Dymo LabelWriter 450, 450 Turbo/Twin Turbo/Duo, 4XL, SE450 - Label Printer Manual

Safety Precautions

Read and understand all of the precautions listed below. Follow all warnings and instructions marked on the product.

General

• Dispose of plastic bags correctly and keep away from babies and children.
• Place the product on a flat, stable surface.
• Always use the product as instructed in this user guide.
• Unplug the power cord immediately if you notice any abnormal odor, heat, smoke, discoloration, deformation or anything unusual while using the product.
• Do not disassemble the product. For inspection, adjustment and repair of the product, contact DYMO Customer Support.
• Do not drop, hit, or otherwise mishandle the product.
• Do not allow any liquids to come into contact with the product.
• Make sure to turn off the power, if applicable, and remove the power cord from the electrical outlet before cleaning the product. Failure to do so could cause an electrical shock or fire.
• Do not insert foreign objects into the product.
• Do not use paint thinner, benzene, alcohol or any other organic solvents to clean the product. Doing so may cause damage to the surface finish. Use a soft, dry cloth to clean the product.

Power

• Use only the power adapter listed in this user guide:
  LabelWriter 450, 450 Turbo, 450 Twin Turbo, and 450 Duo: Adapter model DSA-42PFC24 2 240175 from Dee Van Enterprise Co., Ltd.
  LabelWriter 4XL: Adapter model DSA-96PFB-24 2 240375 from Dee Van Enterprise Co., Ltd.
• Do not handle the power cord or adapter if your hands are wet.
• Do not cut, damage, alter, or place heavy objects on the power cord.
• Do not use the power cord or adapter if they are damaged.
• Do not pull the power cord when removing the plug from the electrical outlet. Doing so could cause an electrical shock or fire.
• Do not use the power adapter in a confined space or cover it with a cloth. Make sure there is sufficient ventilation to prevent the power adapter from overheating.
• If the product will not be used for an extended period of time, remove the power cord from the electrical outlet.

Printer

• Do not put fingers in moving parts or openings of the product.
• Do not block or insert objects into the label exit slot.
• Do not touch the tear bar. Personal injury could result.
• Do not place the product in areas exposed to direct sunlight, near heaters or other hot appliances, or in any area exposed to extremely high or low temperatures, high humidity, or excessive dust.
• Do not hold or lift the product by the cover.

Labels

• Use only DYMO-branded labels. The product's warranty does not cover any malfunction or damage caused by the use of third-party labels.
• Apply labels only to a clean, dry surface at room temperature.
• Do not expose label rolls to direct sunlight, high temperatures, high humidity, or dust. Store in a cool, dark place.

About the LabelWriter Printer

Your LabelWriter printer will give you years of reliable label printing. We encourage you to take a few minutes to review how to use and care for your printer.

This manual provides information about the following printer models:

• LabelWriter 450
• LabelWriter 450 Turbo
• LabelWriter 450 Twin Turbo
• LabelWriter 450 Duo
• LabelWriter 4XL
• LabelWriter SE450

For complete information about programming and using the LabelWriter SE450 printer, refer to the LabelWriter SE450 Technical Reference Guide, available from the Developers Program page on the DYMO Web site (www.dymo.com).

LabelWriter Printer Features

Your LabelWriter printer is a direct thermal printer and does not use ink or toner. Instead, the printer uses heat from a thermal print head to print on specially treated, heat-sensitive labels. Labels are the only supplies you will ever need to buy.

Become familiar with the major components of the printer.

The form-feed button on the front of the printer advances a single label. The reverse label button is used to remove labels from the printer when changing rolls. The LabelWriter SE450 printer does not include a reverse label button.

The status light visually shows the current state of the printer. Refer to "Status Light" for a complete description of the status light.

System Requirements

The LabelWriter printer requires a USB 1.1 or USB 2.0 connection and one of the following:

• Windows^® XP 32-bit
• Windows Vista^®
• Windows^® 7
• Mac OS^® v10.4 or later

To use the LabelWriter SE450 printer with a serial connection, an RS-232 serial port is required.

Printing Labels

DYMO desktop labeling software make designing and printing labels easy. Download DYMO desktop labeling software from support.dymo.com.

Developer and SDK Information

DYMO provides various types of information designed to help developers create products that work with the LabelWriter printers and DYMO Label software. Below are some notes for those interested in developing products that work with LabelWriter printers.

• Keep in mind that LabelWriter printers use standard printer drivers. Therefore, printing to a LabelWriter printer is no different than printing to a laser or inkjet printer, except that the pages are smaller.
• In cases where you want to automate printing and take advantage of the label printing power built into DYMO Label software, a Software Developer's Kit (SDK) is included in your LabelWriter CD. The SDK provides COM and.NET interfaces. For more information, visit the Developer Program page on the DYMO web site. www.dymo.com.

