CAB A3, Operator'S Manual

Page: 20 / 144

20 cab Produkttechnik GmbH & Co KG
1. Product Description
Transfer Ribbon
The choice of transfer ribbon plays an important role in the quality of print
image that can be produced, and it also directly affects the longevity of the
printhead.
CAUTION !
Poor quality transfer ribbon can lead to premature deterioration of the
printhead !
The ribbon material must be as anti-static as possible. This is because the
extremely thin surface coating on the printhead can be damaged by a build up
of electrostatic charges. The temperature tolerance of the material must be
extremely high in order to avoid the transfer ribbon melting directly onto the
printhead. The temperature increase which results from the printing cycle must
be dissipated over the label and the transfer ribbon. Poor quality transfer
ribbon often has only a limited ability to dissipate the heat. This can contribute
to overheating of the printhead, despite electronic protection against
overheating
Poor quality transfer ribbon also tends to partially shed its ink coating, causing
the printhead and sensors to accumulate dirt. In addition, with some transfer
ribbons, the back coating can flake or smudge, leaving traces on the
printhead. All of these effects contribute to lowering the print quality to below
desired standards.
Numerous tests have been conducted with a very large number of different
transfer ribbons and we recommend only ribbons supplied by reputable
manufacturers. A variety of different transfer ribbons can sometimes be used
for a particular type of label stock. The quality of print is determined by the
correct combination of these materials.
NOTICE !
When choosing material, make sure the transfer ribbon is slightly wider
than the width of the label backing.
The presence of transfer ribbon is sensed by the rotational movement control
of the transfer ribbon unwinder, rather than with photocell sensors. As a result,
ribbons that have a thinner coating or those with a colored coating can be used
without problems.
The possiblity of printing labels up to the absolute end of the ribbon is restricted
by the length of the uncoated "trailer", which attaches the end of the ribbon to
the core.
NOTICE !
Make certain before purchasing transfer ribbon that the "trailer" (see
above) is not more than 2.3in (60mm) long.