Dynamic Print Control; Thermal Consumables; Media Selection; Ribbons - Printronix SL5000r User Manual

Chapter 1

Thermal Consumables

Dynamic Print Control

Dynamic print control is a unique feature of your thermal printer that provides
excellent print quality by preventing unevenness of print density.
Print quality largely depends on how the thermal paper or the thermal ribbon
and thermal transfer paper responds to the heat of the thermal printhead.
During printing, the thermal printhead must reach a set temperature in the
shortest possible time. Then it must cool down to the original temperature in
the shortest possible time after printing. Thus print quality is dependent on the
precise control of the energy supplied to the thermal dots.
The dynamic print control is a method for predicting the quantity of heat
required to print dots based on the results of the previous printing. This
prevents unevenness of print density and results in the printing of narrow-
ladder bar codes or vertical grid lines that are straight from the microscopic
viewpoint.
Thermal Consumables

Media Selection

Since there are two print modes of operation, there are two kinds of thermal
media:
•
Direct thermal media
•
Thermal transfer media
Direct thermal media is paper coated with special chemicals that act as an
accelerator, acceptor dye, and binder. During direct thermal mode, the heat
from the thermal printhead contacts the paper and causes a chemical
reaction.
Thermal transfer media requires ribbon. A wide range of Printronix thermal
transfer media is available, such as film or synthetic paper substitutes. Most
of these media options can be die-cut for easy label applications. The wide
selection of media sizes and face stocks have been tested with Printronix
ribbons for print quality and usage. Consult your Genuine Printronix Supplies
Catalog, call the Printronix Customer Solutions Center at (714) 368-2686, or
access the Printronix web page at www.printronix.com.
NOTE: The term "media" used in this manual refers to all the different kinds
See "Genuine Printronix Media" on page 359 for more information.

Ribbons

Printronix offers a wide range of ribbons specifically engineered to enhance
printing capabilities and to prevent premature printhead wear. Therefore, you
should use a Genuine Printronix Thermal Ribbon in your printer.
See "Genuine Printronix Thermal Transfer Ribbons" on page 358 for more
information.
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of paper or tag stock that can be used in the printer.