You can check the Developer's forum on the DYMO Web site at www.dymo.com for the latest news. Also, you can join the Developer's mailing list to obtain developer-specific news and announcements.

For complete information about connecting the LabelWriter SE450 printer to the host computer or other device, and for information about programming and using the LabelWriter SE450 printer, refer to the LabelWriter SE450 Technical Reference Guide, available from the Developers Program page on the DYMO Web site (www.dymo.com).

About Labels

DYMO LabelWriter printers use advanced thermal printing technology to print on specially treated, heat-sensitive labels. This means you will never have to replace toner, ink cartridges, or a ribbon to print labels.

Note DYMO's warranty does not cover malfunction or damage that may be caused by the use of labels other than DYMO-branded labels. Because DYMO LabelWriter printers use thermal printing technology, you must use specially designed and manufactured labels. The thermal coatings used on labels other than DYMO-branded labels may not be compatible, and may provide unsatisfactory printing or cause the printer to malfunction.

How long your labels will last depends on how the labels are used. Thermal paper labels, such as those printed by the LabelWriter printer, are susceptible to fading in two ways:

• Exposure to direct sunlight, to fluorescent light for an extended period of time, or to extreme heat will cause fading.
• Contact with plasticizers (for example, labels placed on plastic ring binders) will cause fading.

In the original packaging, the shelf life for LabelWriter labels is 18 months. When labels are used for short-term applications (envelopes, packages, and so on), fading is not a problem. When labels are used to label files in a file cabinet, fading is very gradual over many years. Labels applied to the edge of a notebook that is then placed on a shelf in the sun will show signs of fading within a few months.

To prolong label life when labels are not in use, store the labels in a cool, dry place and in the black bag in which they were originally packaged.

Loading Labels

Each label roll comes in a black plastic bag. Make sure to store the label roll in this bag when the labels are not being used.

The LabelWriter Twin Turbo printer holds two label rolls, so you can print two types of labels without having to change the label roll.

The LabelWriter Duo printer prints two types of labels: die-cut paper labels (such as Address or Shipping labels) and D1 plastic labels.

In order for the labels to feed properly during printing, pay attention to the following when loading labels on the spool and into the printer:

• The label spool guide must be pushed flush against the label roll, with no gap. See Figure 2.
  
• The labels must be loaded with the left edge of the label inserted against the left edge of the label feed slot. See Figure 4.
  

Figures 3 and 4 in this section show loading labels in a LabelWriter 450 printer. However, the instructions apply to loading labels in any LabelWriter printer model.

To load a label roll

1. With the printer plugged in, press the form-feed button to eject the labels that protected the printer during shipment.
2. Open the top cover and remove any packing material inside the label compartment.
3. Remove the label spool from inside the cover and separate the spool guide from the spindle.
4. Hold the spool spindle in your left hand and place the label roll on the spindle so that the labels feed from underneath and the left edge of the label roll is firmly against the side of the spool. See Figure 1.
   
5. Slide the spool guide onto the right side of the spool and press the guide tightly against the side of the label roll, leaving no gap between the roll and the spool. See Figure 2.
   Note To ensure proper feeding of labels during printing, the label roll must fit snugly against both sides of the label spool, with no gaps.
6. Insert the label spool into the slot in the printer cover with the labels extending from underneath the roll. See Figure 3.
   
7. Align the left edge of the label with the left edge of the label feed slot and insert the label into the slot. See Figure 4.
   The printer automatically feeds the labels, stopping at the beginning of the first label.
   If the printer does not feed the labels, make sure the first label is fully inserted and then press the form-feed button.
   If the first label on the roll is not a full label, press the form-feed button to eject the partial label.
   Note Regardless of the label width, the left edge of the label must be aligned with the left edge of the label feed slot for the labels to feed properly.
8. Slide the label guide to the left until the label guide aligns with the right edge of the label. See Figure 4.
   Make sure that the label guide does not pinch the label.
9. (Twin Turbo Only) Repeat steps 3-8 to load a second roll of labels.
10. Carefully lower the top cover.

To load a label cassette (LabelWriter Duo)

1. Press the button on the front of the printer to open the label cassette tray.
   Note The first time you use the printer, remove the protective cardboard insert from the label exit slot. See Figure 5.
   
2. Make sure the label and ribbon are taut across the mouth of the cassette and that the label passes between the label guides.
   If necessary, turn the ribbon rewind spool clockwise to tighten the ribbon.
3. Insert the cassette and press firmly until the cassette clicks into place. Make sure label and ribbon are positioned correctly. See Figure 6.
   
