Rice Lake Zebra GK420t - Manual (Page 41)

29 Print Operations
Replacing Supplies
12/14/07 GK420t User Guide 980610-001 Rev. A
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?
Replacing Supplies
If labels or ribbon run out while printing, leave the printer power on while reloading (data loss
results if you turn off the printer). A fter you load a new label or ribbon roll, press the Feed
button to restart.
Alway s use high quality, approved labels, tags and ribbons. 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.
Permanent damage to the printhead may result if a non-approved ribbon is used as it may be
wound incorrectly for the printer or contain chemicals corrosive to the printhead.
Adding a New Transfer Ribbon
If ribbon runs out in the middle of a print job, the indicator lights red and the printer waits for
you to add a fresh roll.
1. Keep the power on as you change ribbon.
2. Open the top cover, then cut the used ribbon so you can remove the cores.
3. Load a new ribbon roll. If necessary, review the Ribbon Loading steps.
4. Close the top cover.
5. Press the Feed button to restart printing.
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.