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UBI EasyCoder 501 – Technical Manual
The Ribbon Save Device is a factory-installed option for Easy-
Coder 501 E and EasyCoder 501 SA. The purpose of the ribbon save
is to avoid unnecessary spending of thermal transfer ribbon when
feeding out blank labels, or large blank part of printed labels,
thereby reducing the cost of thermal transfer printing and increasing
the time between ribbon reloads.
The Ribbon Save Device works automatically, but can be turned off
if so desired (see “Ribbon Save Control” below). When the
software determines that no printing is to be performed within the
next 20 mm (
≈
0.8") or more of paper feed, the printhead is lifted by
a motor and the transfer ribbon is stopped. Obviously, the print
roller can no longer feed out the paper due to the lack of counter
pressure, but the rear drive roller, driven by the same belt as the print
roller, will push the paper forward. A spring-loaded pressing roller
produces counter-pressure.
Shortly before printing is to be resumed, the printhead is lowered,
and the transfer ribbon starts running again.
RIBBON SAVE DEVICE
Working Principles
Continued!
Load
Drive Roller
Pressing Roller
