Thermal printing apparatus having a thermal printhead substrate with

Abstract

A printhead configured to thermally print on thermally sensitive paper when traveling in either a forward or reverse direction across the paper. The substrate on which the thermal printhead is supported is especially configured to minimize drag between the printhead structure and the paper while traveling in either direction. As a result the travel dynamics of the printhead and the voltages required to insure uniform printing by the printhead are substantially independent of whether the printhead is traveling in a forward or reverse direction relative to the paper. The printhead may be mounted directly on a metallic substrate to increase heat dissipation and permit high speed printing.