When printing tickets, receipts or address slips, you'll need to use thermal tickets with your Stimare or BOCA ticket printer. Thermal tickets work by heating the surface of the ticket rather than using ink. Therefore you don't need to purchase or replace ink or toner cartridges.
This article provides a brief overview of thermal tickets, key considerations when purchasing ticket stock and, how to find a supplier.
What are Thermal Tickets?
Thermal printers print by heating coated thermal ticket stock as it passes through the print head. Standard paper stock will not work in a thermal ticket printer.
Thermal printing enables you to print tickets in volume, without needing to replace ink and toner as you would with conventional printers.
Ticket stock usually comes in a roll or fanfold (a concertina-like bundle). Each printer model requires ticket stock that complies with its own specifications for dimensions and weight (often referred to as GSM or Grams per Square Metre).
TIP: If you use more than one type of ticket printer, ensure your ticket stock is compatible across all models.
For more information regarding technical specifications, refer to your printer manual, or manufacturer’s website.
Considerations when purchasing ticket stock
When purchasing ticket stock, take into account the following:
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Size and GSM: Check compatibility in the printer’s manual or the manufacturer’s website.
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Different printer models: Check that any tickets you order will work with all of the ticket printers you use.
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Ticket printing: What information/designs do you intend to print on your tickets? Will you need to print on both sides of the ticket. For example, adverts or terms & conditions.
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Pre-printed logos and images: If your ticket contains pre-printed logos or images, ensure you leave enough space to print ticket information.
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Ticket stub: Will your tickets have a stub, and what information will this contain? A stub is a small portion (often perforated) of the end of each ticket, where the ticket can be torn and one end retained by the customer.
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Notch: Will your tickets have a notch (a black square or band of the front or reverse of the ticket)? This is used by the ticket printer to detect where to start printing.
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Security features: If using any security features such as holograms, consider where these will be positioned. You'll need to take this into account when creating your Ticket Design layout using the Ticket Design Tool.
Ticket Stock suppliers
Both BOCA and Stimare can supply ticket stock. Stimare can also point you to some of their recommended partners. You can find more information here:
We’ve also listed some suppliers, click the tab below specific to your region:
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Ticket Stock suppliers in the UK and Ireland
- Tungate Group: Provides a range of ticket stock options compatible with most known brands of ticket printers, as well a range of other bespoke custom print services.
- Kalamazoo Direct: Specialises in providing design and print services for various secure document types, with an emphasis on security features and security accreditation.
- Thermal Tickets: Focuses on providing ticketing stock and other print solutions for venues and events.
- Premier Roll South: Provides design and printing services with a large selection of options available.
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Ticket Stock suppliers in the US and Canada
- Weldon, Williams and Lick: Provides a range of custom ticketing options, as well as providing samples on request.
- Canada Tickets: Specialises in custom thermal tickets, artwork & ticket design to suit any purpose.
Further information
For more information on how ticket printers work with Spektrix, take a look at these articles: