∙The second method would be to change the ‘Print Control / Heat’ menu setting (selectable as ‘Heat Setting’ in most software programs). Increasing this value causes more energy to be transferred to the media, resulting in a darker image. If the image is too dark, reduce this value or increase the print speed.
∙The next method would be to change the ‘Print Control / Print Speed’ menu setting (also selectable as ‘Print Speed’ in most software programs). Changing the print speed changes the amount of time the media is under the printhead. Slowing the speed allows more time and control for energy to be transferred. Increasing the speed will increase throughput, but may require a higher heat setting.
∙The final method, providing only subtle contrast changes, would be to change the ‘Custom Adjustments / Darkness’ menu setting.
You will find that printing barcodes and detailed images on less expensive direct thermal and thermal transfer media at higher speeds can be tricky. At one heat setting, the images will fade and at the next higher heat setting, the images will bleed. This is because the reaction temperature of the media is so high that at higher rates of speed, it cannot react fast enough. To print fine images at higher speed, media with lower reaction or release temperatures are required. On the slower end of the print rate settings, crisper images are possible because the media is not being stretched beyond its limits.
The following table is intended for reference only (for specific application information, consult your media specialist or a Media Representative).
Direct Thermal Media Type | Print Speed* | Print Energy | |||
Fasson 300 HD™ Direct Thermal Facesheet |
| Medium | |||
Fasson 300 MD™ Direct Thermal Facesheet |
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Thermal Transfer | Ribbon | Image | |||
Media Type | Type | Speed* | Energy | Durability | |
™ | ™ | Medium | Medium | ||
Great Label TTL | GPR Plus |
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| MaxWax™ |
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| IIMAK Versamark™ |
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Coated Paper, | Wax | 2 - 10 | Low | Low | |
Uncoated Paper, Tag |
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Stock, Some Films, |
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Some Synthetics |
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Coated Paper, Glossy | Wax/Resin | 2 - 8 | Medium | High | |
Paper, Tag Stock, |
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Some Synthetics, Films |
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Synthetics, Films | Resin | 4 - 6 | High | High | |
*Values given in inches per second (IPS)
**Highly recommended for optimum print quality at speeds above 10 IPS.
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