Secure printing at all times with the Citizen PMU3300
Kiosk terminals that print tickets, receipts and vouchers are now commonplace in car parks, retail stores, amusement parks and even ski lift access ways. Kiosks are designed for indoor or outdoor use in public spaces to issue information or tickets and enable transactions. With the terminals, companies and customers use automated self-service functions for ticket purchases. The aim is to improve the customer experience, which makes them an essential investment for companies that integrate them into their processes. An important prerequisite is therefore their long-term availability, to which a reliable kiosk printer such as the Citizen PMU3300 contributes when printing.
More self-service in future
The market for kiosk printers is growing: while the global kiosk market was worth USD 24.63 billion in 2023, it rose to USD 26.99 billion in 2024. By 2032, it is expected to grow to a volume of USD 56.20 billion, which corresponds to an annual increase of 9.6% between 2024 and 2032.
One reason for this growth is that more and more people and companies are using automation and self-service solutions. Self-service terminals have found their way into sectors such as retail, healthcare, banking, transport and leisure. New technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) will make kiosks even better and more efficient in the future, bringing benefits to both customers and operators.
Technologies that defy the elements
Sun, rain or snow? The unpredictable weather conditions of climate change pose major challenges for outdoor technologies such as ticket sales kiosks and car park ticket machines. Devices and technologies must withstand extreme temperatures and harsh environments.
This also applies to the use of kiosks in outdoor areas: terminals are used in a wide variety of conditions and therefore also require robust kiosk printers in order to issue accurate tickets at all times. Whether in sweltering summer heat or icy winter temperatures - the technologies used must work reliably and ensure smooth operation. The stability and efficiency of the devices is particularly important in areas where changes in the weather affect everyday life.
Operation at extreme temperatures
One of the most important factors in an outdoor kiosk printer is therefore its ability to work in extreme temperatures. Outdoor kiosks are exposed to wide temperature fluctuations, from the freezing cold of winter to the scorching heat of summer. If a printer cannot withstand these temperature extremes, it will result in downtime and increased maintenance costs. It is therefore important to choose a printer that works reliably in both hot and cold conditions.
The Citizen PMU3300 printer is designed for a wide range of operating temperatures from -15 to +65 degrees Celsius. This makes it fail-safe for urban areas with high temperatures as well as for ski resorts, where temperatures can drop well into minus.
Provide tickets for outdoor adventures
Mountain railways and ski lifts are a popular destination for tourists and people from the respective region. Many operators therefore rely on ticket machines and car park ticket terminals to reduce waiting times and offer visitors a pleasant experience. However, the extreme cold in mountainous regions can affect electronic devices such as kiosk printers and impact their functionality. In environments such as ski slopes, where temperatures can drop well below freezing, a device that works reliably at low temperatures is crucial. This is where a printer like the PMU3300, which works even in cold conditions with temperatures as low as -15 °C. By choosing a printing solution with a low operating temperature businesses can ensure that ticket sales and other transactions can continue without interruption even in the harshest winter conditions.
Parking ticket machines glow in the heat of the city
Kiosk terminals are widely used for parking in the city or in public places. They usually work by the vehicle owner buying a parking ticket which is then printed by the kiosk.
Outdoor parking ticket machines are also often exposed to a wide range of weather conditions, from the heat in summer to the cold in winter. A printer such as the PMU3300 from Citizen, which can operate in a wide temperature range of up to +65 °C, ensures that parking meter receipts are printed reliably all year round. This reduces the need for frequent maintenance and possibly replacement, resulting in cost savings for cities and car park operators.
More outdoor kiosks
Any kiosk that is exposed to harsh environmental conditions will benefit from a printer with a high temperature tolerance. Whether it's a ticket kiosk in an amusement or theme park, an information kiosk in a public square or a payment kiosk at a petrol station. A printer that works reliably even in extreme temperatures ensures consistent performance and reduces the risk of downtime.
