User's Manual

55
Operations
Load Ribbon
5/12/08 ZM™ Series/RZ™ Series User Guide 79695L-002 Rev. A
Load Ribbon
Always use ribbon that is wider than the media to protect the printhead from wear. For direct
thermal printing, do not load ribbon in the printer.
The standard Thermal Transfer option (black ribbon spindle) uses ribbon coated on the
outside, and the alternate Thermal Transfer option (gray ribbon spindle) uses ribbon coated on
the inside. To avoid damaging your printer, follow the directions for the Thermal Transfer
option installed in your printer.
Figure 8 shows the ribbon paths for ribbon coated on the outside and ribbon coated on the
inside. The coated surfaces of the ribbon are shown in gray when they are visible. To
determine which side of a ribbon is printed, see Coated Side of Ribbon on page 35.
Figure 8 • Ribbon Path
Ribbon Coated Outside
(black ribbon spindle)
Ribbon Coated Inside
(gray ribbon spindle)
1
Tension blade
2
Ribbon take-up spindle
3
Ribbon supply spindle
4
Printhead assembly
5
Printhead release latch
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
3
4
5
Operations
Load Ribbon
56
79695L-002 Rev. A ZM™ Series/RZ™ Series User Guide 5/12/08
To load ribbon, complete these steps:
1. Set the ribbon supply spindle for normal or low tension.
• To place the ribbon supply spindle in the normal position, firmly pull out the spindle
end cap until it extends and clicks in place, as shown in Figure 9. Use this setting for
most applications.
• To place the ribbon supply spindle in the low-tension position, firmly push in the end
cap until it retracts and clicks in place, as shown in Figure 9. Use this setting when
using a narrow ribbon or if normal tension hampers ribbon movement.
Figure 9 • Ribbon Spindle—Normal and Low Tension
2. Press the printhead release latch to open the printhead assembly. Lift the printhead until it
latches open.
Caution • While performing any tasks near an open printhead, remove all rings, watches,
hanging necklaces, identification badges, or other metallic objects that could touch the
printhead. You are not required to turn off the printer power when working near an open
printhead, but Zebra recommends it as a precaution. If you turn off the power, you will lose
all temporary settings, such as label formats, and you must reload them before you resume
printing.
1
Normal Position (Spindle End Cap Extended)
2
Low-Tension Position (Spindle End Cap Retracted)
1 2