Microcom 334M, Operator'S Manual

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Getting Started Chapter 3
3-39 334M Operator’s Manual - 880060-0110
3.8.3 Media Mounting Considerations
The printer uses direct thermal media which is chemically treated to react to heat.
The printer has several basic requirements for running the media to the printer from a roll or
fan-fold media which include:
The printer uses direct thermal media which has been chemically treated to react to heat.
The printer has some basic requirements for the media to run successfully through the
printer.
• The centerline of the media roll or fan-fold stack should align with the center of the printer’s
paper path to provide the best tracking of the media and reduce media damage. A media
guide is required for printing accurately and consistently.
• Do not blow air onto the media.
Air should be pulled from the kiosk to keep out dust (which
shortens print head life and affects print quality) and chemicals (such as cleaning solutions
like ammonia or bleach). Air flow within the kiosk should not pull exhaust heat from other
kiosk components and power supplies across the media or printer.
• Avoid direct sunlight, incandescent or infrared lighting or heat sources. These light sources
can come from openings in the kiosk and other kiosk components. Incandescent light bulbs,
sun light and heat sinks are examples of heat sources that shouldn’t be near the printer or
media.
• The media path must be smooth and not cause excessive drag. It should be clear of
cables, other kiosk components, or surfaces other than media guides, supply holders or the
fan-fold media tray. Roll media must be able to turn with minimal resistance and allow the
printer to smoothly pull media without jerking or snagging. Minimize friction with the roll
holder contact and avoid sharp corners in the media path. Larger, heavier media rolls are
more susceptible to these issues. Fan-fold media must have sufficient room to unfold and
not bind on media guides, tray surfaces or media perforations. An improper media path can
produce a compressed print, slipping, and jamming which can occur more frequently as the
printer ages.
3.8.4 Designing a Roll Support
Media roll supports may be purchased from Microcom. If you are designing a custom roll
support, please be aware of the following design guidelines.
• Implement a simple design which allows the media to be gently placed in the kiosk.
• Minimize the drive train load caused by the media supply. Do not use wires, cables or rods
as a roll holder - all of these can cause the roll to stop and start and rock back and
forth. The inside of the roll core should be smooth and free from dust. The larger the roll, the
greater the effect it has on drag and possible slipping.
• The spindle used inside the core should be sized properly so that it doesn’t fit tight or
cause the core to rock on the spindle. A good rule is to make the spindle at least .05”
smaller than the inside diameter of the core.
• Leave plenty of access room to load media when designing the area for your roll holder.