Primera LX900 User Manual
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Primera LX900 User Manual

Color label printer
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041113-511271
User's Manual
© 2013 All rights reserved
For the most recent version of this manual please visit
http://www.primera.com/manuals.html

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Summary of Contents for Primera LX900

  • Page 1 041113-511271 User's Manual © 2013 All rights reserved For the most recent version of this manual please visit http://www.primera.com/manuals.html...
  • Page 2 Notices : The information in this document is subject to change without notice. NO WARRANTY OF ANY KIND IS MADE WITH REGARD TO THIS MATERIAL, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
  • Page 3 Interactive Feature in this PDF Document There are interactive features that will allow you to jump to different locations within the document. Each listing in the Table of Contents is interactive. Place the cursor on either the words or the page number. A small hand with a pointing finger icon appears.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents Section 1: Getting Started ................1 A. Choosing a Good Location ..............1 B. Unpacking and Inspection ..............2 C. Identifying the Parts ................3 D. Computer Specifications ..............4 Section 2: Label Stock ..................5 A. Label and Roll Specifications ............5 B. Installing Label Stock .................8 C.
  • Page 5 Section 6: Troubleshooting and Maintenance ..........59 A. Solving Print Alignment Problems ..........59 B. Solving Print Quality Problems ............61 C. Color Matching and Design Tips ...........63 D. Create a Support Report ..............66 E. Cleaning the Printer .................66 Cleaning the Print Head ..............66 G.

  • Page 6: Section 1: Getting Started

    INDEX Section 1: Getting Started THANK YOU… ...for choosing an LX900 Color Label Printer. The LX900 Printer will print razor-sharp text and barcodes, vibrant colors, and even stunning photo-realistic photographs directly onto rolls of labels, card stock and a variety of other approved media.

  • Page 7: Unpacking And Inspection

    INDEX B. UNPACKING AND INSPECTION While unpacking your printer, inspect the carton to ensure that no damage has occurred during shipping. Make sure that all supplied accessories are included with your unit. The following items are included in the supply box: ...

  • Page 8: Identifying The Parts

    INDEX C. IDENTIFYING THE PARTS This illustration shows the front of the printer with its control buttons and LED indicator lights. Top Cover Pause LED Pause Button Power LED Load/Feed Button Ink Low LED Unload Button Label Tear Bar The Pause Button pauses the printer AFTER the printing of the current label has finished to allow for loading of label stock and ink cartridge.

  • Page 9: Computer Specifications

    INDEX This illustration shows the input ports and power switch found on the rear panel of the printer. USB Port Power Switch Auxilary Port Power Input Port This illustration shows the interior of the printer. Fixed Throat Roll Stop Guide Roll Arm Movable Throat Guide...

  • Page 10: Section 2: Label Stock

    A wide variety of label stock can be used in the Printer. Refer to the specifications and settings in the following sections before ordering custom stock from Primera or any stock from another company. Important! Test all custom made label stock with the intended printer before ordering large quantities! Primera will only assume responsibility for custom label stock ordered from Primera.
  • Page 11 For these reasons the weight or thickness of the liner is a variable that can not easily be defined. Primera recommends and uses 40# liner with all label stock. It is important to test all label stock with the intended printer before...
  • Page 12 INDEX Roll Specifications Label Side Out Roll O.D. Label Stock 3” 6” Core I.D. Core O.D. Note on Label Orientation: If you are using an applicator to apply your labels, be sure to order label stock with the correct orientation for your applicator. For example most applicators will apply the side of the label first, so you will want to print the labels sideways.

  • Page 13: Installing Label Stock

    INDEX B. INSTALLING LABEL STOCK The following steps will guide you through loading label stock in your printer: Make sure power is connected and printer is on. 1. Open the Top Cover. Lift Here 2. Lower the Roll Guide and pull it outward to make room for your label stock.
  • Page 14 INDEX 3. Remove any shipping tape from your label stock roll to ensure that it can unroll freely, making certain that no adhesive portion is exposed. It is important to note that any exposed adhesive surface can attach itself the inner workings of the print mechanism and cause a media jam.
  • Page 15 INDEX 6. Pull the Movable Throat Guide outward to make room for the label stock. 7. Place the leading edge of the label stock under Label Stock the "label stock" symbols on the Throat Guides. The label stock should be placed far enough into the throat of the printer to correctly position the Movable Throat Guide but not yet into the printer itself.

