Zebra Technologies GC420t manual Modes of Printing, Print Media Types

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Modes of Printing

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.

•Stand-alone: The printer can print without being connected to a computer using the printer’s auto running label form feature (programming based) or by using a data input device connected to the printer’s serial port. This mode accommodates data input devices, such as scanners, weigh scales, Zebra® KDU Plus™ or Zebra® KDU (Keyboard Display Unit), etc.

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.

•Linerless media—Linerless labels have an adhesive backing, but they are wound onto a core without a liner. The media typically is perforated and may have black marks on the bottom surface of the media to indicate label separations. The top surface of linerless media labels have a special coating that keeps the labels from sticking to each other. The printer must be equipped with a special Linerless option to be able to use linerless media to keep the media from sticking to the printer.

•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. You must use direct thermal media.When printing without a ribbon, you must use direct thermal media. When using ribbon, you must use thermal transfer media.

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5/22/2012

GC420t™ User Guide

P1052686-001

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Contents Zebra GC420t P1052686-001 GC420t User Guide 22/2012 Iii FCC Compliance Statement About This Document ContentsHow This Document Is Organized Who Should Use This DocumentMail Back Technical Library ContactsIcons Used Document ConventionsContents Print Operations Appendix Dimensions P1052686-001 GC420t User Guide 22/2012 Introduction GC420t Thermal Printers Unpack and Inspect the Printer What’s in the Box?Opening the printer Your PrinterPrinter Features Operator Controls Power Switch Status Light Feed ButtonClosing the printer Getting Started ContentsAttaching Power Preparing Media Loading Roll MediaPlacing the Roll in the Media Compartment Loading Roll Media Guides Loading Transfer Ribbon Loading Transfer Ribbon Loading Transfer Ribbon Loading Transfer Ribbon Printing a Test Printer Configuration Label Pre-install Windows Printer Drivers Serial Port and Windows operating systems Universal Serial Bus USB Device CommunicationsInterface Cable Requirements Connecting your Printer to a ComputerUSB Interface Requirements Autobaud Serial CommunicationsEPL Y Command Parallel Port After Your Printer is Connected Testing Communications by PrintingAfter Your Printer is Connected Print Operations Long Term Printer In-activity or Storage Determining Printer ConfigurationThermal Printing Print 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 Ribbon Test with AdhesivePrinting on Fan-Fold Media Printing on Fan-Fold Media Externally Mounted Roll Media Considerations Printing with Externally Mounted Roll MediaLocalizing the Printer with Code Pages Fonts and Your PrinterZPL Fonts Identifying Fonts in Your PrinterStand Alone Printing Sending Files to the Printer Print Meter Printer Options XA MMP XZ Label Dispenser OptionLabel Dispenser Option Label Dispenser Option Zebra KDU Printer Accessory KDU Plus Printer Accessory ZBI 2.0 Zebra Basic Interpreter ZBI 2.0 Zebra Basic Interpreter Maintenance See Cleaning the Printhead on CleaningCleaning the Printhead Media Path Considerations Sensor Cleaning Platen Cleaning and Replacement Maintenance Other Printer Maintenance Replacing the Printhead Maintenance Unplug both bundles of printhead wires from their connectors Maintenance Troubleshooting Status Light Descriptions Status Light Error Resolutions Printhead is open Printhead is over temperatureMedia is out Ribbon is outNo print on the label Print Quality ProblemsPrinted image does not look right Print Quality Problems 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 ValuesCommunications Diagnostics Flash Sequence Action Feed Button ModesPower On Modes Feed Button Modes Appendix Interface Wiring Universal Serial Bus USB Interface Host Parallel InterfaceSerial Port Interface Connecting the Printer to a DCE DeviceAppendix Dimensions External GC420t Printer Dimensions Optional Label Dispenser External GC420t Printer Dimensions Appendix ZPL Configuration ZPL Printer Configuration Format Managing the ZPL Printer ConfigurationConfiguration Label Printout ZPL Configuration Status to Command Cross-referenceDefault 65536k.......B only displays this if installed ZPL Programming for Memory Management Printer Memory Management and Related Status Reports~WC Printer Memory Management and Related Status Reports

GC420t specifications

Zebra Technologies GC420t is a compact and versatile thermal transfer printer designed for a variety of printing applications. This printer is particularly favored in retail, healthcare, manufacturing, and logistics due to its robust performance and user-friendly features.

One of the standout characteristics of the GC420t is its print speed. This printer can achieve speeds of up to 5 inches per second, making it efficient for high-volume printing tasks. With a maximum print resolution of 203 dpi, the GC420t produces clear and legible labels, receipts, and tags, which is essential in environments where accurate information is critical.

The GC420t utilizes thermal transfer technology, which involves the use of a ribbon to transfer ink onto the substrate. This method is particularly beneficial for producing high-quality prints that are resistant to smudging, scratching, and fading. This durability makes it suitable for labeling products that require a long-lasting solution.

In addition to its printing capabilities, the GC420t features a user-friendly design. The printer's simple setup and intuitive control panel make it easy for users to operate without the need for extensive training. The included ZPL II and EPL programming languages enable seamless integration into existing systems, further enhancing the ease of use.

The GC420t is also equipped with diverse connectivity options, including USB, serial, and parallel interfaces. This flexibility allows for easy integration into various environments and simplifies the connection to computers and other devices. Moreover, the printer's compact design ensures it can fit comfortably in small spaces, making it ideal for environments with limited room.

When it comes to media handling, the GC420t supports a wide range of label sizes and types. Whether you need to print shipping labels, barcode labels, or asset tags, this printer can accommodate your requirements. The adjustable media guides allow for quick and easy adjustments to suit different media types.

In conclusion, Zebra Technologies GC420t stands out as a reliable, efficient, and user-friendly thermal transfer printer. Its robust features, including high print speed, durable output, versatile connectivity options, and adaptability to various media types, make it an essential tool for businesses looking to enhance their labeling and printing processes. Whether in retail, healthcare, or logistics, the GC420t delivers performance and reliability that organizations require.
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