Chapter 1 Media Selection
Media Selection
Since there are two print modes of operation, there are two kinds of thermal media: Direct thermal media and Thermal transfer media.
Direct thermal media is paper coated with special chemicals that act as an accelerator, acceptor dye and binder. During direct thermal mode, the heat from the thermal printhead contacts the paper and causes a chemical reaction to take place.
NOTE: Do not attempt to use direct thermal media with ribbon. The printable surface of direct thermal media is very slick and will fail to advance ribbon at the proper speed resulting in poor print quality.
Thermal Transfer Media is paper designed to be used with a transfer ribbon. Once your specific label requirements are identified, you will need to select the ribbon and media combination that will satisfy you needs.
NOTE: The term “media” used in this manual refers to all the different kinds of paper or tag stock that can be used in the printer.
Ribbons
You should use a Genuine Printronix Thermal Ribbon in your printer. Printronix offers a wide range of thermal transfer media, such as film or synthetic paper substitutes that are excellent in their ability to transfer an image (print quality) and in scratch resistance (long storage). Most of these media options can be
Emulations
The T4204 has the standard Printronix LinePrinter Plus®(LP+) emulation which provides direct compatibility with Printronix
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