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| Question | Answer | Explanation | ||
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| Why is the ribbon feeding out of the printer along with the label? Why is the used-ribbon rewind spindle not working? | The printer is in [tippy title="Direct Thermal Mode"]What is meant by Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfer printing? Both methods of printing use heat to imprint the label. Thermal Transfer works by melting the wax coating on a ribbon. Direct Thermal requires no ribbon because the label is impregnated with ink which becomes visible when heated.[/tippy] Switch the printer off briefly (with the ribbon fitted) | When your printer is switched on with no ribbon fitted it assumes Direct Thermal Mode. Beware – it remains in this mode even if a ribbon is fitted later, and leaves the label design software still showing the mode as Thermal Transfer! While in Direct Thermal mode the used-ribbon rewind spindle is switched off. | ||
| Why does the ribbon feed out of the printer along with the label when the ribbon is about half used? | You are fitting the ribbon spindles the wrong way round [tippy title="flanged end"] [/tippy] on left instead of right) Or something else is retarding the used-ribbon rewind spool. |
If friction retards the used-ribbon rewind spool then the used ribbon winds very loosely on its spindle. This ‘fattens’ the used-ribbon causing it to rub against the unused ribbon which eventually stops it revolving. | ||
| Ribbon stretches and breaks during printing. Rear ribbon spindle does not turn. | Front ribbon spindle fitted correctly, rear spindle fitted wrong way round [tippy title="flanged end"][/tippy] flange on left instead of right) |
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| Why is the ribbon tearing when I try to print? | The [tippy title="print head"] [/tippy] is dirty/sticky. It may be cleaned using white spirit (or IPA) and a soft, lintfree cloth or tissue paper. Do not use aggressive techniques or materials. |
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