Zebra 105SL User Manual download pdf (Page 42)

18 105SL User Guide 6/4/2004 11342L Rev. 8

Printer Setup

Ribbon

Ribbon is a thin film that is coated on one side with wax or wax resin, which is transferred to

the media during the thermal transfer process. The me di a determi nes whethe r yo u need to use

ribbon and how wide the rib bo n must be.

When to Use Ribbon

Thermal transfer media requires ribbon for printing while direct thermal media does not.

To deter min e if ribbon must be used with a p ar ticular media, perform a media scratch t est.

To perform a label scratch test, complete these steps:

1. Scratch the pr int surface of th e media with you r fingernai l.

2. Did a black mark appear on the media?

Ribbon Width

When ribbon is used, it must be as wide as or wid er than the media being used. If the ribbon is

narrower than the media, areas of the printhead are unprotected and subject to premature wear.

Coated Side of Ribbon

Ribbon can be wound with the coated side on the inside or outside (see Figure 14). If you are

unsure which side of a particular roll of ribbon is coated, perform an adhesive test or a ribbon

scratch test to determine which side is coated.

Figure 14 • Ribbon Coated on Outside or Inside

If a black mark... Then...

Does not appear on the media The media is thermal transfer. A ribbon is

required with this type of media.

Appears on the media The media is direct thermal. No ribbon is required

for this type of media, though ribbon may be used

to help protect the prin thead from abrasio n with the

media.

Outside Inside

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Zebra 105SL User Manual Page 42