TABLE OF CONTENTS General Information Uptime™ Total Services Setup and Timing Issues Introduction Setup Issues 2.2.1 Print Anvil 2.2.2 Printhead Gap 2.2.3 Ribbons Important Printer Settings Print Darkness 2.4.1 Print Speed Print Signal Issues 2.5.1 Debounce Time 2.5.2 Print Delay Moving the Printed Image 2.6.1 Registration...
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TABLE OF CONTENTS Technical Information Introduction The 8018 Thermal Transfer Printer Printer Components 4.3.1 Intermittent Drive System - Model 8018i Printer 4.3.2 Continuous Drive System - Model 8018c Printer 4.3.3 Ribbon Drive System The Printhead Module 4.4.1 The Print Mechanism Components 4.4.2 Printhead Mechanism Operation Printhead Assembly...
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TABLE OF CONTENTS Troubleshooting Introduction Fault and Warning Messages 5.2.1 Fault Messages 5.2.2 Warning Messages Common Issues 5-11 5.3.1 No Power to the Printer 5-11 5.3.2 Printhead Cables 5-11 5.3.3 Encoder 5-11 No Information Is Printed 5-11 The Printhead Does Not Move Out 5-11 Drive System Issues 5-12...
SECTION 1 - GENERAL INFORMATION General Information This manual is designed to assist with keeping your 8018 Thermal Transfer Printer in good working order. Topics covered in the following sections include: • General maintenance and cleaning. • Technical information about the 8018. •...
SECTION 1 - GENERAL INFORMATION Uptime™ Total Services • Application Specialists • Installation • myMARKEM • Repair Centre • Training As part of the Markem.Imaje continuous commitment to helping customers succeed, Markem.Imaje has introduced the Uptime Total Solutions Program, a comprehensive array of services to maximize uptime, productivity and customer satisfaction.
SECTION 2 - SETUP AND TIMING ISSUES Setup and Timing Issues Introduction The following section provides general advice for ensuring that your 8018 Thermal Transfer Printer is working at its most efficient. Topics covered in this section include: • Printhead Gap •...
SECTION 2 - SETUP AND TIMING ISSUES Setup Issues 2.2.1 Print Anvil The print roller for Model 8018c and print anvil for Model 8018i are wear parts, and should be checked regularly for damage. If the print roller has become damaged this will cause print quality problems. For example a flat spot on the Model 8018c roller rubber will appear as a repeated blank area on the Test pattern.
SECTION 2 - SETUP AND TIMING ISSUES Important Printer Settings Various Printer Settings will affect the performance of the 8018 printers. The initial setup of the machine would normally be performed by a qualified Markem.Imaje trained technician, but if not the following information should prove helpful.
SECTION 2 - SETUP AND TIMING ISSUES 2.4.1 Print Speed The speed that Printhead moves along the linear slide (Model 8018i). The speed the ribbon moves on the print part of the cycle. (Model 8018c) With Intermittent printers the speed is determined by the dwell time when the substrate has stopped moving.
SECTION 2 - SETUP AND TIMING ISSUES Moving the Printed Image The position of print within the printing area can be changed. Altering the Registration and Offset values moves the printed information in the head feeding direction and up and down the Printhead. On intermittent printers, when the Registration is altered the printhead will move to its new datum position immediately and will use this new datum until the Registration is altered again.
SECTION 2 - SETUP AND TIMING ISSUES Timing issues Many timing issues (speeding up the line/host machine) can arise when setting up a new application, or when changing the way an existing application works. Timing issues can be common to the Model 8018i and Model 8018c. Since the machines work differently, it is likely that timing issues will vary with the machine type.
SECTION 3 - MAINTENANCE Maintenance Introduction The 8018 series of Thermal Transfer Printers are extremely successful, however as with any machine, if it is not set up and maintained correctly, problems can occur. This section is designed to provide information about how to keep your 8018 Thermal Transfer Printer in good working order.
SECTION 3 - MAINTENANCE Cleaning and Care To ensure that your 8018 Thermal Transfer Printer operates correctly, the entire unit should be cleaned on a regular basis. Particular attention should be given to the printer, especially if food products are able to fall into the unit.
