thermal printer, Trident, Hengstler X-56

Compact thermal printer is ideal for outdoor applications

News Release from: Trident
04/06/2007

A compact thermal printer from Trident is easily integrated into kiosks, parking meters and ticket machines – and is highly power-efficient for use in solar charged battery powered applications. Compact size, low power consumption and a wide operating temperature range are the key characteristics that make the new Hengstler X-56 thermal printer from Trident ideally suited to outdoor applications.

The X-56 operates from -25 to +70 degrees C, takes up just 100mm3 and uses only 3.6VA in standby mode. In optional sleep mode, the printer draws less than 50 micro A: a key benefit for remote, battery-powered applications charged by solar cells. A presenter is available to help prevent vandalism.

The X-56 operates at speeds of up to 250mm/s (9.8inch/s) with paper widths up to 60mm and heavy stock up to 250g/m2 in weight. An autocutter is included as standard, featuring a guillotine mechanism for full or partial cuts and a rotary cutter for heavy stock. The design includes an integral chute that protrudes from the front of the panel, making mounting and integration simple. The built-in paper jam sensor automatically stops printing when jams are detected.

USB1.1 and RS-232C serial interfaces are provided as standard to enable simple integration with kiosk systems, plus there are graphics drivers for Windows 2000/XP, and for Linux, ensuring compatibility with all embedded system environments. As well as internally generated bar codes, the X-56 can print codes from Windows GDI files generated by the host. Print resolution is 203dpi (8dots/mm).

The standard 12 and 24V DC power supply caters for most normal applications, however there is also an option allowing operation with almost any vehicle’s 10-39V DC electrical system. This together with full vibration protection makes the printer an optimal choice for mobile applications such as transit fare receipts and fuel delivery invoices.

The printer has capacity for 150mm or 300mm diameter paper rolls, allowing longer intervals between replenishment. Its print head has a typical lifetime equivalent to 100km of paper and more than 100million dot pulses.

As well as printer hardware, cabling and mounting solutions, Trident offers a wide range of card readers, touch screens and embedded computing products, together with design, system integration and manufacturing services to complete the application.