Your thermal printer is likely not printing because of one or more common issues such as incorrect or improperly loaded thermal paper, dirty or obstructed thermal print heads, or power supply problems.
Key troubleshooting steps include:
– **Verify you are using genuine thermal-coated paper**. You can test this by scratching the paper surface lightly to see if it blackens, which confirms it is thermal paper[1][4].
– **Load the thermal paper correctly**, ensuring the coated side is feeding through properly (usually the coated side faces the thermal head and the paper feeds from underneath, not over the roll)[1][4].
– **Clean the thermal printer’s print head and internal parts**, as dirt, dust, or residue can cause blank or faint printing. Use a soft cloth or cleaning cards specifically for thermal printer heads[1][2][3][5].
– **Check the printer’s power supply and connectivity** to ensure it is properly powered and connected[3].
– **Confirm the paper roll size is compatible** with the printer model since incorrect roll size or core diameter can prevent proper feeding and printing[1].
– **Adjust printer settings such as print density** if the print is faded or too light, as wrong settings can affect print visibility[3][5].
– **Inspect for any loose or worn parts** inside the printer that might affect operation, especially if it has been heavily used[2].
– **Ensure the printer is placed in a clean, low-dust, low-traffic area** to minimize potential damage or debris accumulation[2][3].
If your printer still does not print after these checks, consult the manufacturer’s manual or support for model-specific guidance or further diagnostics[1].
In summary, the most frequent causes include the wrong or incorrectly loaded thermal paper, dirty thermal print heads, and power issues, all of which can typically be addressed with basic maintenance and proper paper handling[1][4][5].