  • Page 16: Adjusting The Label Stock Tof (Top Of Form) Sensor

    INDEX C. ADJUSTING THE LABEL STOCK TOF (TOP OF FORM) SENSOR If you are using label stock other than standard square / rectangular diecut labels such as circular die-cut labels or through-hole stock use the instructions below to adjust the position of the label stock sensor.

  • Page 17: Set The Stock Sensor Mode

    INDEX The sensor can only be moved a maximum of 2.3 inches from the left side of the printable area. This means that the maximum diameter circular label that can be printed is 4.6 inches. For circular labels larger than 4.6 inches in diameter, you must have a black mark printed on the back of the label stock.
  • Page 18 2. Go to Start - Programs - Primera Technology - PTStatus. 3. Click on the Alignment Tab (3rd tab from top).

  • Page 19: Set The Output Mode

    2. Go to Start - Programs - Primera Technology - PTStatus. 3. Click on the Alignment Tab (3rd tab from top).
  • Page 20 INDEX There are two different output modes: Present labels - Yes (Default). This setting will cause the printer to feed the last label printed forward so that it and the previously printed labels can be torn off using the tear bar. If no other jobs are sent to the printer within one second after the last label has printed, the last printed label will present for tear off.

  • Page 21: Section 3: Status Monitor (Ptstatus)

    2. Go to Start - Programs - Primera Technology - PTPStatus Once open, the Status Monitor consist of four tabs that are arranged on the left side of the window.

  • Page 22: Monitoring Ink Levels

    INDEX A: MONITORING INK LEVELS Ink levels can be monitored at any time by using the Status Monitor. Immediately after printing starts the Status Monitor will display the ink levels in the lower right corner of your screen. The print status will also be displayed on the top bar. At any time you may click the double up arrows to expand the window to standard mode.

  • Page 23: Print Head Life Gauge

    Monitor. The Status Monitor automatically opens as soon as you begin printing. However, you can also access it at any time as long as the printer is turned on and communicating by going to Start - Programs - Primera Technology - PTStatus. Status Monitor (PTStatus)

  • Page 24: Replacing Ink Cartridges/Low Ink Warning

    INDEX Ink cost is automatically and continuously calculated based on the black and color cartridge costs entered. Only the last printed label cost is displayed. For reference, the print file and date of last print is displayed at the top of the window. ...
  • Page 25 INDEX To change a cartridge, follow this procedure: 1. Press Pause and Load/Feed simultaneously -OR- click the Change Cartridge button on the second tab of the Status Monitor. The head carriage will move to the center of the print area for easy access. 2.
  • Page 26 INDEX 4. Locate a new cartridge and remove it from its packaging. Remove the foil outer package and the clear plastic shrink wrap. Also remove the cartridge cap. Note: If you opened a cartridge but are not currently using it you can store the cartridge in the plastic cap shown above to prevent it from drying out.

  • Page 27: Section 4: Printing From A Pc

    INDEX Section 4: Printing from a PC A. USING NICELABEL Your printer ships with a basic version of Niceware's NiceLabel software. This easy-to-use software is designed to allow you to create full color labels with text and barcodes quickly and simply.
  • Page 28 INDEX b. Select your printer. This should be the Color Label Printer 900. Click Finish. 3. Now you will see your label in the Document Window. You can start to design your label using Tools from the Tool Box. First, we will use the Text Tool. a.
  • Page 29 INDEX 4. Now, insert a barcode. a. Click the Barcode Tool Icon from the Toolbox. You will now have a Barcode Cursor that can be positioned anywhere within the Document Window. Position your cursor in the general area where you wish your barcode to print and click to start entering your barcode information.
  • Page 30 INDEX b. The first screen in the Barcode Wizard will allow you to select the type of Barcode you wish to print. You can also enter the data to be used in the barcode. For this we are doing a simple UPC-A barcode. For more information on other types of barcodes, please see Section 3B.
  • Page 31 INDEX 5. Now insert a Picture. Click on the Picture Tool Icon in the toolbox. You will now see a Graphics Cursor. Drag the cursor to the general area where you wish to place the graphic and click to get an Open dialog box. You will be prompted to browse for graphic files.
  • Page 32 INDEX b. There are other tools at your disposal to align the object or add shapes. On the right side of the screen you will see alignment tools so you can align the objects on your label in relation to each other. Select objects by clicking on them or clicking and dragging a "lasso"...

