9
Selecting Media and Ribbon
Because the media and ribbon used will determine the printer’s heat and speed settings, consider these
factors when selecting your thermal transfer stock and ribbon combination:
The combination of label facestocks / topcoatings and ribbon formulation may affect image quality.
The ribbon backcoating can provide printhead protection and, depending upon the formulation, help
reduce static build-up.
The use of a ribbon that is slightly wider than the media backing material (if any) can protect the
printhead against wear.
The following table is for reference only; for detailed advice, consult a Datamax-O’Neil
Media
Representative.
Print Speed
Ribbon
Type
Thermal Transfer
Media Type
Inches per
Second
Millimeters per
Second
Energy
Image
Durability
GPR Plus
Great Label TTL
10 – 12 *
254 – 305 *
Medium
Medium
GPR Plus
Coated and Uncoated Paper,
Tag Stock, some Films, some
Synthetics
2 - 10
51 - 254
Medium
Medium
PGR+
Coated and Glossy Paper, Tag
Stock, some Synthetics, Films
2 - 8
51 - 203
Medium
Medium
SDR
Synthetics, Films
4 - 6
102 - 152
High
High
*
Highly recommended for optimum print quality at speeds above 10 IPS.
Ribbon Requirements
Ribbon Core:
1.010”
.006” (25.6 mm
.2 mm) inner diameter; where the core is not
to protrude beyond ribbon’s edge.
Maximum Ribbon Length:
1968 feet (600 meters)
[1]
The ribbon width should exceed the web width of the label (label + liner).
Approved Media
Specially formulated for optimum print quality and maximum printhead life, Datamax-O’Neil media and
ribbons are strongly suggested for use in your printer. The use of non-Datamax-O’Neil materials may
affect the print quality, performance, and life of the printer components (see the
Operator’s Manual
Warranty Statement for details). For a current list of approved media and ribbons, contact a Media
Representative at (407) 523-5650.
