Ribbon Overview, When to Use Ribbon | Zebra Technologies ZD500

Print Operations

Ribbon Overview

Ribbon is a thin film that is coated on one side with wax, resin, or wax resin, which is transferred to the media during the thermal transfer process. The media determines whether you need to use ribbon and how wide the ribbon must be. When ribbon is used, it must be as wide as or wider than the media being used. If the ribbon is narrower than the media, areas of the printhead are unprotected and subject to premature wear.

When to Use Ribbon

Thermal transfer media requires ribbon for printing while direct thermal media does not. Direct thermal media should never be used with ribbon. Bar codes and graphics can get distorted. To determine if ribbon must be used with a particular media, perform a media scratch test.

Coated Side of Ribbon

Ribbon can be wound with the coated side on the inside or outside. This printer can only use ribbon that is coated on the outside. 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.

Outside

Inside

To determine which side of a ribbon is coated, complete these steps:

Ribbon Test with Adhesive

If you have labels available, perform the adhesive test to determine which side of a ribbon is coated. This method works well for ribbon that is already installed.

To perform an adhesive test, complete these steps:

1.Peel a label from its liner.

2.Press a corner of the sticky side of the label to the outer surface of the roll of ribbon.

3.Peel the label off of the ribbon.

4.Observe the results. Did flakes or particles of ink from the ribbon adhere to the label?

If ink from the ribbon...	Then...

Adhered to the label	The ribbon is coated on the outside and can be used with
	the printer.

Did not adhere to the label	The ribbon is coated on the inside and can not be used in
	the printer.

P1062653-002 Rev. A

ZD500 Series™ Thermal Transfer Printer User’s Guide

1/16/2014

ZD500 specifications

Zebra Technologies ZD500 is a cutting-edge thermal transfer printer designed to meet the diverse needs of modern businesses requiring high-quality label, wristband, and tag printing. This printer is particularly favored in industries such as healthcare, retail, and logistics due to its superior performance, reliability, and advanced technology features.

One of the standout characteristics of the ZD500 is its exceptional print quality. With a printing resolution of up to 300 dpi, it ensures that labels and tags are sharp and legible. This is particularly important for barcodes, which need to be scanned accurately for efficient inventory management and tracking. The printer has a print speed of up to 6 inches per second, allowing for quick production of labels, which helps enhance workflow efficiency.

The ZD500 is equipped with a user-friendly interface, including a color touchscreen display that makes operation and navigation intuitive. This feature reduces the learning curve for new users and minimizes operational errors. Furthermore, its compact design allows for easy placement in various work environments without consuming valuable space.

Connectivity is another major highlight of the ZD500. It offers multiple connectivity options, including USB, Ethernet, and Bluetooth, making it versatile for different setups. This flexibility allows businesses to integrate the printer into their existing systems seamlessly. Additionally, Zebra's Link-OS environment supports printer management and configuration from any device, streamlining maintenance and improving productivity.

Security is a crucial concern in today’s digital landscape, and the ZD500 addresses this with robust security features. It includes secure wireless communication protocols, ensuring that sensitive data is protected during transmission.

In terms of durability, the printer is built to withstand the rigors of everyday use while remaining compact and portable. It also supports a variety of media types, giving users the freedom to print on different materials as needed. This adaptability makes the ZD500 an excellent choice for businesses that require customized printing solutions.

Overall, the Zebra Technologies ZD500 is a powerful and versatile thermal printer that combines high-quality output, user-friendly design, advanced connectivity options, and security features, making it a valuable asset for any organization looking to enhance its labeling capabilities.