Microcom 334M, Operator'S Manual

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Chapter 3 Getting Started
334M Operator’s Manual - 880060-0110 3-40
3.8.5 Designing for Fan-Fold Media
Fan-fold media must be handled correctly. When it unfolds, it can get caught and the stack
may fall into other components and cabling. Make a tray to hold the fan-fold media. This tray
could be the box that fits into a shoe provided by the stock converter. Always test and
observe the media for these types of problems. Fan-fold media can un-fold differently at the
beginning and end of the stack. This stock can also stick to itself because of the
perforations. Choose a stock converter with experience with this process. The media stack
should never be able to be pulled into the back of the printer. When using fan-fold stock, the
stack should be located back from the printer far enough to allow the media to unfold prior
to entering the back of the printer to prevent it from jamming. Once again, the fan-fold media
should be in proper alignment with the paper path of the printer. This misalignment can
cause jamming or the print image not to appear correctly on the stock.
3.8.6 Designing Media Guides
The media guides need to have a minimum radius of .5”. The surface should be smooth and
not touch the edges of the media (causes drag or edge damage). They need to be in
alignment with the printer and the supply holder. Additional guides to ensure the paper
tracks straight may be necessary. These guides should be sized properly to ensure tracking
without damage to the stock. Check with the stock converter for the proper tolerance and
then size the left and right guides for some clearance over their maximum width. It is
recommended that a minimum of 1.5” long guides be used to ensure the stock doesn’t fold
over on itself or tear. These guides could also be used to keep cables away from the media.
3.8.6.1 Designing the Media Dispense Path
Properly dispensing the media from the printer is critical to the operation of the printer and
quality print.
• The media dispense chute should always be wider than the maximum width stock for the
printer being used.
• Upon exiting the printer, the media should never be forced or bent as this will cause
jamming.
• The stock should never be expected to drop through a chute as this may be unlikely due to
electrostatic discharge as covered later in this document.
• The exit chute should act as a funnel and always be larger than the dispense point.
• Never allow the user to grab the printed media prior to the cut operation as this could
cause jamming or stretched print. The use of a presenter or drop tub is recommended.
Guides specific to a fixed length can also be designed.
3.8.6.2 Cables and Routing
Always use cable ties and locking connectors if possible, allow for kiosk component
servicing, and avoid electrical noise sources.
• Cables that are near the printer, media path, or media should be tied to the kiosk chassis
or printer mounting hardware. The operator can accidentally disconnect the printer or other
kiosk components when maintaining the kiosk. Cabling must not interfere with the proper