Troubleshooting

Printer Diagnostics

Print Quality Report

Different types of media may require different darkness settings. This section contains a simple but effective method for determining the ideal darkness for printing bar codes that are within specifications.

During the Print Quality Report (FEED self test), a series of labels are printed at different darkness settings at two different print speeds. The relative darkness and the print speed are printed on each label. The bar codes on these labels may be ANSI-graded to check print quality.

During this test, one set of labels is printed at 2 ips, and another set is printed at 6 ips. The darkness value starts at three settings lower than the printer’s current darkness value (relative darkness of –3) and increase until the darkness is three settings higher than the current darkness value (relative darkness of +3).

The speed at which labels are printed during this print quality test depends on the dot density of the printhead.

300 dpi printers: 7 labels are printed at the 2 ips and 6 ips print speeds.

203 dpi printers: 7 labels are printed at the 2 ips and 6 ips print speeds.

To perform a Print Quality Report, complete these steps:

1.Print a configuration label to show the printer’s current settings.

2.Turn off (O) the printer.

3.Press and hold FEED while turning on (I) the printer. Hold FEED until the first control panel light turns off.

The printer prints a series of labels (Figure 1) at various speeds and at darkness settings higher and lower than the darkness value shown on the configuration label.

Figure 1 • Print Quality Report

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ZD500 Series™ Thermal Transfer Printer User’s Guide

P1062653-002 Rev. A

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Zebra Technologies ZD500 manual Print Quality Report, 135

ZD500 specifications

Zebra Technologies ZD500 is a cutting-edge thermal transfer printer designed to meet the diverse needs of modern businesses requiring high-quality label, wristband, and tag printing. This printer is particularly favored in industries such as healthcare, retail, and logistics due to its superior performance, reliability, and advanced technology features.

One of the standout characteristics of the ZD500 is its exceptional print quality. With a printing resolution of up to 300 dpi, it ensures that labels and tags are sharp and legible. This is particularly important for barcodes, which need to be scanned accurately for efficient inventory management and tracking. The printer has a print speed of up to 6 inches per second, allowing for quick production of labels, which helps enhance workflow efficiency.

The ZD500 is equipped with a user-friendly interface, including a color touchscreen display that makes operation and navigation intuitive. This feature reduces the learning curve for new users and minimizes operational errors. Furthermore, its compact design allows for easy placement in various work environments without consuming valuable space.

Connectivity is another major highlight of the ZD500. It offers multiple connectivity options, including USB, Ethernet, and Bluetooth, making it versatile for different setups. This flexibility allows businesses to integrate the printer into their existing systems seamlessly. Additionally, Zebra's Link-OS environment supports printer management and configuration from any device, streamlining maintenance and improving productivity.

Security is a crucial concern in today’s digital landscape, and the ZD500 addresses this with robust security features. It includes secure wireless communication protocols, ensuring that sensitive data is protected during transmission.

In terms of durability, the printer is built to withstand the rigors of everyday use while remaining compact and portable. It also supports a variety of media types, giving users the freedom to print on different materials as needed. This adaptability makes the ZD500 an excellent choice for businesses that require customized printing solutions.

Overall, the Zebra Technologies ZD500 is a powerful and versatile thermal printer that combines high-quality output, user-friendly design, advanced connectivity options, and security features, making it a valuable asset for any organization looking to enhance its labeling capabilities.