User Manual

Types of Thermal Media
Types of Thermal Media
The printer can use a wide variety of thermal print media outlined here.
IMPORTANT: For optimal printing quality and proper printer performance across our product
line, Zebra strongly recommends the use of Zebra Certified Supplies as part of the total
solution. A wide range of paper, polypropylene, polyester, and vinyl stock has been specifically
engineered to enhance the printing capabilities of the printer and prevent premature printhead
wear.
The ZD series printers use heat and pressureto expose direct thermal media.
The printer can use various types of media:
• Standard media—Most standard (non-continuous) media uses an adhesive backing that sticks individual
labels or a continuous length of labels to a liner.
• Continuous roll media—Most continuous roll media is direct thermal media (similar to FAX paper) and is
used for receipt or ticket style printing.
• Tag stock—Tags are usually made from heavy paper up to0.19 mm ([0.0075 in.)thick. Tag stock does
not have adhesive or a liner, and it is typically perforated between tags.
• Fan-Fold—Non-continuous media that comes folded in a rectangular stack. Fanfold media is either gap/
notch or black mark media.
Determining Thermal Media Types
Thermal transfer media requires a ribbon for printing while direct thermal media does not. To determine if
ribbon must be used with a particular media, perform a media scratch test.
1. Scratch the print surface of the media with a fingernail or pen cap. Press firmly and quickly while
dragging it across the media surface. Direct thermal media is chemically treated to print (expose) when
the heat is applied. This test method uses friction heat to expose the media.
2. Did a black mark appear on the media?
If a black mark... Then the media is...
Appears on the media Direct thermal. No ribbon is required.
Does not appear on the media
Thermal transfer. A ribbon is required.
Table 5Media Scratch Test Results
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