Glossary 151

light emitting diode (LED) Indicators of specific printer status conditions. Each LED is either off, on, or blinking depending on the feature being monitored.

lock-upThis is the term generally used to describe a fault condition that, for no apparent reason, causes the printer to stop working.

media Material onto which data is printed by the printer. Types of media include: tag stock, die-cut labels, continuous labels (with and without media liner), non-continuous media, fanfold media, and roll media.

media sensor This sensor is located behind the printhead to detect the presence of media and, for non-continuous media, the position of the web, hole, or notch used to indicate the start of each label.

media supply hanger The stationary arm that supports the media roll.

non-continuous media Media that contains an indication of where one label/printed format ends and the next one begins. Examples are die-cut labels, notched tag-stock, and stock with black mark registration marks.

non-volatile memory Electronic memory that retains data even when the power to the printer is turned off.

notched media A type of tag stock containing a cutout area that can be sensed as a start-of- label indicator by the printer. This is typically a heavier, cardboard-like material that is either cut or torn away from the next tag. (See non-continuous media.)

peel-offA mode of operation in which the printer pauses to allow the user to peel a printed label away from the backing before another label is printed. Printing pauses until the label is removed.

print speed The speed at which printing occurs. For thermal transfer printers, this speed is expressed in terms of ips (inches per second). Zebra offers printers that can print from 1 ips to 12 ips.

printhead wear The degradation of the surface of the printhead and/or the print elements over time. Heat and abrasion can cause printhead wear. Therefore, to maximize the life of the printhead, use the lowest print darkness setting (sometimes called burn temperature or head temperature) and the lowest printhead pressure necessary to produce good print quality. In the thermal transfer printing method, use ribbon that is as wide or wider than the media to protect the printhead from the rough media surface.

registration Alignment of printing with respect to the top of a label or tag.

ribbon A band of material consisting of a base film coated with wax or resin “ink.” The inked side of the material is pressed by the printhead against the media. The ribbon transfers ink onto the media when heated by the small elements within the printhead. Zebra ribbons have a coating on the back that protects the printhead from wear.

ribbon wrinkle A wrinkling of the ribbon caused by improper alignment or improper printhead pressure. This wrinkle can cause voids in the print and/or the used ribbon to rewind unevenly. This condition should be corrected by performing adjustment procedures.

6/30/06

105SL User Guide

11342L-001 Rev. A