I&E: Kiosk Printers

The kiosk printers listed below all share the features necessary to be successful in unattended applications. These printers are available as integrated assemblies that include the presenter, paper supply, and control electronics. For mounting applications that will not accommodate the kiosk printer's form-factor, the mechanism and presenter can typically be mounted separately from the paper roll assembly.
Thermal Kiosk Printer Comparison Table
Printer	Manufacturer	Voltage (VDC)	Print Speed (mm/sec.)	Paper Width (mm)	Columns	Paper Thickness - Max. (mils) 1 mil = .001"


NP-366L	Star	24	150	80	Friction	3.1
NP-366 Slim	Star	24	220	80	Friction	3.1
TUP-992V	Star	24	150	112	69-92	5.9
TUP-992	Star	24	150	112	69-92	5.9
TUP-492	Star	24	50	82.5	50	5.9
SP349 / UP389	Star	24	50	58 - 82.5	40	5.9
TPS	Axiohm	24	100	80	24	2.4
RM	Axiohm	24/12	80	60	24 - 42	3.1

1. Printer Mechanism
Kiosk printer mechanisms should all feature easy paper-loading and high reliability. Mechanisms vary in their abilities to handle paper width, paper thickness, and paper roll size.

2. Presenter
The paper presenter controls the delivery of the printed receipt to the user. The presenter will not allow the user to take the receipt until it has been printed and cut, which is critical to preventing paper jams caused by pulling the receipt while it is still being printed.

Other additional features may include the ability to handle variable-length receipts, and to retrieve receipts that have been printed, but have not been taken. This Document Capture feature not only prevents paper jams, but also secures, for the user, what may be confidential information.

3. Paper Roll Assembly This provides a convenient, ready-made paper handling system. If the size or orientation of the supplied assembly does not work in the kiosk enclosure, it can usually be detached and mounted separately.

4. Control Board This drives the kiosk printer and provided the interface to the host computer.

Typical Kiosk Printer Components