Functional View; Description Of Components And Operation - Hengstler eXtendo X-56 Operating Manual

eXtendo® Thermal Printer Family
The X-80 has a maximum paper width of 86 mm. While 86 mm wide paper may sometimes be used,
the most common larger paper widths are 80 mm and 82. 5 mm (3¼ inches). These do require a
paper guide to use. This is why the X-80 is always shipped with paper guides, since they are needed
for the most common paper widths.

3.3. Functional View

3.4. Description of Components and Operation

There are several key components or modules to the eXtendo® family of thermal printers (Fig. 1).
The thermal printhead is positioned above the platen. The platen acts as a roller to advance the
paper at the same time it acts as a surface against which the spring-loaded printhead presses the
paper to insure good thermal conductivity. The interface, motor used to turn the platen, sensors,
printhead, and paper cutter are all connected to the controller, which controls all these
components to function at the proper time and which also communicates to the host. The cutter
separates the paper from the paper roll when instructed to do so. Several sensors monitor progress
as the printed document is created. All these items are mounted in a conductive plastic housing to
discharge any static and to provide electrical noise shielding.
The paper chute is a short chute protruding from the front of the printer. It snaps in and out without
tools. The paper chute should be present for most normal printing applications, but it should be
removed for applications where the printed document is expected to fall freely into a chute or other
pathway. In these cases, the chute may interfere with the free fall of the printed document.
The paper entrance sensor detects if paper is approached in the entry area. The controller causes
the motor to turn the platen to draw paper into the printer. As soon as the paper reaches the
platen, the paper is pulled under the printhead and printing can begin.
Part No. D-684-124
Figure 1
Mod. No. 4 270919 HW1 page 9 of 33