Adjusting Darkness for “In-Spec” Bar Codes

All direct thermal and thermal transfer materials do not use the same darkness setting. The best way to check for the proper darkness is to use a bar code verifier that actually measures bars/spaces and will calculate the PCS (Print Contrast Signal) ratio. Without the assistance of a verifier, your eyes and/or the scanner to be used in the system are the best way to select the optimum darkness setting. What follows is a simple yet effective method for adjusting the darkness to print “in-spec” bar codes.

1.Load media and ribbon (if used), calibrate the printer, and select the proper print method.

2.To print a label for evaluation, use the following procedure:

A.With power off, press and hold the Feed key.

B.Turn the printer power on, then release the Feed key. The printer will begin printing test labels.

3.Print a label, then press the Pause key. The label will contain two bar codes as well as other printer information. Normal bar codes are printed in a horizontal format as they feed out of the printer. Rotated bar codes are printed in a vertical format.

4.Compare the test label printed to the bar codes in Figure 29. If the test label appears too dark or too light, increase or decrease the darkness set- ting accordingly.

5.Resume printing by pressing the Pause key again. Print a few labels at the new setting and verify that proper "in-spec" bar codes are being printed. Repeat steps 3, 4, and 5 until satisfied.

6.To terminate the printing of the test labels, press the Pause key, then press the Cancel key.

7.Save the new settings permanently, if desired.

Too Dark

Dark labels are fairly obvious. The normal bar code bars increase in size, and the openings in small alphanumeric characters may fill in with ink. It may be readable but not “in-spec”. Rotated bar code bars and spaces will run together.

Zebra XiII Printer User’s Guide

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