Apollo1_Operators_Manuel.pdf - 第18页
1 8 cab - Produkttechnik GmbH / Tharo Systems, Inc. Print Media for Direct Thermal Printing The print material must correspond to several important specifications, in order to ensure high quality printing, and to avoid d…
17cab - Produkttechnik GmbH / Tharo Systems, Inc.
Print Media
The Apollo can be operated in direct thermal as well as thermal transfer mode.
For direct thermal mode, only use print material with a thermal-reactive coating.
The print image is transferred by heating the material at the printhead, causing a
reaction on the surface of the paper and, consequently, darkening the material.
In thermal transfer mode, not only standard paper labels are needed but also the
thermal transfer ribbon with a color surface. The printout is created by heating the
transfer ribbon, causing a transfer of color particles onto the label.
Apollo allows to regulate the heat level and also the print speed. Thus, the Apollo
offers a wide range of opportunities for usage.
The Apollo is able to print on labels and continuous paper with a maximum supply
roll diameter of 8 in (200 mm). The minimum core diameter is 1.5 in (40 mm).
The printer can also process fanfold label material.
The ability of label edge recognition, which guarantees the precise position of the
printer output, is accomplished by a moveable photocell. This sensor is controlled
by the processor of the Apollo and ensures recognition for different sorts of
material. There is no need for additional electronic adjustment.
On the following pages, you will find detailed information and specifications
concerning suitable materials.
If you have any questions, check with your local distributor as not every material
can be used for direct thermal or thermal transfer printing.
If in doubt, we will perform test prints with your label material to find the best
suitable transfer ribbon.
1 8 cab - Produkttechnik GmbH / Tharo Systems, Inc.
Print Media for Direct Thermal Printing
The print material must correspond to several important specifications, in order to
ensure high quality printing, and to avoid damage to the printhead or early wear.
Using labels which we have tested and which we recommend to our customers,
will guarantee a gentle treatment of the printhead. If you want to use material by
another supplier, please note the following requirements regarding the condition of
thermal printer paper :
1. To avoid damage to the printhead, the surface coating must cover the thermal-
reactive layer. If the coating is too thin, this may cause a "pitting" effect on the
printhead, i.e. very small explosions during the chemical reaction of the thermal
coating quickly resulting in damage to the printhead.
2. The surface of the labels should be very smooth to avoid a "sandpaper" effect
on the printhead.
3. Always choose material which can be printed on with the lowest possible heat
level. The greater the heat level, the shorter the life of the printhead.
Moreover, with highest heat levels the phases of heating up and cooling down
extend. This may have a negative effect on the print quality, especially if a high
print speed is required.
Print Media for Thermal Transfer Printing
In thermal transfer mode, a wide range of different label materials may be used.
(e.g. normal paper, tag stock, a variety of synthetic material such as polyester foil,
etc.)
The print quality greatly depends on the right combination of label material
and transfer ribbon.
The surface of the labels determines which ribbon material may be used.
Unsuitable ribbons may cause an extremely poor print image.
If in doubt, your local distributor will advise you on a good combination of suitable
material, or carry out tests to find out which ribbon fits your label material best.
F
19cab - Produkttechnik GmbH / Tharo Systems, Inc.
Label/ Tag Media Specifications
Label and tag media to be used for the Apollo can be found in the table below.
Note this information before ordering your labels.
E
F
D
A
B
K
I
L
M
C
G
H
Fig. 1.5 Label formats
Item MINIMUM MAXIMUM
A Label width .5 (12) 4.6 (116)
B Width of silicon liner .5 (12) 4.6 (116)
C Label length .2 (5) 21.5 (546)*
D Gap between labels .08 (2) 21.5 (546)*
E Label thickness .0024 (.06) .01 (.25)
F Thickness of silicon liner .0024 (.06) .01 (.25)
G Distance of the first printing position
from the edge of the silicon liner .08 (2)
H Distance of the label sensor
from the edge of the silicon liner .12 (3) 1.9 (48)
For special materials
I Width of punch hole .2 (5) -
K Height of punch hole .08 (2) .2 (5)
L Width of reflective mark .2 (5) -
M Height of reflective mark .08 (2) .2 (5)
* for Apollo 3 : 37.2 (945)
Table 1 b Label formats in inches (figures in brackets are in mm)