SECTION 3 - MAINTENANCE Care of the Printhead Although purpose-built for its application, the printhead is still subject to wear and tear. Careful consideration at the time of installation and regular preventative maintenance can significantly help to maximise printhead life. The most frequent cause of printhead damage is abrasion - either from ingress of airborne particles or from an abrasive substrate surface.
SECTION 3 - MAINTENANCE Replacing the Printhead Turn off the power to the printer. Always ensure anti static precautions are used when handling new printheads. 3.5.1 Removing the damaged printhead 1. Remove the four retaining screws 2. Lift the clamp off and place to one from the Printhead cable clamp.
SECTION 3 - MAINTENANCE 3.5.2 Setting the correct Printhead Resistance Note the resistance value printed on the PCB side of the new Printhead. This value must be entered into the User Interface menu structure. The processor will then adjust the voltage level to suit the particular printhead resistance level.
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SECTION 3 - MAINTENANCE Press the right button to Select the menu. 3. Pressure 4. TPH Resistance 5. Print Speed Back Select The TPH Resistance menu screen is displayed. TPH Resistance Current: 1125 New: 1085 Cancel Accept Enter the new value by using the numeric keypad or use the top and bottom Quad buttons to change the value.
SECTION 3 - MAINTENANCE Replacing the Peel Roller The Peel Roller body is a wear part and should be checked for damage and changed if necessary. 1. Remove the retaining screw from 2. Carefully remove the peel roller the end of peel roller. ensuring not to drop any components.
SECTION 3 - MAINTENANCE Replacing the Ribbon Guide Rollers The ribbon guide rollers are vulnerable to damage through misuse and may have to be changed if they become bent or damaged. The procedure is as follows: 2. Carefully remove the ribbon guide 1.
SECTION 3 - MAINTENANCE Replacing the Ribbon Movement Roller If any parts of the movement roller has been damaged, the assembly will have to be replaced. The procedure is as follows: Switch off and disconnect the power to the machine. 1.Release the ribbon supply reel securing clasp by applying pressure with a screwdriver or Allen key.
SECTION 3 - MAINTENANCE 3.8.1 Replacing the Ribbon Movement Sensor If the sensor has to be replaced, the procedure should be as follows: Switch off and disconnect the power to the machine. Remove the Ribbon Movement roller as previously described. 1.
SECTION 3 - MAINTENANCE Replacing the Ribbon Tension Roller If the tension roller becomes damaged the whole assembly may require changing. The procedure is as follows: Switch off and disconnect the power to the machine. 2. Lift the assembly off the shaft. 1.
SECTION 3 - MAINTENANCE 3.10 Replacing the Ribbon Tension Sensor If the tension sensor has to be replaced, the procedure should be as follows: Switch off and disconnect the power to the machine. 1. Undo the six retaining screws and 2.
SECTION 3 - MAINTENANCE 3.11 Sensor Calibration The tension sensor will require re-calibrating once it has been fitted. When you replace the Main PCB, Tension Sensor PBC, or Tension Sensor Assembly, you will need to calibrate the tension sensor. This is achieved by standing the printer on it’s side, and using the Local User Interface menu…...
SECTION 3 - MAINTENANCE 3.11.1 Calibration procedure Place the 8018 Thermal Transfer Printer on its side and power up. (1) Remove the ribbon after the initial calibration process has finished. (2) From the Local User Interface select 7 (Engineering), 3 (Manual Control), 3 (Tension Setup) Tension Setup Remove System Tension...
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SECTION 3 - MAINTENANCE 11. The LUI displays “Distance per ADC” Tension Setup Target Tension 68 Dist per ADC 0.37 Back Confirm 12. Press “Confirm” Note: The figures shown are examples and will not necessarily reflect the figures displayed for individual printers. 3-16 8018 06/08...
SECTION 3 - MAINTENANCE 3.12 Replacing the Solenoid If the solenoid has to be replaced, the procedure should be as follows: Switch off and disconnect the power to the machine. 1. Undo the six retaining screws and 2. Undo the eight retaining screws and remove the cover from the printer remove the printer PCB.
