User guide

Getting Started
Ribbon
57516L-001 Rev. 1 10/12/2004 170PAX4 User Guide 29
Adhesive Test
If you have labels available, perform the adhesive test to determine which side of a ribbon is
coated. This method works well for ribbon that is already installed.
To perform an adhesive test, complete these steps:
1. Peel a label from its liner.
2. Press a corner of the sticky side of the label to the outer surface of the roll of ribbon.
3. Peel the label off of the ribbon.
4. Observe the results. Did flakes or particles of ink from the ribbon adhere to the label?
Ribbon Scratch Test
If you do not have labels available, perform the ribbon scratch test. This method works best for
ribbon that is not installed.
To perform a ribbon scratch test, complete these steps:
1. Unroll a short length of ribbon.
2. Place the unrolled section of ribbon on a piece of paper with the outer surface of the
ribbon in contact with the paper.
3. Scratch the inner surface of the unrolled ribbon with your fingernail.
4. Lift the ribbon from the paper.
5. Observe the results. Did the ribbon leave a mark on the paper?
If ink from the ribbon... Then...
Adhered to the label The ribbon is coated on the outer surface.
Did not adhere to
the label
The ribbon is coated on the inner surface. To verify this,
repeat the test on the inner surface of the roll of ribbon.
If the ribbon... Then...
Left a mark on the paper The ribbon is coated on the outer surface.
Did not leave a mark on
the paper
The ribbon is coated on the inner surface. To verify this,
repeat the test on the other surface of the roll of ribbon.