Abstract: A thermal printer that can print on media that is thicker than would otherwise be the case, because the outer surface of the heating element in its print head is oriented at an angle ? with respect to a radial line A that extends from the center of its platen through the center of its heating element, wherein angle ? is not essentially 90°; and/or because the output side of its ribbon and media is urged against the platen to curve arcuately around the platen for an angle ?, wherein angle ? is measured between radial line A and a line that extends from the center of the platen through the last contact point of the output side of the media with the outer surface of the platen.