SECTION 3 - MAINTENANCE 3.13 Replacing the Drive Belt - Intermittent The Model 8018i Intermittent printer drive belt can become worn or damaged after long periods of running. The belt should be checked at regular intervals for wear or damage. If the belt has to be replaced, the procedure is as follows: 1.
SECTION 3 - MAINTENANCE 3.14 Replacing the Printer PCBs If the printer PCB has to be replaced the procedure should be as follows: Switch off and disconnect the power to the printer. 2. Disconnect the connectors from the 1. Undo the six retaining screws and printer PCB.
SECTION 4 - TECHNICAL INFORMATION Technical Information Introduction This section is designed to provide quick access to Technical information about the 8018 Thermal Transfer Printer. Topics covered in this section include: • Printer Components • Printhead Module • Printer Orientation •...
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SECTION 4 - TECHNICAL INFORMATION The 8018 Thermal Transfer Printer The 8018 Thermal Transfer Printer is the unit that contains all the printer mechanics together with the control electronics. Two distinct versions of the printer are available: Model 8018i - Intermittent Printer Model 8018c - Continuous Printer The Continuous model is available in left or right hand versions.
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SECTION 4 - TECHNICAL INFORMATION Printer Components The image below shows the main components of the printers: Ribbon supply reel Ribbon take up reel Printhead module Thermal Transfer Printhead Actuator mechanism Ribbon tension roller Ribbon movement roller Ribbon guide rollers Intermittent linear slide / Continuous print module mounting plate Figure 4–3: Intermittent Printer Components Figure 4–4: Continuous Printer Components...
SECTION 4 - TECHNICAL INFORMATION 4.3.1 Intermittent Drive System - Model 8018i Printer The intermittent version of this printer requires the printhead to move over the substrate while printing occurs. The printhead module (A) is driven backward and forward along a linear slide (C) by means of a printhead carriage (B) that is connected to the drive belt.
SECTION 4 - TECHNICAL INFORMATION 4.3.2 Continuous Drive System - Model 8018c Printer The Continuous version of this printer does not require the printhead to move over the substrate while printing occurs. The print module (A) is mounted onto the print carriage (B) the same way as for the Intermittent version of this printer, but this is then fixed onto a rigid mounting block (C).
SECTION 4 - TECHNICAL INFORMATION 4.3.3 Ribbon Drive System The ribbon drive system is responsible for control of the ribbon tension, ribbon movement and ribbon operating speed. (A) Ribbon Take up Reel (B) Ribbon Supply Reel (C) Ribbon Movement Roller (D) Ribbon Tension Roller The ribbon drive is a direct drive system and does not require the use of a clutch.
SECTION 4 - TECHNICAL INFORMATION The Printhead Module The 8018 print module is designed to be used on all versions of the 8018 printers. The modular design means that it can be used for both Intermittent and Continuous versions of the printer. The module can also be easily changed from a left hand to a right hand version.
SECTION 4 - TECHNICAL INFORMATION 4.4.1 The Print Mechanism Components The print mechanism consists of a 24V solenoid (A), an actuator mechanism (B), a print module housing (C) containing a gimballed printhead assembly (D) with thermal transfer printhead (E). The Peel Roller (F) is used to separate the Ink ribbon from the substrate after printing.
SECTION 4 - TECHNICAL INFORMATION 4.4.2 Printhead Mechanism Operation When the Solenoid (A) is activated (1) the actuator mechanism (B) is rotated to its down position.(2) This in turn moves the printhead assembly (D) into contact with the substrate ready to print. (3) 8018 06/08...
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SECTION 4 - TECHNICAL INFORMATION The Model 8018i Intermittent printer also has a linear motion when printing. The distance travelled is dependant on the size of the print. The following example shows the start position (A) and end position (B) of the printhead during the printing process.
