print receipts or proof-of-payment slips. These machines use thermal rolls due to their compact design and low maintenance. Drivers may not give the paper much thought, but without the slip, disputes over payment would be harder to settle.
Fuel Pumps
When drivers finish filling up their vehicle, they can be offered a printed receipt directly from the pump. These are nearly always printed on thermal paper. The printers inside fuel pumps are designed to work efficiently so vehicles can pull in and out of the petrol station quickly to avoid queues forming.
Kiosks and Self-Service Machines
Whether you’re collecting train tickets, buying cinema seats, or checking in for a flight, self-service kiosks are now everywhere. Many uses thermal rolls to print tickets or boarding passes. They’re quick, easy to use, and don’t require ink refills, which helps reduce downtime in busy settings.
Medical Equipment
Diagnostic machines, such as ultrasound printers or heart monitoring systems, can use thermal paper to provide instant results. These printouts are used by doctors to analyse results or include in patient records. The paper needs to be strong enough to last in files and archives for a long period of time.
Food Order Slips
In pub and restaurant kitchens, thermal paper keeps the system moving swiftly. Orders placed at the till or via apps are often printed on small slips and passed along the preparation line. This helps staff keep track of what needs to be cooked without relying on just screens.
Drive-Through Car Washes
Many drive-through car washes issue receipts or access codes through kiosks. These are printed on thermal rolls. The printouts may include a barcode or QR code for entry, making the process simple and contactless.
Betting Shops
Printed betting slips and payout tickets in high street bookmakers are typically produced using thermal paper. This type of paper allows for quick printing, and the machines are built to handle frequent daily use.
Summary
As you can see, thermal paper is used in more situations than most people would expect. Its convenience, speed, and minimal upkeep make it ideal for busy environments and equipment used in areas with limited space. Whether you’re getting a ticket for parking your vehicle or you’ve won a ticket from one of the machines at the arcade, chances are it’s come from a thermal roll.
BPC (UK) Ltd offers an extensive range of thermal paper rolls, including plain and custom-printed rolls in many sizes and configurations. You can view the full selection on our website.
Alternatively, if you have any questions or would like to discuss any of our products in more detail, please don’t hesitate to contact our friendly team – you can call us on 01772 622804 or email sales@bpcuk.com—we’re always happy to help!
