Zebra Technologies GX420t, GX430t manual Modes of Printing, Print Media Types

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Print Operations

Modes of Printing

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Modes of Printing

You can operate this printer in many different modes and media configurations:

•Direct thermal printing (which uses heat sensitive media to print).

•Thermal transfer printing (which uses ribbon to heat transfer print to the media).

•Standard Tear-Off mode allows you to tear off each label (or batch print a strip of labels) after it is printed.

•Label Dispense Mode: If an optional dispenser is installed, the backing material can be peeled away from the label as it is printed. After this label is removed, the next one is printed.

•Media Cutting: If an optional media cutter is installed, the printer can cut the label liner between labels, receipt paper or tag stock depending upon the cutter option purchased.

•Stand-alone: The printer can run in a stand-alone mode (not connected to a computer) using the printer’s auto running label form feature (programming based) or by using an data input device. This mode accommodates data input devices, such as scanners, weigh scales, Zebra KDU Plus or KDU (Keyboard Display Unit) with a KDU Adapter, etc., via the printer’s serial port.

•Shared network printing: Printers configured with the Ethernet interface option include an internal print server with ZebraLink printer configuration web page and ZebraNet Bridge software for managing and monitoring status of Zebra printers on a network.

Print Media Types

Important • Zebra strongly recommends the use of Zebra-brand supplies for continuous high-quality printing. A wide range of paper, polypropylene, polyester, and vinyl stock has been specifically engineered to enhance the printing capabilities of the printer and to prevent premature printhead wear. To purchase supplies, go to http://www.zebra.com/howtobuy.

Your printer can use various types of media:

•Standard media—Most standard (non-continuous) media uses an adhesive backing that sticks individual labels or a continuous length of labels to a liner.

•Continuous roll media—Most continuous roll media is direct thermal media (similar to FAX paper) and is used for receipt or ticket style printing.

•Tag stock—Tags are usually made from a heavy paper (up to 0.0075in./0.19mm thick). Tag stock does not have adhesive or a liner, and it is typically perforated between tags.

For more information on basic media types, see Table 1.

The printer typically uses roll media, but you can use fan-fold or other continuous media too. Use the correct media for the type of printing you require. When printing without a ribbon, you must use direct thermal media. When using ribbon, you must use thermal transfer media.

