parallel to the x axis as print head 28 prints in lines not shown each having a width equal to the width of a thermal element array in the print head strips 34 37 each have a width equal to the length of the thermal element array of print head 28 depending upon the particular width of sheet medium 27 and the particular length of the thermal element array thermal printer 25 may print in one or more partial width strips 38 fig3 at either or both edges of sheet medium 27 in order to print on the full width of the sheet medium in the sequence of printing image 26 illustrated by fig2 and 3 only one partial width strip 38 is required which is shown fully printed in fig3 and four full width strips are required only one strip 34 of which is shown partially printed in fig3 referring to fig5 during printing thermal elements in the print head contact thermal transfer ribbon 172 and press the ribbon against sheet medium 27 which is supported by a platen 76 by heat and some pressure for a predetermined minimum 34 dwell 34 time print head 28 activates and transfers ink carried by ribbon 172 onto sheet medium 27 while sheet medium 27 is continuously moved past print head 28 because print head 28 is substantially less in length y axis.