SECTION 4 - TECHNICAL INFORMATION Printhead Assembly The printhead assembly is designed for easy removal and replacement. The assembly plate is attached to the printhead by two 3 mm dowel pins and two 3 mm cap head screws. The complete assembly can be detached from the print module easily by undoing the quarter turn spring loaded screw mechanism behind the printhead.
SECTION 4 - TECHNICAL INFORMATION Printer Orientation It is critical to the success of the printer that all parties understand the orientation of the printer. With Model 8018i printers, the substrate is stationary when being printed onto and the only issue here is access to the printer. Intermittent printers are therefore Left Hand only.
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SECTION 4 - TECHNICAL INFORMATION Left Hand Printer showing: Right Hand Printer showing: Angle of the Printhead. Angle of the Printhead. Direction of the Substrate travel. Direction of the Substrate travel. If the Model 8018c is to print from the underside of the substrate, and access to the printer is to face in the same direction, the opposite hand would be required.
SECTION 4 - TECHNICAL INFORMATION Printer Calibration The Model 8018i printer calibrates on power up or if the ribbon has been removed and replaced. This is done to check the diameter of the ribbon and the ribbon tension. Figure 4–10: Model 8018iIntermittent Printer Figure 4–11: Model 8018c Continuous Printer (A) Ribbon movement roller (B) Ribbon tension roller...
SECTION 4 - TECHNICAL INFORMATION 4.7.1 Ribbon Movement Calibration Both Intermittent and Continuous versions of the 8018 Thermal Transfer Printer require the ribbon drive to be calibrated. Ribbon calibration is performed by running the two ribbon drive stepper motors. This in turn drives the ribbon round a movement roller which has a 2 pole magnet on the end of it.
SECTION 4 - TECHNICAL INFORMATION 4.7.2 Ribbon Movement Roller The ribbon movement roller (A) has a high friction coating and has a 2 pole magnet (B) on the end. The roller is fitted with bearings (C) and mounted into a housing unit (D).
SECTION 4 - TECHNICAL INFORMATION Printer Electrical Components The image below show the main electrical components of the printers: Ribbon Tension Sensor. Ribbon Movement Sensor. USB Port. Printhead Power/Logic Ribbon. Carriage Stepper Motor. Ribbon Stepper Motor. Ribbon Stepper Motor. Solenoid. 4-17 8018 06/08...
SECTION 4 - TECHNICAL INFORMATION 4.8.1 Stepper Motors The 8018 Thermal Transfer Printers use three stepper motors, one to drive the carriage for the printhead module and two for control of the ribbon. The 18i uses three stepper motors and the 18c two stepper motors. The position of the stepper motors is the same for all models of the 8018.
SECTION 4 - TECHNICAL INFORMATION Power Configuration Connect the required power (90 - 260 V AC 50 - 60 Hz) to the power supply unit using the IEC lead provided. A 10 A fuse is used in the mains plug connector, or a 10 A MCB is recommended to protect the supply cable at source.
SECTION 4 - TECHNICAL INFORMATION 4.10.1 Power Connections The Interface between the Power supply and Printer is a single multi-core cable. Connection is via a six way removable screw terminal (X14) on the rear of the printer. Table 4– 1: Power Connection (X14) Pin No.
SECTION 4 - TECHNICAL INFORMATION 4.10.3 Substrate Encoder Connection The Interface between the printer and the Substrate Encoder is a single multi core cable. Connection is via a five way removable screw terminal (X12) on the rear of the printer. Table 4–...
SECTION 4 - TECHNICAL INFORMATION 4.10.5 Printer PCB The 8018 Thermal Transfer Printer printer PCB is located in the printer unit. The printer PCB controls the printhead signals, motor movement and solenoid actuation inputs and outputs. The Continuous version of the printer interfaces with a speed encoder for matching of print speed.
SECTION 5 - TROUBLESHOOTING Troubleshooting Introduction This section is designed to provide information that will help you quickly solve problems which may stop your 8018 Thermal Transfer Printer working efficiently. Topics covered in this section include: • Fault messages • Warning messages •...
