Adjusting Ribbon Tension - SATO 9001226(A) Service Manual

6.18 ADJUSTING RIBBON TENSION

6.18.1 Ribbon guide adjustment
If the print ribbon is not spread smoothly over the print head when it makes contact with the media, print voids
will occur at the point of the ribbon fold. Typically, this is the result of the axis of the ribbon spindle/ print head/
ribbon guide not being perfectly parallel.
The purpose of the adjustable ribbon guide is to compensate for the axis deviations. By adjusting the ribbon
guide proportionally to the degree of deviation, the ribbon spreads smoothly as it travels from the ribbon
supply spindle, to the guide, and beyond.
Ribbon guide adjustment is a trial-and-error activity that requires the pause of printing, unlatching of the print
head, adjusting the guide, relatching the print head, and printing once again. Several labels must be printed
following each adjustment to determine if the adjustment was effective.
The ribbon guide is secured to the face of the print assembly by a screw on each end. Before adjusting the
guide, visually inspect that its axis is parallel with that of the print assembly. If not, adjust accordingly, ensure
the set screws are secure, and once again commence printing.
By starting in a neutral position, either end may be adjusted vertically as necessary to remedy the wrinkling
problem.
Required tools: Phillips head screwdriver and flat-blade screwdriver
Unlatch the print head.
1.
Loosen one of the two set fixation screws with a Phillips screwdriver (JIS No. 2 or equivalent). (Do not
2.
completely unscrew) Then, move the free end of ribbon guide upward or downward as necessary until the
ribbon appears unwrinkled.
Tighten the loosened set screw while holding ribbon guide in place.
3.
Latch on the print head, close cover, and test print a label.
4.
Repeat steps 1 through 4 until proper adjustment is achieved.
5.
If problem persists, replace with a torque limiter (ribbon unwinder) for adjustment. Refer to Section 7.6
Replacing Torque Limiter (Ribbon Unwinder) for details.
Ribbon adjust plate
TG3 Series Service Manual
Check and adjust the
ribbon tension using
the scale of fixation
screws
Section 6: Checks and Adjustment Procedures
Fixation screws
Scale for confirming
plate position
Page 6-41