Print Intensity

The printhead intensity determines the temperature of the printhead heating ele- ments. The amount of heat applied to the thermal transfer ribbon determines the darkness of the print. The amount of heat that is actually applied to the film by the printhead is determined by two factors:

•Length of time that power is applied to the printhead

•Rate at which the media is travelling under the printhead

The print intensity setting determines the first factor and the second is controlled by the print speed. The printer has 32 discrete heat settings. A setting of 1 is the coolest setting, resulting in the lightest print. A setting of 32 is the hottest setting, resulting in the darkest print. The appropriate heat setting will vary depending on the media and ribbons being used as well as the print speed setting. As a general guideline, the ribbon types listed below will function best in the following print intensity ranges:

Ribbon Type

Range

Wax

1 - 12

Wax / Resin

10 - 20

Resin

16 - 32

In general, lower-quality media that requires more heat to produce a satisfactory image is less advantageous in terms of speed and performance than higher-quality media that images easily and quickly at lower temperatures. If you use media that requires more heat, it is recommended that you set the print speed to a slower rate.

Note

Some thermal transfer ribbon (typically, Resin type) reacts differently, actually printing lighter if too much heat is applied. This is a result of overburning the ink. If this occurs, decreasing the heat will darken the printed image.

QLS-4100 X

44