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SECTION 5 - TROUBLESHOOTING Fault and Warning Messages The messages are listed below along with potential causes and remedial actions. 5.2.1 Fault Messages In the event of a fault, a message is displayed on the Home screen or Menu screen being accessed at the time. Some fault messages can be temporarily hidden by pressing the “Hide”...
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SECTION 5 - TROUBLESHOOTING Table 5– 1: Fault Messages Fault Message 1006 - Software Assert Possible The software has experienced an error condition. Causes Remedial Re-power the printer. Action Fault Message 1007 - Printhead Resistance Not Set Possible A new printer PCB has been fitted. Causes Remedial Set the printhead resistance level.
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SECTION 5 - TROUBLESHOOTING Table 5– 1: Fault Messages Fault Message 1104 - Calibration Failed initial Tension No ribbon fitted. The ribbon is not webbed up correctly. Possible Wrong ribbon width selected. Causes The supply spool is slipping. The take up spool is slipping. The printer is set to the wrong printer type.
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SECTION 5 - TROUBLESHOOTING Table 5– 1: Fault Messages Fault Message 1201- Ribbon Fault The ribbon has broken during calibration. Possible The ribbon has broken during printing. Causes The ribbon tension sensor is faulty. Re- web the ribbon. Remedial Use the diagnostic screen to check the ribbon tension Action sensor input signal.
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SECTION 5 - TROUBLESHOOTING Table 5– 1: Fault Messages Fault Message 1400- Corrupt File system Possible The database has become corrupted. Causes Remedial Use the “Restore to Factory” defaults function and re- Action download the Image. Fault Message 1401 - Failed to Restore Image Possible Image / Font file missing Causes...
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SECTION 5 - TROUBLESHOOTING 5.2.2 Warning Messages In the event of a warning, a message is displayed on the Home screen or Menu screen being accessed at the time. Home screen warnings can be hidden by pressing the “Hide” option button. If the same warning re-occurs the message will be displayed again.
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SECTION 5 - TROUBLESHOOTING Warning Message 2105 - Discarded Print Possible The printer has auto-aborted a print in Low speed reprint Causes mode. Remedial Increase the substrate speed. Action Warning Message 2107 - Substrate Over speed Possible The substrate is travelling faster than the maximum print Causes speed of the 8018 Thermal Transfer Printer.
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SECTION 5 - TROUBLESHOOTING Warning Message 2201 - Settings Corrupt Possible The printer settings have become corrupted. Causes Remedial By clearing this message the settings will be set to default Action values. Warning Message 2207 - File System Nearly Full Possible The File system is almost full.
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SECTION 5 - TROUBLESHOOTING Warning Message 2300 - Printer High Temperature Possible The printer temperature is reaching an unacceptable level. Causes Remedial Turn off the power to the 8018 Thermal Transfer Printer and Action allow the printer to cool down. Warning Message 2302 - Printhead Under Temperature Possible The printhead temperature has not yet reached an acceptable...
SECTION 5 - TROUBLESHOOTING Common Issues Listed below are a number of possible faults and suggestions for possible corrective actions. 5.3.1 No Power to the Printer • Power switch must be in the ON position. This switch is located at the rear of the power supply •...
SECTION 5 - TROUBLESHOOTING Drive System Issues 5.6.1 Ribbon is not driving • Check that the ribbon cores on the supply and take up spools are not slipping. You can see this by taking the ribbon core off and looking on the inside. •...
SECTION 5 - TROUBLESHOOTING 5.6.5 Ribbon Coning (Continuous Printers) If there is a problem with the waste ribbon coning on the take up reel, check the following: • Ensure that the printhead is aligned correctly with the print roller. (See Installation) If incorrectly aligned this will cause tracking problems.
SECTION 5 - TROUBLESHOOTING Printhead Module Carriage Drive Problems A stepper motor, drive belt and linear slide are used to move the Printhead module carriage. The carriage drive may stall when the 8018 Thermal Transfer Printer is under excessive load. If the carriage does not drive, check the following: •...
