Ribbon Saver Overview; Appendix G - Datamax A-Class A-4212 Operator's Manual

Appendix G

Ribbon Saver Overview

With the Ribbon Saver option, the printer can conserve ribbon use in blank label areas.
Depending upon the label format, when more than .25 inches (6.4 mm) of ribbon can be
saved in no-print areas, the printhead lifts off the platen and a brake stops ribbon motion,
while the assist rollers continue to advance media. At about .25 inches before the next line
of print, the brake releases as the printhead is lowered to resume printing. Additional
parameters and features regarding operation include the following considerations:
The amount white space passed before the ribbon saver actuates is determined by the
media travel speed. For example, at 2 IPS there must be at least .65 inches (16.5 mm)
of white space, while at 8 IPS the length increases to 1.2 inches (30.5 mm) before
engagement.
Ribbon savings become more significant as the label white space gets larger.
Following a Top of Form, Out of Stock, Position, Ribbon or Head Lift Fault, ribbon
saving will not occur during the first two inches (51 mm) after restart.
The ribbon saver will actuate up to twenty times per label.
The menu can be used for control (see Section 4.2.3).
Functional tests can be performed (see Section 4.2.6).
Throughput remains unaffected by operation. At faster speeds, however, a light
horizontal mark (produced as the moving label contacts the stationary ribbon) may
appear across the label. To minimize this contact mark use a slightly harder wax or
wax/resin formulation of ribbon or slow the print speed.
A-Class 145