User's Guide TD-4420TN/4520TN TD-4420TN/4520TN User's Guide (English) Version 03 © 2019 Brother Industries, Ltd. All rights reserved.
Copyright Information The copyright in this manual, the software, and firmware in the printer described therein are owned by Brother. All rights reserved. CG Triumvirate is a trademark of Agfa Corporation. CG Triumvirate Bold Condensed font is under license from the Monotype Corporation. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Contents 1. Introduction ............................................................................................................ 1 1.1 Product Introduction .........................................................................................1 1.2 Product Features ..............................................................................................2 1.2.1 Standard Features ............................................................................... 2 1.2.2 Optional Features .............
5.3.3 Printer Initialization............................................................................. 33 5.3.4 Media Sensor Calibration (For the Black Mark Sensor) ..................... 34 5.3.5 Media Sensor Calibration (For the Gap Sensor) ................................ 35 5.3.6 Skip the AUTO.BAS program ............................................................ 35 6. BPM (Brother Printer Management Tool) ............................................................. 36 6.1 Start the BPM ...........
1. Introduction 1.1 Product Introduction The sleek design of the TD-4420TN/4520TN label printer can handle up to 984 ft. (300 m) of ribbon and label rolls. Its internal 5” (127 mm) label capacity can be further expanded with an external label roll mount to handle 8” (203.2 mm) rolls, designed for industrial label printers. The printer's movable Black Mark Sensor is compatible with a wide range of label media.
1.2 Product Features 1.2.1 Standard Features Thermal transfer printing Direct thermal printing Gap Sensor Fully movable reflective Black Mark Sensor Ribbon Sensor Head Open Sensor USB 2.
1.2.2 Optional Features User Feature Dealer External Media Roll Mount with 3” (76.2 mm) Core Label Spindle (8.4” (213.4 mm) outer diameter) Label Peeler Regular Full/Partial Cutter (Guillotine cutter) Paper thickness: From 2.36 mil to 7.48 mil (from 0.06 mm to 0.19 mm) 1.3 General Specifications Dimensions 8.03” (W) × 6.99” (H) × 11.02” (L) (204 mm (W) × 177.5 mm (H) × 280 mm (L)) Weight 2.5 kg Power Supply Input: AC 100 V - 240 V, 1.5 A, 50 Hz - 60 Hz Output: DC 24 V, 2.
1.5 Ribbon Specifications Ribbon Diameter 1” (25.4 mm) core: Max. 2.63” (67 mm) 0.5” (12.7 mm) core: Max. 1.57” (40 mm) Ribbon Length 1” (25.4 mm) inner core: 984 ft (300 m) 0.5” (12.7 mm) inner core: 360 ft (110 m) Ribbon Core Diameter 0.5” (12.7 mm) and 1” (25.4 mm) Ribbon Width Between 1.57” and 4.33” (between 40 mm and 110 mm) (with the 4.33” (110 mm) paper core and notches on both sides) • Use the ribbon that is wider than the media. Ribbon Wound Type Outside wound 1.
2. Operations Overview 2.1 Unpack the printer and check the components Note Keep the packaging materials in case you need to ship the printer. The components included in the box: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1. Printer Unit 2. 1” (25.4 mm) Ribbon Paper Core 3. Two 1” (25.4 mm) Ribbon Spindles for the 984 ft (300 m) ribbon 4. Power Cord 5. External Universal Switching Power Supply 6. USB Interface Cable 7.
2.2 Printer Overview 2.2.1 Front View 1 2 4 3 1. LED Indicator 2. Feed/Pause Button 3. Roll Compartment Cover Open Tab 4.
2.2.2 Interior View 1 2 3 4 13 11 5 12 7 6 OPEN 11 8 10 9 1. Roll Compartment Cover 8. Platen Roller 2. Ribbon Supply Spindle 9. Black Mark Sensor 3. Ribbon Supply Hub 10. Gap Sensor 4. Ribbon Rewind Hub 11. Media Guide Tips 5. Ribbon Rewind Spindle 12. Media Guide Hub 6. Print Head Release Button 13. Print Head 7. Roll Guides WARNING DO NOT touch rotating parts. There is a risk of injury if your finger is caught in the rotating gear.