SECTION 5 - TROUBLESHOOTING Print Quality Problems The most common causes of poor print quality are: • Dirty printhead: Clean the printhead with the Markem.Imaje Isopropanol wipes and try again. Take care not to damage the printhead during cleaning. Always allow the printhead to cool prior to cleaning.
SECTION 5 - TROUBLESHOOTING 5.9.2 Faded on one side This is generally due to a misalignment of the printer to the platen roller/ pad. The printhead will move down to print on the substrate, and will hit one side of the roller/ pad first.
SECTION 5 - TROUBLESHOOTING 5.9.6 Elongated or compressed print (Intermittent printers) The printhead is printing on the substrate when it is still moving. Modify the Print Delay Parameter. Depending on whether the application is printing in the same direction of the substrate or against the direction of substrate movement depends on whether you will need to increase the Print Delay or reduce it.
SECTION 5 - TROUBLESHOOTING 5.10 Image Selection Problems 5.10.1 Selecting an Image A valid Image or test pattern must be present in the printer memory for 8018 Thermal Transfer Printer to able to print something. This can be done by selecting a test pattern in Engineer mode.
SECTION 6 - SPARES AND REPLACEMENT PARTS Spares and Replacement Parts Note: Fasteners may be sold in economic pre-packed quantities. Consumables Table 6– 1: Consumables Part Number Description Quantity 10018596 Thermal transfer printhead assembly 10018602 Platen Anvil rubber B03285AA Head cleaning kit B03286AA Cleaning kit top up 5824648...
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SECTION 6 - SPARES AND REPLACEMENT PARTS Table 6– 3: Replacement Parts (Mechanical) Part Number Description Quantity 10018720 Passive guide roller assembly 10018836 Peel roller assembly 10018607 Movement roller assembly 10018608 Tension roller assembly 10018609 Passive dancing arm assembly 10018598 Toothed drive belt 10018599 Ribbon hub assembly...
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SECTION 6 - SPARES AND REPLACEMENT PARTS Table 6– 4: Replacement Parts (Electrical) Part Number Description Quantity 10018779 Complete Local User Interface 10018780 Complete Power supply unit 10018781 Power supply module 10018604 Printer PCB 10018719 Printhead Interface PCB 10018696 Power cable assembly 10018613 24V I/O cable assembly 10018612...
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SECTION 6 - SPARES AND REPLACEMENT PARTS Printhead Assembly Printhead Interface PCB Part No. 10018596 Part No. 10018719 Printhead Carriage Assembly Printhead Advance Assembly Part No. 10018706 Part No. 10018707 Printhead Cover Assembly Carriage Adapter Plate Part No. 10018605 Part No. 10018597 18c Printhead Carriage Adapter Plate 18i Printhead Carriage Slide Part No.
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SECTION 6 - SPARES AND REPLACEMENT PARTS Passive Roller Assembly Peel Roller Assembly Part No. 10018720 Part no. 10018836 Passive Dancing Arm Assembly Tension Roller Assembly Part No. 10018609 Part No. 10018608 Movement Roller Assembly Drive Belt Idler Assembly Part No. 10018607 Part No.
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SECTION 6 - SPARES AND REPLACEMENT PARTS Roller Hub Assembly Hub Spacer Disc Part No. 10018599 Part no. 10018600 Rear Cover Assembly Dust Cover Clear Part No. 10018705 Part No. 10018601 PCB mounting Pillar PCB Heatsink Bracket Assembly Part No. 10018711 Part No.
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SECTION 6 - SPARES AND REPLACEMENT PARTS Ribbon Motor Assembly Carriage Motor Assembly Part No. 10018709 Part no. 10018724 Main PCB Assembly Solenoid Assembly Part No. 10018604 Part No. 10018708 Tension Sensor PCB Assembly Ribbon Movement PCB Assembly Part No. 10018712 Part No.
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SECTION 6 - SPARES AND REPLACEMENT PARTS Local User Interface Local User Interface Cradle Part No. 10018779 Part no. 10018701 LUI Cable Assembly 24V Cable Assembly Part No. 10018612 Part No. 10018613 Power Supply Part No. 10018780 Bracket Roller Assembly Part No.
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