  • Page 33: Creating Barcodes In Nicelabel

    INDEX B. CREATING BARCODES IN NICELABEL a. Click the Barcode Tool Icon from the Toolbox. b. You will now have a Barcode Cursor that can be positioned anywhere within the Document Window. Position your cursor in the general area where you wish your barcode to print and click to start entering your barcode information.
  • Page 34 INDEX iii. This contains four tabs, General, Check Digit, Human Readable and Details. iv. The General Tab allows you to choose the appropriate barcode type from the Available barcodes: menu. You can choose one- or two-dimensional barcodes. Note that different barcode types have different requirements - some of them only allow numbers to be encoded, while others only allow upper case characters.
  • Page 35 INDEX When you change the barcode dimension directly from the screen by moving the drag handle, the changed dimension will also appear in this dialog box. Some of the barcode types also allow the definition of Narrow- to-wide bar ratio. It can only be set from the predefined steps in the pull-down menu - 1:2, 1:3 or 2:5.

  • Page 36: Printing From Other Programs

    INDEX C. PRINTING FROM OTHER PROGRAMS Since this printer uses a standard Windows printer driver you can print from any application you would like. There are just a few things to remember that will make it much easier. 1. Set the Page/Label Size in the Driver. NiceLabel auto matically prompts you for the size of the label that you are using.

  • Page 37: Adjusting Print Alignment

    They also prohibit printing to the edge of the sheet. This is to avoid any need for alignment. The LX900 senses the beginning of the label with an optical sensor and is capable of printing to top, bottom, left and right edge.
  • Page 38 INDEX Adjust print alignment using the Status Monitor. Go to the Alignment Tab (third tab). Three items can be adjusted here:  Tear off Position. This value adjusts the position of the last label printed after it has been presented for tear off. This only applies if the output mode is set to "Present the label."...

  • Page 39: Creating A Full Bleed Print

    INDEX You may have to make several adjustments to one or more of these values. After each adjustment you can click the Test button to print a small test pattern on the label. This will help you find the proper alignment value.

  • Page 40: Printer Driver Settings

    INDEX TOF. Decrease the Top of form by 10. This will cause the printer to start printing before the label and ensure a fully printed label. Decrease TOF by 10 Actual Label Stock Size = 2” x 2” Decrease Left Margin Over Bleed Page Size Offset by 12 2.1”...
  • Page 41 INDEX To find Driver Settings: Click the Start button, choose Printers and Faxes (XP), Printers (Vista), Devices and Printers (Windows 7). Right-click on the Color Label 900 Icon and select Printing Preferences from the drop-down menu. The preferences screen will appear. Note on PC Settings: Most applications allow you to change these same printer driver options from their "Print"...
  • Page 42 INDEX Paper Size If you are using NiceLabel, this setting is adjusted during the label setup wizard. If you are using a program other than NiceLabel you will need to set this to the dimensions of your label. Keep in mind that the dimensions are always relative to the width and height of the actual label in the printer.
  • Page 43 Media Type There are multiple media type options which correspond with the various types of label stock sold by Primera. Match this setting to the media installed in the printer to achieve the closest color match to the screen. Each of these settings employs a slightly different color table developed specifically for the media type listed.
  • Page 44 INDEX Best for Photos mode is best used for photographic images where accurate color reproduction is very essential. Images printed in this mode will look lighter than those printed in Photo mode. Skin tones especially will look more natural in this mode.

  • Page 45: Section 5: Printing From A Mac

    INDEX Section 5: Printing from a Mac A. PRINTER UTILITY SETTINGS (COLOR LABEL 900 UTILITY) The Color Label 900 Utility is used to interact with the printer for gathering ink levels, maintenance, alignment, cost calculation and several other functions. Once the printer driver has been successfully installed, you will need to set up the driver with the appropriate print options.
  • Page 46 INDEX Cost Tab (Third Tab). Calculates cost per label based on last label printed. Info Tab (Fourth Tab). Displays Printer Information including firmware version, driver version, total prints, and the default Saturation level for all labels printed. Printing from a Mac...

  • Page 47: Set Stock Sensor Mode

    INDEX Set the Stock Sensor Mode The stock sensor mode refers to the method the printer will use to detect the print starting position for each label. To access the Stock Sensor Mode, click on the Alignment button, then select Stock Sensor Mode.
  • Page 48 INDEX Continuous. (Sensor off.) If you have continuous stock with no die-cut, reflective mark or holes, set the Sensor Type to Continuous. This will turn off the stock sensor. In this mode there is no way to set the print starting position. The printer will simply start printing the first label and print each subsequent label immediately after the previous.
  • Page 49 INDEX Present Labels – No (Use with Rewinder). In this mode the label stock does not move after the last label is printed. This means that part of the last label printed is still in the printer. This should be used only if you have a label Rewinder attached.
  • Page 50 INDEX Using the Cost Estimator The Cost Estimator is found under the Cost tab in the Color Label 900 Utility. Ink cost is automatically and continuously calculated based on the black and color cartridge costs entered. Only the last printed label cost is displayed. For reference, the print file name and number of labels in the run is displayed at the top of the window.

