The NCR 7198 is a unique and well-known receipt printer in the retail and hospitality POS market. Designed as part of the NCR RealPOS™ family, the NCR 7198 stands out for its two-sided thermal printing capability, helping businesses reduce paper usage while turning receipts into a powerful branding and communication tool. Although the printer has been discontinued, it is still widely used in many retail environments around the world, creating ongoing demand for maintenance, spare parts, and thermal printhead replacements.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the NCR 7198 receipt printer, including its features, technical specifications, common issues, and long-term replacement or maintenance solutions.
What Is the NCR 7198 Receipt Printer?
The NCR 7198 receipt printer is a direct thermal POS printer designed specifically for high-volume retail and hospitality applications. Unlike standard receipt printers, the NCR 7198 supports two-sided (2ST) printing, allowing text and graphics to be printed on both the front and back of thermal receipt paper in a single pass.
This printer was commonly deployed in supermarkets, quick-service restaurants, convenience stores, and large retail chains where speed, reliability, and operational efficiency were critical. As part of the NCR RealPOS ecosystem, the NCR 7198 was engineered to integrate seamlessly with NCR POS terminals and software platforms.
Key Features of the NCR 7198 Two-Sided Printer
Two-Sided Thermal Printing Technology
The defining feature of the NCR 7198 is its ability to print on both sides of the receipt. This innovation allows retailers to:
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Reduce paper consumption by up to 40–45%
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Lower operating costs related to paper rolls and waste
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Use the back of receipts for promotions, coupons, surveys, or branding messages
Two-sided printing transforms the receipt from a simple transaction record into a marketing and customer-engagement channel.
High Reliability for Retail POS Environments
The NCR 7198 was built to withstand continuous use in demanding retail environments. Key reliability benefits include:
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Stable paper feeding mechanism
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Automatic cutter for clean receipt separation
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Durable internal components designed for long service life
These features helped reduce downtime during peak business hours and minimized maintenance intervention.
Branding and Promotional Printing
With support for graphic printing, the NCR 7198 receipt printer allows businesses to store and print logos, barcodes, and custom graphics. Retailers frequently used the reverse side of receipts to display:
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Store branding
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Discount coupons
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Loyalty program information
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Legal or return policy messages
This capability made the NCR 7198 especially attractive to large retail chains focused on consistent brand presentation.
NCR 7198 Technical Specifications Overview
Below is a summary of the core technical specifications of the NCR 7198:
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Printing method: Direct thermal
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Resolution: 203 dpi
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Printing capability: Two-sided (front and back)
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Paper width: 58 mm / 80 mm
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Interfaces: USB, RS-232 (auto-sensing)
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Cutter: Integrated automatic cutter
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Power supply: 24 V DC
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Memory: Supports stored graphics and logos
These specifications made the NCR 7198 fully suitable for modern POS systems during its production lifecycle and continue to meet the needs of many existing installations today.
NCR 7198 vs NCR 7197 – Key Differences
The NCR 7197 and NCR 7198 are closely related models, and many users compare them when upgrading or maintaining POS systems.
Similarities:
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Same RealPOS family design
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Comparable print speed and resolution
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Similar drivers and system compatibility
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USB and serial interface support
Key Difference:
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NCR 7197: Single-sided thermal printing
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NCR 7198: Two-sided thermal printing
For businesses that do not require dual-side receipts, the NCR 7197 is often simpler and easier to maintain. However, for retailers focused on cost savings and receipt-based promotions, the NCR 7198 offered clear advantages.
Is the NCR 7198 Discontinued?
Yes, the NCR 7198 has been officially discontinued. NCR no longer manufactures this model, and original factory-new units are increasingly difficult to source.
As a result:
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New printers are rarely available
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Many users rely on refurbished or second-hand units
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Demand for NCR 7198 spare parts continues to grow
Despite discontinuation, thousands of NCR 7198 printers remain in daily operation, especially in long-established retail chains with stable POS infrastructures.
Common NCR 7198 Printer Issues and Maintenance Needs
Like all thermal printers, the NCR 7198 experiences predictable wear over time. The most common issues include:
Print Quality Degradation
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Faded prints
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White vertical lines
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Uneven darkness across the receipt
These issues are usually caused by thermal printhead aging.
Thermal Printhead Wear
The thermal printhead is the most critical consumable component in the NCR 7198. Continuous heat exposure and friction with thermal paper gradually degrade the heating elements, reducing print clarity and consistency.
Cutter and Mechanical Issues
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Cutter not fully cutting receipts
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Increased noise during cutting
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Paper jams caused by worn mechanical parts
Interface or Mainboard Problems
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USB or serial communication errors
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Printer not recognized by the POS system
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Power instability due to aging electronics
Regular maintenance and timely replacement of worn components can significantly extend the service life of the NCR 7198.
NCR 7198 Thermal Printhead and Spare Parts Solutions
As original NCR spare parts become less available, many businesses turn to compatible or replacement NCR 7198 thermal printheads and components.
NCR 7198 Thermal Printhead Replacement
A high-quality compatible thermal printhead can:
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Restore original print quality
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Match OEM resolution and heating performance
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Reduce maintenance costs compared to original parts
Professional suppliers with experience in POS thermal printing technology can provide reliable, long-life printheads designed specifically for NCR printer models.
Other Common NCR 7198 Spare Parts
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Auto cutter assemblies
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Power boards
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Interface boards
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Sensors and internal cables
Using compatible spare parts from a trusted supplier ensures printer stability while keeping total cost of ownership under control.
NCR 7198 Replacement Options and Compatible Printers
When maintenance costs increase or spare parts become difficult to source, some businesses consider replacing the NCR 7198 entirely.
Possible Replacement Strategies
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Upgrade to modern single-sided thermal printers
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Transition to newer NCR models with similar drivers
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Adopt third-party POS printers with comparable performance
When choosing a replacement, factors such as software compatibility, receipt format requirements, and total migration cost should be carefully evaluated.
Why Choose a Professional NCR Printer Parts Supplier?
For businesses still operating the NCR 7198, working with a professional POS printer parts supplier is essential. A reliable supplier can offer:
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Stable supply of NCR 7198 thermal printheads
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High-quality compatible spare parts
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Technical support for installation and maintenance
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Cost-effective alternatives to discontinued OEM components
This approach allows retailers and service providers to extend the operational life of existing equipment while avoiding unnecessary system replacements.
Conclusion – Is the NCR 7198 Still Worth Maintaining?
The NCR 7198 remains a capable and reliable receipt printer, even years after its discontinuation. Its two-sided printing capability, strong mechanical design, and integration with NCR POS systems continue to deliver value for many businesses.
For organizations with established NCR infrastructures, maintaining the NCR 7198 through thermal printhead replacement and spare-part support is often more economical than a full system upgrade. However, long-term planning should also consider future migration paths as parts availability gradually declines.
With the right maintenance strategy and a trusted supplier, the NCR 7198 can continue to perform reliably in modern retail environments.