Media Selection; Ribbon Loading - SATO LT408 Operator's Manual

MEDIA SELECTION

The size and type of labels to be printed should have been taken into consideration before printer purchase.
Ideally, the media width will be equal to, or just narrower than, the print head. Using media that does not cover the
print head will allow the platen roller to tread upon its surface resulting in premature wear. The media edge will also
wear a groove in the platen roller affecting print quality.
There are two types of media that may be used: thermal transfer and direct thermal. Thermal transfer media
requires the use of ribbon stock for print application. In such a scenario, it is the ribbon stock (carbon paper) that
contains the ink that will be transfered to the media.
Direct thermal media has thermally reactive material embedded within and is brought to the surface through heat
penetration by print head contact. Only load ribbon stock into the printer if that media type is to be used.

RIBBON LOADING

To load ribbon stock, unlatch the print head and remove exhausted ribbon stock if applicable. Insert an unused
ribbon roll, with ribbon core, fully onto the ribbon supply boss (left) and an empty core onto the ribbon rewind boss
(right). Route the ribbon's free end around the print assembly and tape it to the blank core on the rewind boss.
Rotate the core a couple of times while holding the boss stationary to take up take up slack. Refer to Figure 3-5 for
visual assistance.
WARNING: AVOID PHYSICAL CONTACT WITH THE PRINT HEAD TO PREVENT
BURNED FINGERS/HANDS AND COMPONENT DAMAGE.
NOTE: Properly installed ribbon stock will be oriented so that its dull, ink side is facing
the printer chassis while the ribbon is dispensed and taken up on the right side of
each roll. The non-ink side of the riibon stock is the shiniest of the two surfaces.
Lt408 Operator Manual
Unit 3: Installation
Ribbon Core
Ribbon Boss
Ribbon Stock
Label Sensor
Media Guide
Printer Chassis Pressure Roller Release
Figure 3-5, Ribbon & Media Loading
Pressure Roller
3-5
Power Switch
Print Assembly
Platen Roller
Label Media
Paper Backing
PN: 9001152A