Burn Line Adjustment - Datamax I-class Maintenance Manual

2.2.3

Burn Line Adjustment

Note: This adjustment is NOT REQUIRED during a normal printhead replacement.

The Burn Line, a row of thermal elements that creates the image, is adjusted to compliance using 6.5-
mil (.0065 inch) media to maintain print quality across a majority of types. In extreme cases,
however, when media with a different thickness or rigidity is used (e.g., heavy tag stock) this
relationship can change. If the print quality cannot be improved using HEAT and/or PRINT SPEED
changes, then a Burn Line may be required as follows:
1. Load media (and ribbon, if needed). Disengage the Leveling Cam and latch the Printhead
Assembly.
2. Enter the Quick Test Mode then select 100 Print Quality Labels.
3. Loosen the two Locking Screws ½ to ¾ of a turn.
4. Turn the Adjustment Screws counter-clockwise until the Burn Line is past the platen vertex. Print
a Validation Label from the Quick Test Menu. The label should look light and uneven.
5. Tighten the Locking Screws just until they are "snug"– tight enough to remove any play in the
printhead assembly, yet loose enough to allow the Adjustment Screws to move the printhead.
6. Turn each Adjustment Screws clockwise about ¼ a turn (or 1/8 a turn for finer adjustments). Print
another Validation Label and examine the print quality. Repeat this step until labels with even
print contrast (darkness) and acceptable print quality are produced.
Note: Use care. When the Locking Screws are snug, turning the Adjustment Screws

counter-clockwise will not move the printhead outward. If the printhead has been
adjusted inward too far, the entire procedure must be restarted.
7. Tighten the Locking Screws then print a final test label to verify the adjustment.
Adjustments and Maintenance
2-10