Novexx Solutions ALX 92x, Service Manual

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07/15 Rev. 00 SERVICE MANUAL Selecting consumables
ALX 92x
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Selecting consumables
Thermal transfer / direct thermal printing
The ALX 92x can print onto label material using the direct thermal mode or thermal
transfer mode.
Direct thermal
Direct thermal printing is done without ribbon . The direct thermal process requires la-
bel material with a temperature-sensitive coating. The printout is produced by applying
precise bursts of heat to the material under the printhead. This changes the colour of
the coating.
Thermal transfer
Thermal transfer printing is done with (thermal transfer) ribbon on “normal” label ma-
terial. The printout is produced by applying precise bursts of heat to the thermal trans-
fer ribbon under the printhead. This transfers the colour particles to the label.
Label material
The ALX 92x was developed for printing on self-adhesive stock.
Pay attention to the following factors when selecting label material:
• The roughness of the material surface
• The printhead temperature required for the colour transfer
• Size of the material roll. The following dimensions need to be checked: Outside-/
inside diameter of the material roll and the material width
Material roughness
If the material is very rough, the printhead will be worn down more quickly than when
using a smooth material. This is an important aspect of thermal printing. With thermal
transfer printing, this doesn’t pose such a problem, because you can – and indeed
should – select a ribbon that is wider than the material. This means that the printhead
is protected over the entire width of the material.
Printhead temperature
High printhead temperatures can similarly cause problems. The material and the rib-
bon take longer to cool. As a result, the print quality may degrade – particularly at high
print speeds. The printhead also wears down more quickly.

The printing result is highly dependent on the right combination of label material
and thermal transfer ribbon. The surface of the label material determines which ther-
mal transfer ribbons produces the best adhesion. Unsuitable ribbons can lead to poor
printing results.
Further information can be found in the User Manual ALX 92x, chapter „Product de-
scription“ > „Technical Data“ > „Label material“.