2.2.3 Rear View 1 2 3 4 1. Power Switch 2. Power Port 3. USB Port (USB 2.0/Hi-Speed mode) 4. USB Host Port 5. RS-232 Serial Port 6. Ethernet Port 5 6 Note Some features are not available depending on the model. For more information, see the product specification.
3. Setup 3.1 Setting up the Printer Note Before you plug the Power Cord into the Power Port, make sure the printer's Power Switch is in the OFF position. Some features are not available depending on the model. For more information, see the product specification. 1. Place the printer on a flat, secure surface. 2. Plug the Power Cord into the Power Port at the rear of the printer. Then, plug the other end into the AC power outlet (electrical socket). 3.
3.2 Loading the Ribbon 1. Open the Roll Compartment Cover by pressing the tabs located on each side of the printer. 2. Insert the Ribbon Rewind Spindle into the Paper Core in the direction shown in the illustrations. L R 3. First, insert the right side of the Ribbon Rewind Spindle (marked “R”) into the Ribbon Supply Hub. Then, insert the left side of the Ribbon Rewind Spindle into L the hole on the left side of the Ribbon Rewind Hub. Note Alternatively, you can use a 0.5” (12.7 mm) or 1” (25.
4. Push the Print Head Release Button to open the Print Head mechanism. 5. Lift the Print Head until it locks into place. Interior View 6. Insert the Ribbon Spindle into the ribbon. Note The Ribbon Spindle can be substituted with the ribbon with notches on both L sides, which can be inserted into the ribbon mechanism directly.
7. First, insert the right side of the Ribbon Supply Spindle (marked “R”) into the Ribbon Supply Hub. Then, insert the left side of the Ribbon Supply Spindle into the hole on the left side of the Ribbon Supply Hub. 8. Thread the ribbon through the Print Head and adhere the leader of the ribbon onto the Ribbon Rewind Paper Core. IMPORTANT Do not dispose of the Ribbon Rewind Paper Core when replacing the ribbon roll. This part is necessary for the ribbon roll replacement. 9.
10. Close the Print Head mechanism with both hands until it locks into place. Ribbon Loading Path 1. Print Head 2. Ribbon Rewind Gear 3. Media Guide Tips 4. Platen Roller 5. Black Mark Sensor 6. Gap Sensor 7.
3.3 Loading the Media 3.3.1 Loading the Label Rolls 1. Open the Roll Compartment Cover by pressing the tabs located on each side of the printer. 2. Push up the lock switch to unlock the Roll Guides. Slide both Roll Guides outwards. 3. Insert the paper roll with the labels facing up, as shown in the illustration. Push down the lock switch to lock the Roll Guides into place. Note Make sure that the label print side is facing up.
4. Push the Print Head Release Button to open the Print Head mechanism. 5. Thread the labels under the Print Head mechanism and feed the paper through the Label Output Slot. Position the end of the paper slightly out of the Label Output Slot. Gap Sensor Platen Roller Black Mark Sensor Note The Black Mark Sensor is moveable and the Gap Sensor is fixed.
7. Close the Print Head mechanism with both hands until it locks into place. 8. Use the Brother Printer Management Tool to set the media sensor type and calibrate the selected sensor. a. Start the BPM. b. Click the Printer Function button. c. Click the Calibrate button. For more information about sensor calibration, see section 6.2. Note Calibrate the Gap/Black Mark Sensor every time you change the media.
Media Loading Path 1. Print Head 2. Ribbon Rewind Gear 3. Media 4. Media Guide Tips 5. Platen Roller 6. Black Mark Sensor 7. Gap Sensor 8. Ribbon 2 1 8 3 7 6 5 4 WARNING DO NOT touch rotating parts. There is a risk of injury if your finger is caught in the rotating gear. Turn off the product before touching the mechanism.
3.3.2 External Label Roll Mount Installation (Optional) 1. Tighten the screws on the metal fittings of the extended plate. 2. Attach the extended plate to the bottom of the printer. 3. Insert a 3” (76.2 mm) Label Spindle into a paper roll. Then, install it on the External 3” (76.2 mm) Label Spindle Paper Roll Mount.
4. Feed the media through the rear label feed slot. Note Make sure that the label print side is facing up. 5. Open the Roll Compartment Cover. Slide the Roll Guides outwards, and then align the paper width with the Roll Guides. Push down the lock switch to lock the Roll Guide. 6. Install the label roll as described in section 3.3.1. 7. Turn the Media Guide Hub, and match the Media Guide width to the paper width. 8.
