Specifications

Media
Determining Thermal Media Types
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P1028247-001 Rev. B KR203 Hardware Integrator Guide 10/26/2010
Determining Thermal Media Types
The KR203 printer uses direct thermal media. Direct thermal media has a chemically
treated print surface that uses heat to expose or darken the area where heat is applied.
Thermal transfer media or ordinary un-treated paper requires ribbon or ink for printing
while direct thermal media does not. To determine what type of media is being used and
print surface of the media, perform a media scratch test.
1. Scratch the print surface of the media with a finger nail or pen cap. Press firmly and
quickly while dragging it across the media surface. Direct thermal media is chemically
treated to print (expose) when heat is applied. This test method uses friction heat to
expose the media.
Did a black mark appear on the media?
If a black mark... Then the media is...
Does not appear on the media Thermal transfer. A ribbon or ink is
required and is not support for use by the
KR203.
Appears on the outside of the media. Direct thermal. No ribbon or ink are
required.