12/14/07

GX420t / GX430t User Guide

980612-001 Rev. A

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Contents Zebra GX420t / GX430t Proprietary Statement Iii Environmental Management About This Document How This Document Is Organized Who Should Use This DocumentEurope, Africa, Middle East, and India ContactsWeb Site AmericasIcons Used Document ConventionsContents Print Operations Maintenance Xii Introduction GX Series Thermal Printers Unpack and Inspect the Printer What’s in the Box?Opening the printer Your PrinterGAP Printer FeaturesMoveable Blackline Sensor Option Media Cutter Feed Button Operator Controls Power SwitchStatus Light Lower the top cover Press down until the cover snaps closed Closing the printerIntroduction What’s in the Box? Getting Started Attaching Power Preparing Media Loading Roll MediaPlacing the Roll in the Media Compartment Getting Started Loading Roll Media Close the printer. Press down until the cover snaps closed Loading Transfer Ribbon Getting Started Loading Transfer Ribbon Getting Started Loading Transfer Ribbon Your printer is now ready to print Printing a Test Printer Configuration Label Interface Cable Requirements Hooking Up the Printer and ComputerUSB Interface Requirements Serial Communications EPL Y Command Parallel Port Ethernet Universal Serial Bus USB Communications Communicating with the PrinterPrint Operations Thermal Printing Determining Printer ConfigurationPrint Media Types Modes of PrintingTypes of Media Roll and Fanfold Media Determining Thermal Media Types Replacing SuppliesAdding a New Transfer Ribbon Adjusting the Print Quality Adjusting the Print WidthReplacing a Partially Used Transfer Ribbon Media Sensing Ribbon Overview When to Use RibbonCoated Side of Ribbon Ribbon Scratch Test Printing on Fan-Fold Media Print Operations Printing on Fan-Fold Media Externally Mounted Roll Media Considerations Printing with Externally Mounted Roll MediaIdentifying Fonts in Your Printer Fonts and Your PrinterAsian fonts and Other Large Font Sets Localizing the Printer with Code PagesGetting Asian Fonts Stand Alone Printing Transferring files with the Firmware Downloader Sending Files to the PrinterPrint Operations Sending Files to the Printer Print Meter Printer Options XA MMP XZ Label Dispenser OptionPrinter Options Label Dispenser Option Printer Options Label Dispenser Option Moveable Blackline Sensor Option Black Marks Printer Options Moveable Blackline Sensor Option Cutter Option Maximum Paper Weight thickness up to 180 g/m2 0.0077Loading Media with the Cutter Option Printer Options Cutter Option Close the printer. Press down until the cover snaps closed ZebraNet 10/100 Internal Print Server Option Printer Network Configuration Status Label RTC and Full Flash Memory Option Asian Fonts Printer Accessory KDU Printer Accessory KDU and G-Series Printer Serial Port Adapter Installation 45mA + 120mA + 25mA + 50mA Max. Current KDU Plus Printer AccessoryMaintenance See Cleaning the Printhead on CleaningCleaning the Printhead Media Path Considerations Sensor Cleaning Platen Cleaning and Replacement Maintenance Cleaning Other Printer Maintenance Replacing the Printhead Maintenance Replacing the Printhead Maintenance Replacing the Printhead Replacing the Printhead Post Maintenance Replacing the Printhead Troubleshooting Status Light Descriptions Status Light Error ResolutionsMedia is out Printhead is over temperaturePrinthead needs to cool down Printer is receiving dataNo print on the label Print Quality ProblemsPrinted image does not look right Programmer’s Guide Is the printer in pause mode? If so, press the Feed button Manual Calibration Printing a Configuration Label Troubleshooting TestsRecalibration Communications Diagnostics Resetting the Factory Default ValuesTroubleshooting Communications Diagnostics Flash Sequence Action Feed Button ModesPower On Modes Appendix Universal Serial Bus USB Interface Ieee 1284-A Parallel InterfaceEthernet Interface Pin Description Serial Port InterfaceConnecting the Printer to a DTE Device

GX420t, GX430t specifications

Zebra Technologies has established itself as a leader in the printing solutions market, especially with the introduction of its GX series of thermal printers. Among the most notable models are the GX430t and GX420t, both widely recognized for their reliability, versatility, and advanced features.

The GX430t printer boasts a high-resolution printing capability of up to 300 dpi, making it ideal for applications where clarity and detail are paramount. This makes the printer particularly useful for producing labels that require intricate graphics and small text. On the other hand, the GX420t provides a resolution of 203 dpi, which is still impressive for standard label printing applications. Both models support a range of media types, including labels, tags, and wristbands, making them adaptable to various industries such as healthcare, retail, and manufacturing.

One of the standout features of the GX series is their ease of use. Both models incorporate a straightforward, user-friendly interface with a large graphic LCD display that simplifies operation and configuration. The printers are designed for quick setup and maintenance, with features like a clamshell design that allows for fast media loading. Additionally, both models come with USB and serial connectivity options, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of systems.

Both the GX430t and GX420t utilize thermal transfer and direct thermal printing technologies, offering flexibility depending on the application's requirements. The thermal transfer method enables the use of different ribbon types and materials, facilitating high-quality prints that are durable and smudge-proof. This is particularly important in environments where labels face wear and tear.

Another significant characteristic is their compact size, which makes them suitable for both desktop and mobile use. The GX series printers are designed for speed, with print speeds of up to 4 inches per second for the GX420t and slightly higher for the GX430t, enhancing productivity in busy environments.

Moreover, Zebra Technologies ensures that these printers are equipped with advanced management and monitoring capabilities. The ZebraSetup Utilities enable easy configuration, and the printer's status can be monitored in real-time, minimizing downtime and ensuring smooth operation.

In conclusion, the Zebra Technologies GX430t and GX420t printers stand out in the market due to their high-resolution printing capabilities, ease of use, and robust connectivity options. Their range of features makes them ideal for various industries, where reliable and high-quality label printing is essential. As businesses continue to seek efficient solutions for their labeling needs, these models provide a reliable choice, ensuring quality and performance as top priorities.
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