Thermal Print Heads Market Size Industry Analysis

What is a thermal print head?

A thermal print head is a key component used in a thermal printing system that utilizes the principle of heating to produce images or text on thermal paper.

The working mechanism of the thermal print head is to heat the chemical coating on the thermal paper by resistive heating, which in turn causes a color change to print information. This printing technology has gained favor in many applications, including but not limited to retail cashiering, medical labeling, and transportation ticketing, due to its high speed, low noise, and low maintenance cost.

Thermal Printhead Industry Chain Analysis

The industry chain of thermal print head includes design, raw material procurement, manufacturing, sales and after-sales service:

Design and R&D: The design stage involves circuit design, material selection, and optimization of the accuracy and durability of thermal print heads. According to the report of Rohm Semiconductor Group, thermal printheads are categorized into thick-film and thin-film types, and the choice of different structures directly affects printing performance and cost.

Raw materials: Ceramic substrates, heating resistors, wires and protective layers are the main materials used for thermal print heads. The stability of the supply chain is critical to product quality, and the performance of the materials directly affects the life and efficiency of the printhead.

Manufacturing: The production process is complex and involves precision machining and assembly. Japan's Kyocera (Kyocera) has gained a share of the global market through its efficient manufacturing process.

Sales and Marketing: Sales channels for products include direct sales to OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and through distributors to end users.

After-sales service: Ensuring maintenance and replacement services for printheads to extend product life.

Thermal Print Heads Market U.S. Industry Development

The thermal print head market has shown a steady growth globally.The global direct thermal print head revenue was USD 427 million in 2023 and is expected to reach an adjusted size of USD 559 million by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 3.7% during the review period (2024-2030). The demand for thermal print heads is particularly significant in Asia Pacific due to the growth in online transactions.(Data source:Direct-thermal Printhead Market, Global Outlook and Forecast 2024-2030)

In the U.S., the market growth is mainly driven by the retail sector, especially the rapid growth of e-commerce. Printer manufacturers in the U.S., such as Zebra Technologies, are utilizing thermal print heads to gain significant market share in logistics and warehouse management.

A Professional's Perspective

In an interview with Printing Technology Magazine, senior engineer from the printer manufacturing industry, John Doe, said, “Advances in thermal print head technology are not only about increasing print speed and clarity, but also about reducing environmental impact. We're seeing more and more companies starting to utilize recyclable materials as well as more environmentally friendly production methods.”