resulting in a darker image. Conversely, if the image is too dark, reduce this value.
The final method is 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. Slower speeds allow more time and control for energy transfer, while faster speeds will increase throughput, but may require higher heat settings.
;Note: Heat and Speed settings can be overridden by host software commands.
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 Datamax Media Representative).
| Direct Thermal Media Type | Print Speed* | Print Energy |
| |
| Fasson 300 HD | Direct Thermal Facesheet | Medium |
| |
| Fasson 300 MD | Direct Thermal Facesheet |
| ||
|
|
|
| ||
| Thermal Transfer | Ribbon | Image |
| ||
| Media Type | Type | Speed* | Energy | Durability |
|
| Great Label TTL | GPR Plus | Medium | Medium |
| |
|
| MaxWax |
|
|
|
|
|
| IIMAK Versamark |
|
|
|
|
| Coated Paper, | Wax | 2 - 10 | Low | Low |
|
| Uncoated Paper, Tag |
|
|
|
|
|
| Stock, Some Films, |
|
|
|
|
|
| Some Synthetics |
|
|
|
|
|
| Coated Paper, Glossy | Wax/Resin | 2 - 8 | Medium | High |
|
| Paper, Tag Stock, |
|
|
|
|
|
| Some Synthetics, Films |
|
|
|
|
|
| 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.
12 |
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