SATO GL4XXE manual Media Selection, Media & Ribbon Loading

Unit 3: Installation

MEDIA SELECTION

The size and type of the labels or tags to be printed should have been taken into consideration before printer purchase. Ideally, the media width will be equal to, or just narrower than, the print head. Using media that does not cover the print head will allow the platen roller to tread on it and wear it out. The media edge will also wear a groove in the platen roller affecting print quality.

MEDIA & RIBBON LOADING

There are two general media types that may be loaded and used; rolled and fan-folded. Each of those types may again be defined by whether their print application is direct thermal or thermal transfer. Those factors determine how the media is loaded and if ribbon stock is loaded at all.

Thermal transfer media requires the use of ribbon stock for print application. In such a scenario, it is the ribbon stock (carbon paper) that contains the ink that will be transfered to the media.

Direct thermal media has a coating on the surface that is made visible through the application of heat from the print head.

Rolled media of standard diameter is loaded within the printer and suspended by the media holder. Larger, non- standard rolled media would be suspended outside the printer at its rear and fed inward. Fan-folded media would also be fed inward from the rear over the rear housing cover, but is stacked as opposed to suspended.

Refer to Figures 3-3a and 3-3b for proper media routing relative to the type to be used. If that to be used is direct thermal, ignore the ribbon stock in the figures and do not load.

Ribbon can be wound in or wound out.

Rolled Media

Media Guide

Media Holder

Label Sensor

Media Damper

Lower Print Assy

Figure 3-3a, Rolled Media Loading

GL408-412e Operator’s Manual 3-4