September 2000: New Thermal Printers, Small, Fast and Efficient

Able Systems has extended its range of ultra miniature thermal printer mechanisms with the new MP205.

Featuring a patented, combined lever and spring for compactness and easy print-head maintenance, the MP205 offers up to 20% power saving, compared with conventional printers.

At just 15mm high and weighing 37g, the MP205 combines compactness and low weight with high printing performance. Three versions of the MP205 are available; the low voltage MP205 LV operates from 2.7V to 7.2V, while the high speed variant, MP205 HS, will print up to 90mm/s at 8.5V. A standard 5V version is also offered.

Like other printer mechanisms available from Able Systems, the MP205 is designed for ergonomic integration with hand held, portable and POS equipment. The centered paper path makes it easier to design user friendly housings, and all electrical connections are contained in a single flexi-cable to quickly create a neat interface with the printer controller board.

The user can specify the optional Able Systems ATB205 printer controller, which mounts directly beneath the mechanism. Further printer options include a journal paper sensor and a paper cutter.

The MP205 uses readily available 58mm width paper. Maximum print width is 48mm, and resolution of 8 dots/mm enables text and logos to be reproduced accurately to satisfy requirements including banking, weighing instruments and medical equipment.