3 1/8 Thermal Paper Rolls – The Complete Guide for 2025

3 1/8 thermal paper rolls are a common type of thermal paper, often found in various places, such as supermarkets, restaurants, retail stores, and ATMs. These rolls are so named because of their width, which is 3 1/8 inches – a size that fits perfectly in many standard printers and cash registers.

This form of thermal paper is known for its exceptional quality. The surface of the paper contains special heat-sensitive chemicals. When passed over a thermal print head, these chemicals react to the heat and produce a clear, long-lasting black image. This process eliminates the need for ink cartridges or ribbons, making thermal paper rolls cost-effective and maintenance-free.

The ‘3 1/8’ reference in ‘3 1/8 thermal paper rolls’ signifies the width of the paper roll in inches. This makes it one of the most commonly used widths for thermal receipt paper rolls, especially in point-of-sale (POS) systems like cash registers and credit card terminals. These rolls can vary, but common lengths include 230 feet, 273 feet, or even more.

The specific dimensions of a thermal paper roll are crucial as they must align with the printer specifications to ensure optimal performance and prevent damage. Refer to your printer’s manual or consult the supplier to choose the right roll dimensions.

How to Determine the Right Size of Thermal Paper for Your Machine

To determine the right thermal paper size for your machine, consider three dimensions:

Width: The thermal paper roll’s width must align with your machine’s printing width.

Diameter: The diameter of the thermal paper roll must fit within your machine’s holding capacity.

Length: The thermal receipt paper roll length depends on your specific usage needs; longer rolls last longer but require more storage space.

When we speak of types of 3 1/8 thermal paper rolls, we refer to the different available variants, each designed to suit a specific set of needs. The classification can be based on the length, width, or core size of the roll or the type of printer compatibility. For instance, some thermal paper rolls are designed for point-of-sale (POS) receipt printers and cash registers, while others are intended for ATMs or mobile printers.

Some of the most common types of 3 1/8 thermal paper rolls are:

Single Ply Thermal Paper Rolls

Single-ply thermal rolls use a single layer of special paper coated with a chemical that helps create images when exposed to heat from the printer head. This type of paper roll is usually used in applications such as POS systems, cash registers, and restaurant receipt printers. They are also commonly made from thermal or bond paper and are available in sizes 3 1/8 inches, 2 ½ inches, and three ¾ inches.

Multi-Ply Thermal Paper Rolls

Multi-ply thermal paper rolls use two layers of special paper, and a layer in between helps create images when exposed to heat from the printer head. This paper roll type is often used in applications such as medical terminals or credit card machines, where multiple copies of the receipt or document are required.

Colored Thermal Paper Rolls

In addition to the standard white thermal receipt paper rolls, there are colored thermal paper rolls available in the market. These rolls use a special type of coated paper which helps create images when exposed to heat from the printer head. Colored thermal printer paper rolls are often used in applications such as restaurant receipt printers or ticket dispensers, where colors are an important part of printing.