Ribbon Path Alignment - Datamax I-Class Mark II Maintenance Manual

I-Class Mark II Maintenance Manual
2.3

Ribbon Path Alignment

If irregular voids extend intermittently, diagonally through an image printed with ribbon, the cause may be
due to ribbon overlap (wrinkling). However, other factors can be involved. Begin troubleshooting by verifying
correct adjustment of the Leveling Cam (Section 2.2.1), Printhead Pressure (Section 2.2.2), and Burn Line
(Section 2.2.3). Also, examine the platen for wear, debris buildup, and excessive lateral movement. If all of
these adjustments and components are in good order, then perform a Ribbon Path Alignment as follows:
1. Load 4 inch (102mm) or wider Media.
2. Load a matching Ribbon and allow it to feed with the Media from the printer.
Printhead
Assembly
Ribbon
Media
3. Disengage the Leveling Cam; see Section 2.2.1.
4. Plug in and turn ON the printer. Press FEED several times to normalize ribbon and label tracking. (If
lateral movement is excessive, this must be corrected before proceeding-- typical causes include an
unlatched printhead, uneven printhead pressure, a worn platen or worn platen bearings.)
5. Observe the ribbon for rippling and bagging as it travels from the Ribbon Supply Hub to the Printhead
Assembly. If smooth, proceed to Step 6; otherwise, loosen the Idler Screw then, while repeatedly pressing
FEED, rotate the Idler Cam until the ribbon is smoothly dispensed. Tighten the Idler Screw and feed
several more labels to verify adjustment; repeat if necessary.
Adjustments and Maintenance
Idler Cam
18
Ribbon
Supply Hub
Idler Screw