Media and Ribbon Basics | Datamax PE guide

Media and Ribbon Basics

Media Selection - Direct Thermal

Consider three important factors when selecting direct thermal stock:

The abrasive qualities of the material that covers the thermal reactive layer of the paper.

The ability of that layer to control the chemical reaction that occurs when the image is “burned”.

The amount of heat required to image the paper.

Media Selection - Thermal Transfer

Consider two important factors when selecting thermal transfer media combinations:

Image quality is affected by the label top coating and ribbon combinations.

Ribbon backcoating is highly recommended. It provides protection for the printhead and many also provide an antistatic coating.

The following table is meant only as a guide. For the correct selection, always consult a qualified Media Representative.

Label Type	Print	Print	Image	Ribbon Type
	Speed	Energy	Durability
Coated Paper,	2 - 10 ips	Low	Low	Wax
Uncoated Paper,
Tag Stock,
Some Films,
Some Synthetics
Coated Paper,	2 - 8 ips	Medium	Medium	Wax/Resin
Glossy Paper,
Tag Stock,
Some Synthetics,
Films
Synthetics	4-6 ips	High	High	Resin
Films

Table F-2 Media and Ribbon Overview

F-6	PE Series Operator’s Manual

Image 94

Datamax PE manual Media and Ribbon Basics, Table F-2 Media and Ribbon Overview

Contents

PE Series Operator’s Manual Page 88-2082-01 Rev. C1 Page Agency Compliance and Approvals Important Safety Instructions Contents Using Your Printer Appendix C Appendix aAppendix B Appendix DPage Introduction Printer OverviewRight-Hand Model Standard Features About This Printer Optional Features PE Series Operator’s Manual Before Using This Printer Getting Started Inspecting the Printer General Overview Right-Hand Model, External Front View Right-hand Model, Interior Front View Setting Up the Printer Connecting the Printer Loading Media Head-Lift Lever Media Loading Media Loading detail Loading Ribbon Thermal Transfer Ribbon Loading Path J-Hook Ribbon Removal Removal of a Partially Used Roll of Ribbon Removal of a Completely Used Ribbon Installing a Flash Cartridge Flash Cartridge Connector Location 10 Inserting the Memory Cartridge Printing a Configuration Label 11 Configuration Label PE Series Operator’s Manual Configuration Label Explanation Test Pattern Label 12 Test Pattern Label Pin 4 Not Used Applicator ConnectionApplicator Port Pin Assignments Pin function explanation Pin # Function Direction 13 End Print Signal Options Description Options PortOptions Port Pin Assignments PE Series Operator’s Manual Using the Printer’s Front Panel Using Your PrinterControl Buttons Menu Keypad LightsLCD Contrast Accessing the Menu Tree Basic Functions Factory preset Value range Advanced Setup PE Output Signal Backfeed Cntrl Heat SettingRibbon Low Backfeed Speed Print SpeedSlew Speed Label Width Symbol Set Factory SettingsModify Password Security Check Feedback Mode ProdigyPlus ModePause Mode Offset Bias *220 Test Mode Comm Setup *PORTA *9600 *8 *N *1 *BOTH Control Codes Test I/O Test PrintFront Panel Serial Loopback Print File Installed OptionsPrint Directory Copy Module Sensor Definitions Inputs Sensor Name Possible Condition PE Series Operator’s Manual Media Sensor Adjustment Media Width Adjustment Example of the Media Width Adjustment Label Start of Print Label Presentation Setting Start of Print and Peel Position Controlling Print Quality PE Series Operator’s Manual Interior Exterior Printer Cleaning Schedule Cleaning ScheduleArea Method Interval Cleaning the Printhead Cleaning the Printhead Cleaning the Platen Roller Troubleshooting Tips Printer fails to power up no lights Black boxes in display Skips Labels every other No Print Poor Print Quality Missing Data in the printed label Alarm Description Error MessagesLCD Display BQQMJDBUPS!CVTZ DPWFS!PQFO!GBVM U IFBE!VQ!GBVMU PVU!PG!TUPDL QSJOUIFBE!GMU SJCCPO!GBVMU SJC!TBWFS!GBVMU UPG!GBVMU Character Dump Mode Ascii Character Dump LabelPage Ascii Control Chart Appendix a PE Series Operator’s Manual Appendix B Available Fonts and Barcodes Table B-2 Valid Human-Readable Font Ascii Characters Human-Readable FontsTable B-1 Human-Readable Font Sizes Font Matrix Sizes Charac. Per Inch Dot 203 Height WidthPage Identifies the internal Triumvirate font Barcode Fonts Table B-3 Valid Bar Code Font Ascii Characters PE Series Operator’s Manual Barcode O Barcode S Barcode T Barcode z Cable Listing Appendix CTable C-1 Serial Cable Requirements PE Series Operator’s Manual Appendix D Applicator Port Test Box PE Series Operator’s Manual Error Codes Appendix E PE Series Operator’s Manual Printing Printer SpecificationsAppendix F Communications Physical ElectricalEnvironmental Media Fonts and Bar Codes Printer Dimensions Figure F-1 Print Engine Critical Dimensions Media Specifications Table F-1 Acceptable Media Specifications Table F-2 Media and Ribbon Overview Media and Ribbon BasicsLabel Type Print Image Ribbon Type Speed Energy Durability Appendix G Menu Tree PE Series Operator’s Manual Printer Warranty InformationAppendix H Thermal printhead Warranty Service Procedures General Warranty Provisions Limitation of Liability PE Series Operator’s Manual