Media Selection; Media & Ribbon Loading - SATO GL4xxe Series Operator's Manual

Unit 3: Installation

MEDIA SELECTION

The size and type of the labels or tags to be printed should have been taken into consideration before printer
purchase. Ideally, the media width will be equal to, or just narrower than, the print head. Using media that does not
cover the print head will allow the platen roller to tread on it and wear it out. The media edge will also wear a groove
in the platen roller affecting print quality.
MEDIA & RIBBON LOADING
There are two general media types that may be loaded and used; rolled and fan-folded. Each of those types may
again be defined by whether their print application is direct thermal or thermal transfer. Those factors determine
how the media is loaded and if ribbon stock is loaded at all.
Thermal transfer media requires the use of ribbon stock for print application. In such a scenario, it is the ribbon
stock (carbon paper) that contains the ink that will be transfered to the media.
Direct thermal media has a coating on the surface that is made visible through the application of heat from the print
head.
Rolled media of standard diameter is loaded within the printer and suspended by the media holder. Larger, non-
standard rolled media would be suspended outside the printer at its rear and fed inward. Fan-folded media would
also be fed inward from the rear over the rear housing cover, but is stacked as opposed to suspended.
Refer to Figures 3-3a and 3-3b for proper media routing relative to the type to be used. If that to be used is direct
thermal, ignore the ribbon stock in the figures and do not load.
Ribbon can be wound in or wound out.
Rolled Media
Media Guide
Media Holder
Label Sensor
Media Damper
Lower Print Assy
Figure 3-3a, Rolled Media Loading
3-4
GL408-412e Operator's Manual