Receipt Printer BIXOLON BK3-31 203 dpi (8 dots/mm) with Presenter, USB and RS232, USB Kit

The BIXOLON BK3-31 is a direct thermal receipt printer with 203 dpi (8 dots/mm) resolution, designed for point-of-sale and retail environments. It includes an integrated presenter mechanism for automatic paper presentation and supports both USB (Type B) and RS232 connections. The printer is supplied as a USB kit and comes with a USB cable, an external power supply unit and a power cable.

Advantages

Compact and reliable direct thermal printing at 203 dpi provides clear text and graphics for receipts and tickets. The built-in presenter ensures each printed receipt is presented to the customer automatically, reducing paper handling at the counter. Dual connectivity with USB Type B and RS232 makes the printer compatible with modern POS systems as well as legacy serial equipment. The package includes required cables and a power supply for straightforward setup.

Suitable for

• Retail checkout counters and small stores
• Hospitality points such as cafés and quick-service restaurants
• Ticketing or admission booths requiring automatic paper presentation
• POS systems needing both USB and serial (RS232) connectivity

When it may not be suitable

The BK3-31 is a direct thermal printer and therefore requires thermal paper; it is not suitable where long-term archival of printed receipts is required because thermal prints can fade over time. It is also not intended for high-resolution graphics or photo-quality printing beyond the 203 dpi capability.

Key specifications

• Printing method: direct thermal
• Resolution: 8 dots/mm (203 dpi)
• Maximum print speed: up to 250 mm/s
• Maximum media width: supports common widths including 72 mm and up to 83 mm (also compatible with 120 mm in certain configurations)
• Presenter: integrated automatic presenter mechanism
• Sensors: Black Mark sensor
• Interfaces: USB (Type B) and RS232 serial
• Included accessories: USB cable (1.8 m), external power supply unit, power cable

How to use

Install thermal paper roll according to the printer’s loading guide, connect the printer to your POS or PC using the USB Type B cable or RS232 cable, and attach the power supply. Configure the POS software to use a BIXOLON-compatible emulation (BXL/POS) and set paper size and print density as needed. When printing completes, the presenter will automatically present the receipt to the customer for collection.

What to consider before purchase

• Requires thermal paper; consider paper size and thermal life for your use case
• Check compatibility of your POS software with BXL/POS emulation
• Confirm whether you need USB, RS232, or both interfaces for existing hardware

Usage recommendations

Use quality thermal paper suitable for 203 dpi printers and store printed receipts away from heat and sunlight to extend readability. For integration, test the printer with your POS software using both USB and RS232 connections to verify settings for paper width, speed and sensor detection.