My Account
Carbonless Paper Rolls — 2-Ply & 3-Ply for Dockets, Records & EFTPOS
Carbonless paper rolls (also called carbonised paper rolls, NCR paper rolls, or self-copying paper) create duplicate or triplicate copies of a printed or handwritten document without using carbon paper. When pressure is applied to the top sheet — either by writing, typing, or impact printing — a chemical reaction transfers the mark to the sheet beneath. POS Plaza stocks carbonless rolls in 2-ply (duplicate) and 3-ply (triplicate) formats, in sizes used by Australian retail, hospitality, trades, and logistics businesses.
What are carbonless paper rolls used for?
- Delivery dockets — one copy stays with the driver, one is signed and left with the recipient.
- Service job cards — technicians leave one copy with the customer, retain one for records.
- EFTPOS and manual credit card imprinters — older credit card terminals and manual imprinters use 2-ply carbonless rolls to produce a merchant copy and customer copy simultaneously.
- Invoices and order forms — trades, suppliers, and wholesalers use 2-ply or 3-ply rolls with handheld or countertop receipt printers for multi-copy invoices.
- Cash register receipts — older cash registers with impact printers use 2-ply rolls to produce a customer receipt and a journal copy for the register's record roll.
2-ply vs 3-ply carbonless rolls — what's the difference?
2-ply (duplicate) rolls have two layers — a top sheet and a copy sheet. Writing or printing on the top sheet transfers to the copy beneath. One copy goes to the customer or recipient; one is retained. The two copies are typically different colours (e.g. white on top, yellow beneath) to make them easy to distinguish.
3-ply (triplicate) rolls have three layers, producing three copies simultaneously. Common in businesses where three parties need a record — for example, a delivery business where the driver, the dispatcher, and the customer each need a copy.
What sizes are available?
- 76mm x 76mm 2-ply — standard size for impact receipt printers (Epson TM-U220, Star SP700) and manual docket writing. Most widely used carbonless roll size in Australian hospitality and trades.
- 57mm x 40mm 2-ply — compact size for older EFTPOS terminals and manual credit card imprinters.
- 44mm x 76mm 2-ply — used in some cash registers and compact impact printers.
- 76mm x 76mm 3-ply — triplicate version for three-party transactions.
Check your printer's manual or existing roll label for the exact size. If you're unsure, contact us on 1300 115 808 with your printer model or terminal type.
Are carbonless rolls the same as carbon paper?
No. Traditional carbon paper is a single interleaved sheet coated with carbon or ink that is placed between two plain sheets. Carbonless (NCR) paper has a micro-encapsulated chemical coating on the back of the top sheet and a reactive coating on the front of the copy sheet. When pressure is applied, the capsules break and the chemicals react to form a visible mark — no loose carbon, no mess, no separate interleaf sheet to manage.
Frequently asked questions — carbonless paper rolls
Q: Can carbonless paper rolls be used in a thermal printer?
A: No. Thermal printers require heat-sensitive thermal paper. Carbonless rolls are not heat-sensitive and will not print in a thermal printer. Carbonless rolls are designed for impact printers, manual writing, or manual card imprinters.
Q: Can you write on carbonless paper rolls by hand?
A: Yes. Carbonless paper rolls can be used for handwritten dockets, order pads, and job cards. Any pressure applied to the top sheet — from a pen, stylus, or printer pin — transfers to the copy sheets beneath. This makes them useful for trades businesses and delivery drivers who fill out dockets manually.
Q: What does NCR paper mean?
A: NCR stands for No Carbon Required — the original trade name given to carbonless paper by its inventors. NCR paper, carbonless paper, and self-copying paper all refer to the same product. You may see any of these terms used when searching for carbonless rolls.
Q: Do you sell carbonless rolls in bulk?
A: Yes. Bulk quantities are available for businesses with high-volume docket or form printing requirements. Contact us on 1300 115 808 to discuss pricing.
Q: How do I separate the copies after printing?
A: Tear the roll at the perforation (if the rolls are perforated) or cut with the printer's auto-cutter or manual tear bar. The layers peel apart naturally — the top and copy sheets are not bonded together, just held in roll form.