  • Page 51: Printing From Swift Publisher

    Before you start designing your label simply set the custom page size in the upper right hand corner to the size of the label stock installed in the LX900. Also make sure to set the Document Margins to ‘0’. 2. Set the Paper Size in the Print Options. Once your document is created and ready to print go to File –...
  • Page 52 INDEX 3A. Create a Custom Page Size (Optional). When your document is done and you are ready to print go to File – Print. If the paper size you need to print to is not already in the drop down menu options select Manage Custom Sizes. 3B.

  • Page 53: Printing From Adobe Illustrator

    File – New command. Set your width and height to correspond with the label stock installed in the LX900. Also be sure to set the bleed size to ‘0’ for Top, Bottom, Left, and Right. Printing from a Mac...
  • Page 54 INDEX 2. Set the Paper Size in the Print Options. Once your document is created and ready to print go to File – Print. The following screen will appear. Before doing anything else, click the Page Setup button and set the paper size for the printer.
  • Page 55 INDEX 3A. Create a Custom Page Size (Optional). If the paper size you need to print to is not already in the drop down menu options select Manage Custom Sizes. 3B. Add a New Custom Paper Size. Click the plus (+) button to add a new custom paper size.
  • Page 56 INDEX 4. Set the Print Quality Settings. After selecting your paper size, click the Printer button to change the print quality settings for this print. Select Label Printer Settings from the drop down selection. Change your printer settings to the desired quality. When you have finished adding your page size and selecting your print quality settings, press Print.

  • Page 57: Printing From Adobe Acrobat Reader

    INDEX D. PRINTING FROM ADOBE ACROBAT READER Set the Page/Label size in the Program. Open up your .pdf file and select File – Page Setup. Select your paper size from the Paper Size drop down menu. This should correspond to the label size installed in your printer. If your label size is not listed you will need to create a custom page size.
  • Page 58 INDEX 2B. Add a New Custom Paper Size. Click the plus (+) button to add a new custom paper size. Enter the size on the right. Be sure to adjust the top, bottom, left and right margins to 0. Change the name from "untitled" to the size of your custom page (W x H).

  • Page 59: Create A Custom Label Size

    INDEX Change your printer settings to the desired quality. Click Print. E. CREATE A CUSTOM LABEL SIZE 1. Create a Custom Page Size. Open the program you would like to print from and select File – Page Setup. Using the Paper Size drop down menu select Manage Custom Sizes.

  • Page 60: Adjusting Print Alignment

    They also prohibit printing to the edge of the sheet. This is to avoid any need for alignment. The LX900 senses the beginning of the label with an optical edge. Because of this it is necessary to align the printer to work with specific types of label stock.
  • Page 61 1. Adjust print alignment using the Color Label 900 Utility. Go to Apple Icon – System Preferences – Print and Scan. Select the Primera Color Label 900 and select Open Print Queue. 2. Select Setup – Utility – Open Printer Utility.
  • Page 62 INDEX Adjust print alignment using the Color Label 900 Utility. Go to Alignment – Print Alignment. Three items can be adjusted here: Tear off Position. This value adjusts the position of the last label printed after it has been presented for tear off. This only applies if the output mode is set to “Present.”...

  • Page 63: Creating A Full Bleed Print

    INDEX You may have to make several adjustments to one or more of these values. After each adjustment you can click the Test Offsets button to print a small test pattern on the label. This will help you find the proper alignment value. G.

  • Page 64: Section 6: Troubleshooting And Maintenance

    A. SOLVING PRINT ALIGNMENT PROBLEMS Image is Vertically Offset The LX900 decides where to start printing by detecting the start of die-cut label, detecting a black mark on the back or detecting a thru-hole that corresponds to the start of the label.
  • Page 65 INDEX 3. Insufficient Label Gap Distance. See Section 2A for label specifications. 4. Page Size is Bigger than Label Stock Size. If the page size set in the driver is larger than the actual label stock, ink will be printed on the gaps and the sensor will start looking for a gap too late.

