A type of printer in which the image is produced by localized heating of paper that has a very thin thermosensitive coating containing two separate and colourless components. When heated the colour former melts and combines with the previously colourless dyestuff to make a visible mark. Various colours are possible but blue and black are the most common. Blue toning paper allows higher print speeds but the image fades with time and is not compatible with some photocopiers. Black toning paper requires higher temperatures and pressure at the print head—thus causing greater wear—but fades less quickly and has a longer shelf life. Thermal printers are mainly used in point-of-sale systems and similar applications. See also electrothermal printer, thermal transfer printer.