Thermal Printer Technology; The Printing Process - InfoPrint 5504-R40 User Manual

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NOTE: The RFID encoder is available on the 4" model only.
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For more information about printer options, see Appendix B.

Thermal Printer Technology

Quiet and fast, with excellent print quality, your multifunction thermal printer
uses an inline thermal printhead. The thermal printer operates differently from
a line matrix or laser printer, because the thermal printer uses a printhead with
heating elements and special paper or ribbon.

The Printing Process

The thermal printhead allows two modes of operation:
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Online Barcode Validator: This option provides online validation of
printed barcodes. When you incorporate a bar code quality procedure into
the printing process, you will increase the overall bar code quality, reduce
waste from misprinted bar codes, and achieve high, first-time read rates.
This is increasingly important in newer, more efficient systems where
manually entered data is not acceptable as a back-up function. Validation
also minimizes the cost of returned products due to poor reading or
unaccountable bar codes.
RFID Encoder: The RFID (radio frequency identification) encoder reads
and writes information to smart labels (with embedded RFID tags).
TN5250/TN3270: The TN5250/TN3270 feature enables your printer to
communicate with an IBM host through an ethernet using the 5250/3270
datastream. This feature allows you to use an application generated for
the Twinax/Coax emulation to be printed through the ethernet.
(RFID is not supported by TN5250/3270 applications).
Direct Thermal
During direct thermal printing, the thermal printhead selectively heats
small, rectangular thermal dots. When these contact the coated thermal
paper, the dyes and developers in the coating react to the heat and
develop an image. This mode of printing is generally used for short-term
labeling applications.
Thermal Transfer
During thermal transfer printing, the heated thermal dots contact a
thermal ribbon. The heat reacts with the ribbon and bonds the image to
the paper. This method is used especially for abrasive, long-storage
applications and for specialized applications, such as in extreme
environmental conditions or where tamper-proofing is required.
The Printing Process
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