Application Guide

Passion – Results – Integrity
P5000 CONSUMABLES
QUESTIONS & ANSWERS
25
 “Why can't I run my existing ribbons on the P5220 & P5224?”
Although they may look similar, they are in fact quite different. The 2000 LPM printer achieves its high print speed by
virtue of having dual rows of hammers. It is almost like two line matrix printers stacked on top of one another. This
unique geometry, coupled with high speed printing, places very special demands on the ribbon design. The Gold
Series 2000 ribbon has been specially designed and patented to be optimized for this unique configuration.
 “To simplify things, could I switch the ribbons for all my printers to the Gold Series 2000?”
The simple answer is no. This ribbon is designed to deliver superior print quality on the high speed P5220 and P5224.
This superior quality is the result of a unique ribbon design, which has been patented by Printronix.
 “Why are the spools different between the P5220/P5224 and my other printers?”
The P5220/P5224 hub is larger to prevent the loading of an incorrect ribbon. Superior print quality occurs only with
the patented Gold Series 2000 ribbon.
 “Is there really that much variation and importance in ribbon design?”
Yes. Although the concept is very simple, the details of the design are very critical. If the ribbon is too thick, it will
produce a fuzzy image. If it is too thin, it won't supply enough ink. If the ink dries too fast, it won't last once exposed
to air. If it dries too slow, it will smear. If it is too moist, it will clog the print hammers.
If it does not have enough ink, it will run out too quickly. If the ink flows too easily, it may flow to the bottom of the
ribbon. If it flows too slowly, it might not support a high enough print speed. If the ink is not dark enough, it will
produce low contrast printing and poor bar codes. If it has too many or the wrong darkening agents, it will damage
the printer.
Similarly, the design of the printer introduces a whole other set of variables that effect ribbon design. How fast will
the ribbon move past the hammers? How fast are the hammers striking? How close are they to each other? How big
are the tips? The list of questions and complex tradeoffs goes on and on, which is why it is so valuable that Printronix
engineers both the ribbon and the printer to work together. The performance yielded from the Gold Series ribbons is
a great testimony to what can be achieved with total design control.
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