What is NCR Printing – Facts & History about NCR Paper

In a world where digital documentation is rising, there’s a classic player that still holds significant importance – NCR Printing. But what exactly is NCR Printing? This article demystifies NCR (No Carbon Required) printing, exploring its history, evolution, current usage, its prevalence in various industries, and the benefits it brings to small business owners.

What is NCR Printing?

NCR printing refers to a type of paper known as No Carbon Required paper. It’s a unique kind of paper used for creating duplicate (or triplicate) copies of handwritten or typed documents without the mess and hassle of traditional carbon copy paper. The magic of NCR paper lies in its coating. The back of the top sheet is coated with micro-encapsulated dye, while the front of the bottom sheet is coated with a clay that reacts with the dye. When pressure is applied (for example, from writing), the capsules break and release the dye, thus creating a near-exact copy on the sheets below.

The History of NCR Paper:

The history of NCR (No Carbon Required) paper is rooted in early efforts to assist blind people in writing letters without the mess associated with traditional pen and ink. In 1806, Ralph Wedgewood of England invented the “stylograph” and the first carbon paper, a thin paper coated with wax and ink, to help the blind. This invention laid the groundwork for modern carbon paper and typewriters.

Pellegrino Turri of Italy, in 1808, created a typewriting machine using black carbon paper to aid his blind wife. This innovation contributed significantly to the development of typewriters later in the century.

These early versions of carbon paper were pivotal in moving away from the quill pen, a mainstay since the 7th Century. Wedgewood refined his invention for broader business and personal use, allowing information transfer between sheets using a metal stylus. Despite its utility, early carbon paper faced skepticism in business due to concerns about forgery and its lack of legal standing in court.

The concept gained momentum in the United States in 1823 with Cyrus Dakin’s version of carbon paper, which eventually caught the attention of businessman Lebbeus Rogers. In 1871, Rogers established LH Rogers & Co to mass-produce carbon paper for use with typewriters.

By the early 20th Century, carbon paper became a staple in the corporate world for creating document copies. The real breakthrough came in 1953 when Lowell Schleicher and Barry Green, chemists at the National Cash Register, invented NCR paper. This new paper eliminated the need for a separate carbon sheet, using micro-encapsulated dye released under pressure from a pen.

Advancements in NCR paper, alongside photocopying and computer technology, led to a decline in traditional carbon paper. Today, NCR pads, books, and sets are ubiquitous in offices worldwide, serving various business needs and allowing for efficient documentation.

Also Read: 5 Advantages of Using NCR Paper for Your Business Needs

Evolution Over the Years:

Over the years, NCR printing has evolved significantly. Initially, it was a simple means of creating a duplicate of a document. However, with technological advancements, NCR printing has become more sophisticated. Today, NCR paper can be found in various colors, sizes, and can be customised extensively to suit specific business needs.

Current Use of NCR Printing:

In today’s business world, despite the dominance of digital solutions, NCR printing still has a strong foothold. It’s extensively used for creating personalised invoices, receipts, work orders, delivery notes, and various other forms of business documents that require duplicates.

Top Industries Using NCR Printing:

Several industries heavily rely on NCR printing for their daily operations. Some of the top sectors include:

Retail: For creating custom receipt books, order forms, and invoices.
Hospitality: Especially in restaurants for creating order tickets.
Healthcare: For patient records, prescription pads, and lab request forms.
Logistics and Transportation: For consignment notes and delivery receipts.
Manufacturing: For work order forms and inventory sheets.

Benefits to Small Business Owners:

Small business owners, in particular, can reap numerous benefits from NCR printing:

Cost-Effectiveness: It’s an economical solution for creating duplicates without the need for expensive digital equipment.
Efficiency: Enhances workflow efficiency by instantly creating copies, saving time in manual entries.
Accuracy: Reduces errors that can occur in manually transcribing information.
Customisation: Can be tailored to specific business needs with custom layouts, branding, and sizes.
Professionalism: Adds a level of professionalism to business transactions with neat, legible, and branded documentation.

Also Read: Why choosing Personalised invoice books can be wise decision for small businesses

NCR printing stands as a testament to the notion that not all traditional methods are eclipsed by digital advancements.

Its simplicity, effectiveness, and adaptability make it a valuable tool, especially for small businesses. By understanding its history, current applications, and the benefits it offers, business owners can leverage NCR printing as a practical solution for their documentation needs.