  • Page 66: Solving Print Quality Problems

    INDEX the opposite side. This indicates that the page size needs to be increased. Increase the page size through the printer preferences enough to cover the label. B. SOLVING PRINT QUALITY PROBLEMS Many factors can affect the quality of the print. The following are listed in order from most likely to least likely: 1.
  • Page 67 INDEX 5. Clean the Maintenance Station. Clean the maintenance station located on the right side of the print area. This includes the rubber cartridge nozzle cap and the plastic squeegee. Under normal use this can become dirty with ink. Clean with rubbing alcohol and a paper towel. Maintenance Station Color Matching.

  • Page 68: Color Matching And Design Tips

    Whether you contract your graphic design or do it yourself, these guidelines will help you get the best quality labels out of your LX900. 1. Image Size/Shape. The image size should correspond with the size of the label you will be printing. Note: If the source image is smaller and must be enlarged to fill the entire label space, this will affect the DPI.
  • Page 69 They could even slow down the print process. 72 DPI Image printed with the LX900 3. Image File Format. Most graphics are created in a graphic application. Since this graphic application is not usually on...
  • Page 70 There are multiple media type options which correspond with the various types of label stock sold by Primera. Match this setting to the media installed in the printer to achieve the closest color match to the screen. Each of these settings employs a slightly different color table developed specifically for the media type listed.

  • Page 71: Create A Support Report

    INDEX D. CREATE A SUPPORT REPORT If you are encountering any problems with you LX900 tech support may ask you to create a Tech Support Report. You can do this from the Status Monitor by clicking the "i" icon and clicking Create Report… A zip file will be create on your desktop.
  • Page 72 INDEX 2. Clean the Copper Contacts. Ink over spray can build up inside the printer over time causing interrupted electrical signals. Remove the print head and clean the copper contacts on the print head carrier and the print head. (Area 1, 2 and 4 below). Do not clean the print nozzles! (Area 3). Figure A Area 1 &...
  • Page 73 Clogged nozzles on the print head can be caused by non use of the printer for extended periods of time. Follow these guidelines:  Always keep the LX900 plugged in and turned on. The printer will do periodic maintenance to make sure the nozzles do not clog. ...
  • Page 74 • Print heads with greater than zero percent life remaining prints may be replaced depending on the description and circumstances of the failure at the discretion of Primera Tech Support. Replaceable Print Head - Part Number 53450 Troubleshooting and Maintenance...

  • Page 75: Replacing The Print Head

    INDEX G. REPLACING THE PRINT HEAD Regular replacement of the print head is not necessary. However it may become necessary if you notice a gradual decrease in print quality or if some of the print nozzles are still clogged after repeated manual cleanings as described in Section 5F.
  • Page 76 INDEX 3. Remove the print head. Grasp the print head near the back as shown in the illustration. 4. Locate a new print head and place it in the carriage. Troubleshooting and Maintenance...
  • Page 77 INDEX 5. Close the latch until you hear a click. 6. Press the Pause and Load/Feed buttons simultaneously to move the print carriage back to normal position. Pause Power Load/ Feed Unload Press Pause + Load/Feed to Start and Finish. 7.

  • Page 78: Interpreting The Printer's Indicator Lights

    If you still have difficulty, contact the technical support using one of the methods listed below. Source Location Primera Knowledge Base www.primera.com/knowledgebase.html NiceLabel Software Help files Open the software. Click on the Help Menu - Contents Email Support www.primera.com/contact_tech_support.cfm...

  • Page 79: Section 7: Technical Specifications

    Windows XP , Vista and Windows 7 Data Interface: USB 2.0; External Control Port Label Design Software: NiceLabel™ SE Primera Edition included. Can also be used with most other popular label design and graphics software programs Electrical Rating: 12VDC, 5.0A...

  • Page 80: Index

    Index Align Print Head................61 Alignment Tab ..............13, 16, 40 Barcode Wizard .................24, 28 Bidirectional..................39 Black Mark ...................6, 12 Cartridge Utilities Tab ..............16, 61 Circular Labels ................11 Color Matching ..............38, 62 63 Continuous Stock ..............14, 43 Cost Estimator ................18, 45 Cost Tab ..................16, 41 Die Cut ..................13, 42 DPI ....................
  • Page 81 Print Counter ...................16 Print Quality ................37, 61 Printer Driver Settings ..............35 Print Head Aligning ..................40 Cleaning ................40, 61, 66 Replacing ..................70 Print Head Life Gauge ..............18 Printing ..................22, 40 PTStatus ..................12, 16 Resolution ..................63, 64 Sensor Type ..................14 Sensor Position ................60 Status Monitor .................16 Reflective ................6, 13, 42 Roll Arm .....................9...
  • Page 82 Printed in the United States of America P/N 511271...

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