Print Operations
Ribbon Overview

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P1062653-002 Rev. A ZD500 Series™ Thermal Transfer Printer User’s Guide 1/16/2014
Ribbon Overview
Ribbon is a thin film that is coated on one side with wax, resin, or wax resin, which is
transferred to the media during the thermal transfer process. The media determines whether
you need to use ribbon and how wide the ribbon must be. When ribbon is used, it must be as
wide as or wider than the media being used. Ifthe ribbon is narrower than the media, areas of
the printhead are unprotected and subject to premature wear.

When to Use Ribbon

Thermal transfer media requires ribbon for printing while direct thermal media does not.
Direct thermal media should never be used with ribbon. Bar codes and graphics can get
distorted. Todetermine if ribbon must be used with a particular media, perform a media
scratch test.

Coated Side of Ribbon

Ribbon can be wound with the coated side on the inside or outside. This printer can only use
ribbon that is coated on the outside. If you are unsure which side of a particular roll of ribbon
is coated, perform an adhesive test or a ribbon scratch test to determine which side is coated.
To determine which side of a ribbon is coated, complete these steps:

Ribbon Test with Adhesive

If you have labels available, perform the adhesive test to determine which side of a ribbon is
coated. This method works well for ribbon that is already installed.
To perform an adhesive test, complete these steps:
1. Peel a label from its liner.
2. Press a corner of the sticky side of the label to the outer surface of the roll of ribbon.
3. Peel the label off of the ribbon.
4. Observe the results. Did flakes or particles of ink from the ribbon adhere to the label?
Outside Inside
If ink from the ribbon... Then...
Adhered to the label The ribbon is coated on the outside and can be used with
the printer.
Did not adhere to the label The ribbon is coated on the inside and can not be used in
the printer.