3.3.3 Loading the Media in Cutter mode (Dealers only) 1. Install the label roll as described in section 3.3.1. 2. Use the Brother Printer Management Tool to set the media sensor type and calibrate the selected sensor. 3. Open the Roll Compartment Cover by pressing the tabs located on each side of the printer. 4. Push the Print Head Release Button to open the Print Head mechanism and feed the media through the media sensor. Adjust the Media Guide Tips to fit the label width. Media Guide Tips 5.
6. Close the Print Head mechanism with both hands until it locks into place. 7. Close the Roll Compartment Cover. 8. Use the Brother Printer Management Tool to set the printer for cutter mode. a. Start the BPM. b. Click the Printer Configuration button. c. Select the FBPL tab. d. Select the CUTTER option from the Post-Print Action drop-down list. e. Click Set. f. Press the Feed/Pause Button to test.
Note Calibrate the Gap/Black Mark Sensor every time you change the installed media. 3.3.4 Loading the Media in Peel-off Mode (Dealers only) 1. Install the label roll as described in section 3.3.1. 2. Use the Brother Printer Management Tool to set the media sensor type and calibrate the selected sensor. 3. Open the Roll Compartment Cover by pressing the tabs located on each side of the printer. 4.
6. Open the Label Peeler Cover. Feed the liner into Label Peeler Cover Slot. Label Peeler Cover Slot 7. Close the Label Peeler Module. 8. Use the Brother Printer Management Tool to set the Label Peeler mode. a. Start the BPM. b. Click the Printer Configuration button. c. Select the FBPL tab. d. Select the PEEL option from the Post-Print Action drop-down list. e. Click Set.
9. Close the Roll Compartment Cover. Note The Label Peeler Module supports only plain paper.
4. Printing 4.1 Printer Driver Installation Note The model name and serial number are located on the back of the printer. The driver installation method depends on the connection type: USB Connection (Windows/Mac/Linux) Wired Network Connection (Windows) 4.1.1 USB Connection (Windows/Mac/Linux) Note Mac/Linux Users For more information about driver installation, see the driver installation guide provided with the driver. 1. Connect your printer to the computer using a USB cable. 2. Visit support.
4.1.2 Wired Network Connection (Windows) 1. Connect both the printer and the computer to your router/access point using LAN cables. The printer automatically receives a default IP address and displays it on the LCD. 2. Visit support.brother.com, go to your model's Downloads page, and download the latest printer driver and software. 3. Run the Seagull Driver Wizard application and select Install printer drivers and Network. 4. Select your printer, and then click Next. 5.
2. Follow the on-screen steps to create a label. Note For more information on using BarTender, click Help. 3. Click File > Print to print the label. Note When the Partial Cut setting is selected, a blank area of about 1.57" (40 mm) is added between the cut line and the print area, as illustrated. Partial Cut is only available when the Cutter Module is installed on your printer.
5. The LED Indicator and Feed/Pause Button Functions By using the printer's Feed/Pause Button and the three-color LED Indicator, you can feed labels, pause print jobs, select and calibrate sensors, print the printer self-test report, and restore the printer's factory settings. 5.1 The LED Indicator LED Color Description Green (Lit) The power is on and the printer is ready to use. Green (Flashing) The printer is downloading data from a computer. The printer is paused.
Power-On Utility LED color LED Patterns Amber Red Amber Green Green/Amber Red/Amber Green (Lit) (5 times) (5 times) (5 times) (5 times) (5 times) Function 1. Gap/Black Mark Sensors calibration 2. Gap/Black Mark Sensor calibration, self-test, and entering dump mode 3. Printer initialization 4. Media sensor calibration (For the Black Mark Sensor) 5. Media sensor calibration (For the Gap Sensor) 6. Skip the AUTO.BAS program 5.3.
5.3.2 Gap/Black Mark Sensor Calibration, Self-Test, and Entering Dump Mode During the calibration of the Gap/Black Mark Sensor, the printer will detect the label length, print the internal configuration (self-test), and then enter the dump mode. Calibrate the Gap or Black Mark Sensor if the sensor's settings used in the last print job are not suitable for the current print job. To calibrate the Gap/Black Mark Sensor: 1. Turn off the printer. 2.
