BCS 4206, Operating Manual

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82
mi-4
Series
5.3.2 Burn Line Adjustment
The Burn Line is the row of thermal elements extending the length of the
printhead that creates the image on the media. At the factory, the printhead is
adjusted to strict compliance requirements
using 6.5-mil (.0065 inch) media,
enabling the printer to maintain print
quality for a majority of media.
Depending upon the printing option, the
printhead alignment is different. The burn
line on thermal transfer equipped printers
is positioned forward of the platen roller
vertex to allow the wax/ink to separate
easily from the ribbon base film and
adhere to the label while hot. Conversely, the burn line on direct thermal only
models is positioned closer to the vertex for more efficient heat transfer.
When media with a different thickness or rigidity is used (e.g., heavy tag stock),
an adjustment may be needed
if the print quality has been adversely affected.
Generally, thicker media requires a slight forward adjustment of the printhead
while thinner media requires a backward adjustment to compensate for the
change in the burn line to vertex relationship.
To adjust the Burn Line of the printhead:
n
With the printer loaded with media (and ribbon, if thermal transfer
printing), lower and rotate the Printhead Latch to the locked position.
o
Loosen the two Locking Screws.
p
Turn the Adjustment Screws counter-clockwise until the Burn Line is past
the Platen Roller vertex. Print a Validation Label from the Quick Test
menu. The label should look light and uneven.
q
Tighten the Locking Screws just until they are ‘snug’– tight enough to
remove any play in the printhead assembly, yet loose enough to allow the
Adjustment Screws to move the printhead.
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