Zebra Technologies 8 user manual Adjustment Overview

B: Setting Custom Card Specifications

B.4.1 Adjustment Overview

When making adjustments, be aware that interdependencies exist between parameters; e.g., parameter changes which reduce warp could induce partial transfer.

There are four basic parameters to control, and these parameters differ for single-sided printing and dual-sided printing for each card type:

•Input transfer speed (speed in)

•Output transfer speed (speed out)

•Front transfer temperature (upper roller temperature)

•Back transfer temperature (lower roller temperature)

Speeds are in inches per second (ips), and temperatures are in degrees Celsius (C).

It is very helpful to think about the energy being put into the card as opposed to just temperature. Speed parameters are the “big knobs” for adjusting energy, while temperature parameters are the “fine tuning knobs.” Slowing down only 0.1 ips has almost twice the energy-increasing effect as raising the temperature 5oC. In terms of energy:

•Far too little energy = no transfer at all

•Not enough energy = partial transfer

•Too much energy = card warp

•Far too much energy = card jams caused by severe warp

With respect to speeds, going slower in can help guarantee good transfer, while going faster out can prevent the already-transferred card from remaining hot long enough to soften, weaken, warp, and possibly even jam. Usually, the most reliable and stable speed settings range between 1.2 ips and 2.6 ips, with lower generally being better for most card types.

With respect to temperatures, a top temperature which is slightly higher than the corresponding bottom temperature normally works well for dual-sided transfer. For single- sided transfer, there will be significantly lower temperatures for the back side of the card to avoid accidental transfer. In general, a lower temperature difference between the front and back sides will induce fewer warming/cooling cycles in the printer.

P1045430-002 Zebra ZXP Series 8 Card Printer User’s Manual 173