Thermal printers are devices that produce printed images by applying heat to special thermal paper. They work by using a thermal print head that heats specific areas of the paper, causing it to change color and create text or images. These printers are commonly used for printing receipts, labels, and barcodes due to their speed and efficiency. There are two main types of thermal printers: direct thermal and thermal transfer. Direct thermal printers use heat-sensitive paper, while thermal transfer printers use a ribbon to transfer ink onto the paper. Both types are popular in various industries, including retail and logistics, for their reliability and low maintenance needs.