Thermal paper roll was merely an expensive alternative to the standard bond paper that you put into your receipt printer. But the technology behind thermal paper has advanced enough that using this former alternative is now the most sensible choice. In many cases thermal paper is even less expensive than bond paper--plus it delivers better results!

Thermal paper rolls in the past is no longer true. While thermal tape used to be an uncommon alternative due to a short lifespan and high prices, it's now the most viable choice. Recent developments have led to better technology, including advanced chemical films and more durable substrata.

The thermal rolls of print media of this invention comprise a core/spindle and a sheet, preferably continuous, of a print medium of substantially the same width as the core/spindle. The sheet of print medium is wound around the core/spindle to provide a thickness of layered paper on the core/spindle of at least one half inch, measured from the periphery of the core/spindle to the outer layer of the sheet of print medium on the roll. At least one side of the wound sheet of print medium is marked with at least one impression which serves as an identifying mark. The "sides" of the roll of a print medium, as referred to herein, are where the edges of the wound print medium are exposed. The term "impression" as used herein includes shallow indentations as well as realignment of the edges of the wound print medium and realignment of the fibers within the wound print medium. In realigning the edges and/or fibers of the wound print medium, there may be no indentation which is detectable and in certain embodiments, no indentation at all.

Any thermal roll of print medium which is subjected to a roll press in its manufacture can be employed in the methods of this invention. Preferably, the impressions are formed when the roll is pressed to align the wound print medium with the spindle.