User guide

EN-4 13293LB-12 Rev. 2 16Nov2004 English
Bradyprinter THT MVPplus Quick Reference Guide
Ribbon
Ribbon
Ribbon is a thin film that is coated on one side with wax, wax resin, or resin, and which is
transferred to the media during the thermal transfer process.
When To Use Ribbon
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 your fingernail.
2. Did a black mark appear on the media?
Coated Side of Ribbon
Ribbon can be wound with the coated side on the inside or outside (Figure 2). This printer can
only use ribbon that is coated on the outside.
Figure 2 • Ribbon Coated on Outside or Inside
To determine which side of a ribbon is coated, 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?
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.
Outside Inside
If ink from the ribbon... Then...
Adhered to the label The ribbon is coated on the outer surface.
Did not adhere to
the label
The ribbon is coated on the inner surface. To verify this,
repeat the test on the inner surface of the roll of ribbon.