Protection against vandalism
Graffitied vending machines, demolished parking meters, smashed windows: vandalism refers to the wilful destruction of or damage to private or public property. Unfortunately, this is also an issue for outdoor terminals, which need to be protected against vandalism, making vandal-proof solutions for outdoor kiosks indispensable.
Safety aspects for outdoor kiosks
Outdoor kiosks are subject to several security threats, including vandalism and theft. Unattended kiosks are particularly vulnerable to these threats as they are often located in public areas with little or no surveillance. Vandalism can cause extensive damage to the kiosk and its components, resulting in costly repairs and downtime. It is therefore important to choose a printer that is designed to withstand tampering and vandalism.
A vandal-resistant printer has features that make it difficult for individuals to tamper with or damage the device. These include a robust construction, secure housing and tamper-proof seals. By choosing a printer with vandal-resistant features, kiosk operators can increase the reliability and longevity of their kiosks and reduce the need for frequent repairs and replacements.
Easy integration into systems
For organisations using multiple kiosks, easy integration of the printer into existing systems is critical. A printer that is difficult to integrate can lead to compatibility issues, longer installation time and higher costs. It is therefore important to choose a printer that can be easily integrated into the kiosk system and ensures smooth and efficient operation.
Connection options for flexible connections
One of the most important factors when selecting a printer is the availability of connectivity options to easily integrate the device into the infrastructure. USB and serial ports are common connectivity options that offer flexibility in different installation environments.
USB ports are widely used in modern electronic devices and provide a simple and reliable method of connecting the printer to the kiosk system. They are easy to use and offer fast data transfer speeds, making them an ideal choice for many applications. Serial connections, on the other hand, are often used in industrial and commercial applications. They provide a stable and reliable connection and are therefore suitable for environments where interference and signal loss can be a problem. Serial ports are also compatible with a wide range of legacy systems, providing flexibility for different installation environments.
By choosing a printer with both USB and serial ports, kiosk operators can ensure that the printer can be easily integrated into their existing systems, regardless of connectivity requirements.
Robust and compact design
Space is a critical factor in kiosk design. The PMU3300 kiosk printer has a slim design that allows it to integrate seamlessly into installations where space is limited. Thanks to its small footprint, it can be accommodated in a variety of kiosk designs without compromising performance or functionality.
The PMU3300 kiosk printer has been designed with durability and space saving in mind, making it perfect for a variety of kiosk configurations.
It boasts a vandal-resistant design that ensures it remains functional and intact even in environments where vandalism is an issue. This guarantees reliability and minimises downtime, so users can rely on consistent performance.
High performance and efficiency
With a print speed of up to 150 mm per second, the PMU3300 impresses with its fast receipt printing, which reduces waiting times and works reliably. The print resolution of 203 dpi is the right basis for clear, sharp and legible printouts. This attention to detail is characterised by the fact that it ensures precise and legible prints when creating tickets and receipts.
Important aspects for choosing a kiosk printer
When choosing an outdoor kiosk printer, it is important to consider factors such as temperature tolerance, protection against vandalism and ease of integration into systems. A printer that can withstand extreme temperatures will ensure reliable performance in a variety of weather conditions and reduce downtime and maintenance costs. Vandal-resistant features increase the reliability and longevity of the kiosks and reduce the need for frequent repairs and replacements. Finally, easy integration into existing systems ensures smooth and efficient operation and minimises compatibility issues and installation times.
Reliable, durable, integrable
Considering these features will help kiosk operators select a printer that meets their needs and provides reliable performance in outdoor environments. If you're looking for a reliable and durable outdoor kiosk printer, consider the Citizen PMU3300 printer, which offers excellent temperature tolerance, vandal-resistant features and easy integration into existing systems.
Whether people want to climb mountains, look forward to their skiing experience or visit exciting theme parks, Citizen's printing solutions offer the highest level of convenience for use in kiosk vending machines, creating memorable experiences for every visit.