Double-sided Printing

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Have you ever looked at the blank back of a receipt and thought, “Look at all that unused space. What could I do there?” As part of an ongoing effort to expand their eXtendo product line, Hengstler, manufacturer of thermal printers, began considering how they could print on both sides at once. The technicians at NCR had already patented such technology, calling it ‘2ST’ (for Two-Sided Technology). Following discussions between the two companies, NCR have now licensed the technology to Hengstler.
 
2ST technology itself is actually a simple concept: one thermal print head is located above the paper and one below. Each has its own platen, against which the print head presses and the two platens are synchronized to move at the same speed. A special thermal paper, coated on both sides, is used. Both print heads print at the same time as the paper moves between platen and printhead, thereby printing on both sides of the paper at once. One side of the paper can even be one colour, while the opposing side can be another. Although the cost per foot of 2ST paper is more than single-sided thermal paper, the reduced usage more than offsets the higher cost per length.
 
The uses for the space on the back of the printout are almost endless, but they come down to three main categories: promotion, information and compression. 2ST allows for discount coupons, surveys, sale announcements, personalised messages, special offers, gift certificates, advertisements, tickets and much more to be printed on the previously unused printout back. For example, a petrol pump receipt can contain a coupon for free coffee on the back to draw customers into the convenience store if printed before 11:00 am, and a coupon for a free soft drink if printed after.
 
Return policy and instructions, terms and conditions, schedules, future appointments, calendars, maps, fares, customer service phone numbers, the location of local service facilities, etc. can be included for additional information.
 
Finally, by printing part of what is normally printed on the front on the back, the length of the receipt can be reduced by almost half.
 
The benefits of 2ST technology include a reduced printout length so less paper is used, which means fewer paper roll replacements, less freight costs, lower storage costs and fewer purchase orders per year. Printing on both sides at once also increases throughput and means less waiting time for the customer. Enhanced promotional capability can lead to increased sales, brand recognition, feedback and better connection with the user. Eliminating preprinting removes the need for preprinted paper rolls and printing colour on one side increases ‘pop’ and promotional interest.
 
There are also environmental benefits, as fewer trees are felled, there is reduced electricity consumption, decreased fuel usage, lower CO2 emissions and reduced air pollution.