4. Press the button on the front of the printer to close the label cassette tray.

Ordering Labels

DYMO offers a full range of labels for the LabelWriter printers, including labels suited for addressing envelopes, shipping packages, naming file folders, labeling all sorts of media, printing name badges, and much more. A complete listing can be found at the DYMO Web site: www.dymo.com.

DYMO's warranty does not cover malfunction or damage that may be caused by the use of labels other than DYMO-branded labels. Because DYMO LabelWriter printers use thermal printing technology, you must use specially designed and manufactured labels. The thermal coatings used on labels other than DYMO-branded labels may not be compatible and may provide unsatisfactory printing or cause the printer to malfunction.

Caring for Your Printer

The LabelWriter printer is designed to give you long and trouble-free service, while requiring very little maintenance. You will get the best possible performance from your LabelWriter printer if you follow the setup instructions that appear in the Quick Start Guide and the procedures described in this section.

To keep your LabelWriter printer working properly, you should clean it from time to time. Dusting the outside of the printer occasionally will help keep foreign matter from getting inside the printer. However, it is still a good idea to periodically perform some basic interior maintenance, such as cleaning the label path with the cleaning card.

You can easily clean your LabelWriter printer using the following items:

• Lint-free cloth.
• Isopropyl alcohol, diluted dishwashing detergent, or diluted glass cleaner.
  
  If you use glass cleaner, make sure it does not contain ammonia.
• Small, soft brush, such as a tooth brush or child's paint brush.
• LabelWriter cleaning card.
  To purchase cleaning cards, visit www.dymo.com.

To clean the exterior of your printer and the label roll compartment

1. Disconnect the power cord.
2. Use the lint-free cloth to wipe the exterior of the printer.
3. Remove dirt and smudges with one of the cleaning solutions mentioned above.
4. Open the top cover.
5. Use a small, soft brush or cotton swab to whisk away paper dust and other stray particles from the inside of the printer.
6. Remove the roll of labels and clean under the roll.
7. Reconnect the power cord.
8. If you have a LabelWriter cleaning card, follow the instructions printed on cleaning card packaging.
9. Reload the roll of labels and carefully close the top cover.

To clean the tape print head (LabelWriter Duo only)

1. Press the button on the front of the label cassette tray.
2. Remove the label cassette.
3. Use a small, soft brush or cotton swab to wipe away paper dust and other stray particles from the inside of the tray.
4. Remove the cleaning tool from the inside of the tray.
   If you do not have a cleaning tool, contact DYMO Consumer Care.
5. Gently wipe the print head with the tool.
   The print head is very delicate, so use care when cleaning.
6. Replace the cleaning tool, insert the label cassette, and press the button to close the tray.

To clean the cutter blade (LabelWriter Duo only)

1. Press the button on the front of the label cassette tray.
2. Remove the label cassette.
3. Quickly press the Form Feed and Label Eject buttons at the same time.
   The cutter blade will move into view.
4. Use a cotton swab and alcohol to clean both sides of the cutter blade.
   The cutter blade is extremely sharp. Use caution when cleaning.
5. After cleaning the blade, press the Label Eject button once to return the blade to its home position.

You can also follow this procedure if the cutter blade becomes lodged in the forward position and will not move.

Getting Help

Your LabelWriter printer should offer years of trouble-free printing with very little maintenance. However, in the event that you encounter a problem, this chapter offers suggestions for resolving problems that can occur when using the printer. If you are unable to solve a problem, this chapter also describes how to contact DYMO Technical Support.

For complete information about programming and using the LabelWriter SE450 printer, refer to the LabelWriter SE450 Technical Reference Guide, available from the Developers Program page on the DYMO Web site (www.dymo.com).

Obtaining Technical Support

If you experience problems with the setup or use of your printer, carefully read this manual to make sure you have not missed something that is covered in the documentation.

If you cannot resolve your problem by consulting the documentation, you can obtain additional information and assistance from DYMO.

DYMO maintains an Internet Web site at www.dymo.com that includes the latest support information for your LabelWriter printer.

To contact us, visit the Support area of our Web site at: www.dymo.com

Troubleshooting

This section provides information on how to detect and correct problems you might encounter while using your LabelWriter printer.

Status Light

The status light visually shows the current state of the printer:

For the LabelWriter SE450, the status light shows the current state of the printer as follows:

Performing a Printer Self-Test

If you experience problems with broken characters or other print quality issues, perform a printer self-test. The self-test verifies that all elements of the print head and printing mechanism are in working condition.

To perform a self-test

1. With a roll of labels in the printer, press and hold the form-feed button on the front of the printer for five to ten seconds.
   The printer begins printing vertical lines along the width of the printer. The test pattern automatically changes every 3/4 inch (19 mm).
2. Once the self-test begins, release the form-feed button.
3. To stop the self-test, press and release the form-feed button.

