Print Operations

Types of Media

Setting the Thermal Print Method

The ZD500 Series™ printer has been designed to print in direct thermal and thermal transfer modes. Press the menus ‘Home’ ( ) button. Navigate to the ‘SENSORS’ ( ) menu button and press the ‘Select’ () button. Use the ‘Left’ () and ‘Right’ () navigation arrows to browse to the ‘PRINT METHOD’. Use the Up () and Down () arrows to select DIRECT THERMAL or THERMAL TRANS (transfer) media.

79

Types of Media

Important • Zebra strongly recommends the use of Zebra-brand supplies for continuous high-quality printing. A wide range of paper, polypropylene, polyester, and vinyl stock has been specifically engineered to enhance the printing capabilities of the printer and to prevent premature printhead wear. To purchase supplies, go to http://www.zebra.com/howtobuy.

Note - Zebra does not offer RFID media for sale at this time.

Your printer can use various types of media:

•Standard media—Most standard (non-continuous) media uses an adhesive backing that sticks individual labels or a continuous length of labels to a liner.

•Continuous roll media—Most continuous roll media is direct thermal media (similar to FAX paper) and is used for receipt or ticket style printing.

•Tag stock—Tags are usually made from a heavy paper (up to 0.0075in./0.19mm thick). Tag stock does not have adhesive or a liner, and it is typically perforated between tags.

For more information on basic media types, see Table 15.

The printer typically uses roll media, but you can use fan-fold or other continuous media too. Use the correct media for the type of printing you require. When printing without a ribbon, you must use direct thermal media. When using ribbon, you must use thermal transfer media.

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...

 

 

Does not appear on the media

Thermal transfer. A ribbon is required.

 

 

Appears on the media

Direct thermal. No ribbon is required.

 

 

1/16/2014

ZD500 Series™ Thermal Transfer Printer User’s Guide

P1062653-002 Rev. A

Page 90 Page 92
Page 91
Image 91
Zebra Technologies ZD500 manual Types of Media, Setting the Thermal Print Method, Determining Thermal Media Types
Page 90 Page 92

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.
Top Page Image Contents