This three part series discusses thermal printing options and a guide to selecting the right equipment.
Part 2 on Thermal Ticket Printers >>
Thermal ticket printers and ticket stock are one option to event ticket printing, and at prices of $1500-2000, an understanding of how they work will ensure you make a wise investment. Desktop laser printers are another choice and they offer two compelling reasons for consideration: a larger ticket canvas (8.5″ x 11″) for print options (advertising, coupons) and a price of under $500. We’ll consider space, speed, security, and cost to help you determine the best printer for your venue.
Space
Available space plays an important role in narrowing your choices for a printer. Thermal printers can be as small as 7.7H x 6.5W x 8.25L and are convenient in environments where multiple printers are needed. The small footprint is made possible by the absence of the ticket cabinet. Ticket cabinets have historically offered locking storage for tickets to help prevent fraud. For many venues where ticket duplication is not a concern, the smaller printers are a great option.
Laser printers are considerably less expensive, and using standard letterhead size paper, there is no additional outlay for ticket stock. Like all electronics, laser printers have become smaller and cheaper. Many models are available in compact sizes that can accommodate a small working environment at very affordable prices.
Speed
Print speed determines how quickly you can print tickets and in turn, how quickly you can process your patrons through your box office. A standard thermal printer can print an average of 30 tickets per minute at normal speed, and many laser printer models can print up to 30 pages per minute. The main disadvantage of a laser printer is the fact that it can take up to a couple of minutes to start printing when left idle for a prolonged period of time, while thermal printers begin printing immediately.
Security
Thermal printers require specially coated thermal ticket stock. Thermal ticket stock can be manufactured with a variety of security features such as thermochromic ink, ultra violet ink, coin activated ink, and holographic foils. These special characteristics along with professional design impact the “souvenir value” of event tickets.
Laser printer paper is also available with security features like hidden images that appear when copied, watermarks and invisible ultra violet reactant fibers. Both printing options offer unique and effective security measures that can adapt to your venue’s individual security needs.
Consumables
Printing costs go beyond the price of thermal stock or letter size bond paper. In the case of thermal printers you need to consider the cost of replacing print heads and the wear and tear on movable parts such as the cutter. Laser printers require frequent toner cartridge replacements, and regular maintenance.
For information on security laser printer paper please click on the following link.