Clearing Label Jams

To clear labels that have become jammed in the printer

1. Tear off any labels that have already fed through the printer.
2. Press the label release lever forward and pull the jammed label out of the label feed slot.
   

Correcting Poor Print Quality

Poor print quality is most frequently caused by one of the following:

• An old roll of labels
• Labels made by a manufacturer other than DYMO
• Labels where the thermal coating has been compromised
• A dirty print head

First, make sure you are using DYMO-branded labels. Do not use third-party labels because the thermal coating on other labels has a different sensitivity than DYMO-branded labels. Also, the perforated holes between the labels made by other manufacturers are frequently not detectable by LabelWriter printers.

If the print quality becomes faint, small dots of white appear scattered through the printed characters, or light and dark patches of printing appear, you are probably using a faulty roll of labels. Try using a different roll from a fresh box. If the second roll prints correctly, the problem is with the first roll of labels.

Another possibility is that the LabelWriter print head needs cleaning. See "Caring for Your Printer" for information about cleaning the label path with a LabelWriter cleaning card.

Labels Do Not Feed Correctly

If your labels do not feed correctly, check the following:

• Make sure your labels are loaded properly and that the left edge of the label is aligned with the left edge of the label feed slot. See "Loading Labels".
• Make sure you are using DYMO-branded labels. The perforated holes between the labels made by other manufacturers are frequently not detectable by DYMO printers. When the perforations are not detected, the labels will not feed correctly. Using third-party labels may also void your warranty.

Printer Does Not Print or Stops Printing

If your printer does not print or stops printing while in use, follow the steps below to track down the problem.

1. Make sure the printer is still getting power and that the power cable has not been disconnected.
   If the status light on the front of the printer is not lit, check to make sure the power cable is plugged in, and that your power strip is working.
   To make sure the problem is not with the outlet or power strip, try plugging something else into the wall outlet and power strip.
2. Confirm that the printer is feeding labels properly by pushing the form feed button while the printer is on.
   If the labels are jammed, the status light will blink. Refer to "Clearing Label Jams".
3. Make sure that your USB cable has not come loose from the back of your printer or from your computer.
   Refer to the installation instructions in the Quick Start Guide to make sure the cable is connected properly.
4. (Windows) Check that your LabelWriter printer driver is installed correctly.
   The LabelWriter printer driver takes print data from your software and directs it to the LabelWriter printer. The driver is automatically installed when you install the software that comes with your printer. However, the driver may have been changed or deleted by mistake.
   1. From the Start menu, choose Printers and Faxes.
   2. Right-click the LabelWriter printer icon, and then choose Properties.
   3. From the Properties dialog box, click Printing Preferences.
   4. From the Preferences dialog box, click Advanced.
      The Advanced dialog box appears.
      If no errors are displayed the Advanced dialog box, the printer driver is installed correctly.

If you are still having problems after checking the above items, contact Customer Service to arrange for a Return Authorization (RA). See "Obtaining Technical Support".

Technical and Environmental Information

This chapter contains technical and certification information for the LabelWriter printer.

Technical Specifications

Power Adapter

Use only the power adapter listed in this user guide:

• LabelWriter 450, 450 Turbo, 450 Twin Turbo, and 450 Duo: Adapter model DSA-42PFC-24 2 240175 from Dee Van Enterprise Co., Ltd.
• LabelWriter 4XL: Adapter model DSA-96PFB-24 2 240375 from Dee Van Enterprise Co., Ltd.

LabelWriter SE450 Printer Technical Specifications

For complete information about connecting the LabelWriter SE450 printer to the host computer or other device, and for information about programming and using the LabelWriter SE450 printer, refer to the LabelWriter SE450 Technical Reference Guide, available from the Developers Program page on the DYMO Web site (www.dymo.com).

Device Certification

This device has been tested and complies with the requirements of:
TUV CB Test Certificate
cTUVus Certificate
TUV GS Certificate
INTERNATIONAL STANDARD IEC 60950 Safety of information technology equipment
FCC Part 15 Class B
RoHS 2002/95/EC

This device is not intended for use in the direct field of view at visual display workplaces. To avoid incommoding reflections at visual display workplaces, this device must not be placed in the direct field of view.

Copyright

© 2009 Sanford, L.P. All rights reserved. Revised 8/21.

No part of this document or the software may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means or translated into another language without the prior written consent of Sanford, L.P.

Trademarks

DYMO and LabelWriter are registered marks in the United States and other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective holders.

FCC Statement

The user is cautioned that changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

www.dymo.com