Technical data

Unit 6: Maintenance
S8400 Series Operator Manual
6-10 PN: 9001160 (C)
SETTING HEAD PRESSURE AND BALANCE
Print head balance is the equalization of pressure against the platen roller from one end to the opposite end. If the
print head balance is out of adjustment, the printed image will be darker on one side of the label than on the other
side, and the media will be prone to travel in the direction of least resistance.
The adjustment of print head balance on the label can be subjective. One will know when balance is achieved by
the disappearance of prevailing negative characteristics.
Adjust head pressure balance depending on the media (label) to be used.
Adjust head pressure according to the media thickness to be used. Include backing liner in overall thickness when
using labels.
If the dial is too difficult to manually adjust using fingertips, a slotted screwdriver may be inserted into its end for
easier dial rotation.
Pressure balance setting (2-parameter adjustment)
The factory default is 2. Refer to Figure 6-11. The embossed number on the dial’s end that is positioned closest to the
print head is the setting that is in effect.
1. Tune the head balance dial for adjustment to the media width. For adjusting to the relevant media width, refer to
the table below.
2. Tune the head balance dial for adjustment to the media thickness. To adjust to the relevant thickness, refer to
the table below.
In the above table, the label thickness includes the thickness of backing liner.
In order to tune balance, insert the slotted screwdriver into the slot of the dial.
After this adjustment, if some print problems persist, the print head alignment may require adjustment. Following
print head alignment, the print head balance may require a different setting and the procedure repeated.
Media width
(mm)
30-128 10-(not includ-
ing liner)30
30-128 10-(not includ-
ing liner)30
Balance scale 1 3 2 4
Media thickness (mm) 0.05-0.20 0.20-0.31
Balance scale 1 or 3 2 or 4
Note Thin paper, label Thick paper, tag