Self-test You can print the printer configuration after the Gap/Black Mark Sensor calibration. Self-test printouts list the printer's configuration and available memory space, and can indicate whether there is any dot damage on the heater component.
Printer name Mac Address DHCP IP Address Subnet Mask Gateway RAW Port Number of downloaded files Total and available memory space Print Head check pattern 32
Dump mode The printer will enter dump mode after printing the printer configuration. This mode allows users to verify and debug the printer's programs. The characters in the left column are received from the printer's system and those in the right column are their hexadecimal representation. Hexadecimal representation of ASCII data the ASCII data Note Dump mode requires 4” (101.5 mm) wide paper. To resume normal printing, turn the printer off and then on again. 5.3.
After the initialization, the following factory settings will be restored: Parameter Speed Default Values 127 mm/sec (5 ips) (203DPI) 76 mm/sec (3 ips) (300DPI) Density 8 Label Width 4” (101.5 mm) Label Height 4” (101.5 mm) Sensor Type Gap Sensor Gap Setting 0.12” (3 mm) Print Direction 0 Reference Point 0,0 (upper left corner) Offset 0 Tear Mode On Label Peeler Off Mode Off Cutter Mode Off Code Page 850 Country Code 001 Clear Flash Memory No 5.3.
5.3.5 Media Sensor Calibration (For the Gap Sensor) 1. Turn off the printer. 2. Press and hold the Feed/Pause Button, and then turn on the printer. 3. Release the button after the green/amber LED flashes five times and the LED is lit in red/amber. Note The LED color will change as follows: Amber red (5 times) amber (5 times) green (5 times) green/amber (5 times) red/amber (5 times) green (lit) 5.3.6 Skip the AUTO.BAS program The user can upload the AUTO.
6. BPM (Brother Printer Management Tool) The Brother Printer Management Tool is an integrated tool allowing you to: Check a printer’s status and settings. Change printer settings. Send additional commands to a printer. Download graphics and fonts. Create a printer bitmap font. Download and update firmware. Using this tool, you can also review your printer's status and settings to troubleshoot any problems. This software is only available for Windows. 6.1 Start the BPM 1.
6.2 Calibrating the Media Sensor using the BPM 6.2.1 Auto Calibration Use the BPM to set the media sensor type (Gap Sensor or Black Mark Sensor) and calibrate the selected sensor. Gap Sensor Black Mark Sensor The transmissive/gap sensor detects the beginning of the label and feeds the label to the correct position. The reflective/black mark sensor detects the mark and feeds the media to the correct position. 1. Make sure the media is already installed and the Print Head mechanism is closed.
7. Troubleshooting This chapter explains how to resolve typical problems you may encounter when using the printer. If you have any problems with the printer, first make sure you have performed the following tasks correctly. If you still have problems, contact the product manufacturer's customer service or your local dealer. Problem Possible Cause Solution The LED Indicator is not lit. The Power Cord is not correctly connected.
Problem Possible Cause Solution Poor Print Quality. The ribbon/media is loaded incorrectly. Dust or adhesive has accumulated on the Print Head. The print density is set incorrectly. The Print Head mechanism is damaged. The ribbon/media are incompatible. Labels are skipped when printing. The label size is not Check if the label size is set up correctly. specified correctly. Calibrate the sensor using the Auto Gap The sensor sensitivity is not or Manual Gap options. set correctly.
8. Maintenance We recommend cleaning your printer on a regular basis to maintain its correct performance. Recommended cleaning materials: Cotton swab Lint-free cloth Vacuum / Blower brush Compressed air Isopropyl alcohol or ethanol Printer Part Cleaning Method Interval 1. Turn the printer off. Clean the Print Head when changing a 2. Allow the Print Head to cool down label roll. for at least one minute. 3. Wipe the Print Head with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol or ethanol.
Note Do not touch the Print Head. If you have touched it, clean it as described above. Do not use medical alcohol as it may damage the Print Head. Use isopropyl alcohol or ethanol according to the manufacturer's safety guidelines, as applicable. To maintain the printer's correct performance, we recommend cleaning its Print Head and sensors every time you install a new ribbon. IMPORTANT Securely dispose of any printers, components, and supplies if they are no longer going to be used.