92-2431-01 Rev.
Overview This document describes the contents, installation, and use of the Thermal Transfer option for the HClass printer. After verifying the kit contents and tools required, follow the steps below to install and begin using the option. A ribbon selection guide and a parts listing are also included, so keep this documentation for future reference. For your safety and to avoid damaging the equipment, turn ‘Off’ power and unplug the AC CAUTION power cord from the printer before beginning this installation.
Step 1: Preparing the Printer (continued…) Access Cover B) Raise the Access Cover. If installed, remove your media from the printer. Cover Plate Cover Screw C) Remove the Cover Screw then the Cover Plate. Step 2: Installing the Option Thermal Transfer Assembly A) Carefully position the Thermal Transfer Assembly (Item ) onto the Center Plate Mounting Screws of the printer and secure it using the three Mounting Screws (Item ).
6” and 8” printers only B) Using a Cotton Swab or cloth, moistened with isopropyl alcohol, gently clean the surface where the Static Brush will be installed. Isopropyl alcohol is a flammable solvent; always take the proper precautions when using this substance. WARNING C) Peel the backing from the adhesive strip on the back of the Static Brush and affix the Static Brush brush to the printer in the location shown. Be sure to locate the Static Brush as close to the printer’s Centerplate as possible.
Step 4: Aligning the Ribbon Path Thermal transfer printing relies on a smooth, taut flow of ribbon for consistent print quality; to accomplish this, some components in the printer may need to be adjusted. Align the ribbon path as follows: A) Install full width thermal transfer Media into the printer. Install a slightly wider Ribbon onto the Supply Hub and route it through the printer (see the Operator’s Manual for details).
C) Press the FEED Key several times, until media tracking is normalized through the printer. Then, while feeding several more labels, observe the flow of the Ribbon from the Supply Hub. Proceed according to your observations: If the ribbon flow is rippling, or if bagging is present, proceed to D; or, If the ribbon flow is evenly tensioned and smooth, proceed to E.
E) Wrap the Ribbon in a clockwise direction around the Take-Up Hub. Press the TEST Button on the Front Panel then use the UP / DOWN Buttons to select the RIBBON TEST LABEL. Select a small quantity of labels and press the ENTER Key. As the labels are output, observe the flow of the Ribbon from the Printhead Assembly to the Take-Up Hub.
F) Press the TEST Button then use the UP / DOWN Buttons to select the PRINT QUALITY LABEL or the TEST LABEL. Set a quantity of labels to print and then press the ENTER Key. After printing stops, carefully examine the labels for evidence of ribbon wrinkling (i.e., irregular diagonal voids that extend through printed areas).
If experiencing this problem… Try this solution… Labels and ribbon advance normally, Examine the used ribbon for an image and proceed but no image is printed: accordingly: If there is an image on the used ribbon: Verify that the ribbon was properly loaded. The inked side of the ribbon must face the media. (To verify the inked side, press the adhesive backing of a label against the ribbon surface. Ink will only lift from the coated side of the ribbon.) Clean the printhead (see the Operator’s Manual).
Selecting Media and Ribbon Because the media and ribbon used will determine the printer’s heat and speed settings, consider these factors when selecting your thermal transfer stock and ribbon combination: The combination of label facestocks / topcoatings and ribbon formulation may affect image quality. The ribbon backcoating can provide printhead protection and, depending upon the formulation, help reduce static build-up.
