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Print Operations
Replacing Supplies
Determining Thermal Media Types
Thermal transfer media requires ribbon for printing while direct thermal media does not. To determine if ribbon must be used with a particular media, perform a media scratch test.
To perform a media scratch test, complete these steps:
1.Scratch the print surface of the media with a finger nail or pen cap. Press firmly and quickly while dragging it across the media surface. Direct thermal media is chemically treated to print (expose) when heat is applied. This test method uses friction heat to expose the media.
2.Did a black mark appear on the media?
If a black mark... | Then the media is... |
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Does not appear on the media | Thermal transfer. A ribbon is required. Your printer |
| does not support this media. |
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Appears on the media | Direct thermal. No ribbon is required. |
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Replacing Supplies
If media runs out while printing, leave the printer power on while reloading (data loss results if you turn off the printer). After you
Always use high quality, approved labels and tags. If adhesive backed labels are used that don’t lay flat on the backing liner, the exposed edges may stick to the label guides and rollers inside the printer, causing the label to peel off from the liner and jam the printer.
Adjusting the Print Width
Print width must be set when:
•You are using the printer for the first time.
•There is a change in media width.
Print width may be set by:
•The Windows printer driver or application software such as ZebraDesigner™.
•The
•Controlling printer operations with ZPL programming; refer to the Print Width (^PW) command (consult your ZPL Programming Guide).
•Controlling printer operations with EPL Page Mode programming, refer to the Set Label Width (q) command (consult your EPL Programmer’s Guide).
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8/4/10 | GX420d™ / GX430d™ User Guide |