105SL Printer -- Loading the Ribbon and Resolving Ribbon Issues (With Video)
Article ID: 99494169
Symptoms This solution discusses resolving symptoms related to the following: Ribbon In error Ribbon Out error Not detecting a ribbon out condition Ribbon wrinkle causing random diagonal lines in print Ribbon stalling or sticking Ribbon breaking or tearing
Applies To 105SL Printers Overview The printer can be used for a wide variety of printing applications. Printing can be done with and without ribbon and for each method the printer (and driver/software) must be properly configured. The most common term used when ribbon is required is ”Thermal Transfer” while “Direct Thermal” refers to applications that do not use ribbon. For non-ribbon applications a heat sensitive label must be used referred to as Direct Thermal labels. The ribbon used in the printer consists of a wax or resin based ink on a plastic film called the carrier that is rolled onto a cardboard core. The width of the roll varies based on the width of the labels and should always be slightly wider. This provides protection for the printhead to prevent wear. On Zebra printers the ink is on the outside of the ribbon roll (see note) and this is the surface that should be facing the labels so ink transfer is accomplished. Read More>> Important: All printer menu settings can be impacted by commands from a mis-matched or misconfigured driver or software application. A printer that is functioning fine after setup but fails or indicates an error after label requests are received are most likely affected by the host side misconfiguration of the driver or printer software settings. The host device that generates the printer commands for printing typically have setup configuration that send these as commands to the printer. Make sure all settings match the printer settings to avoid intermittent issues.
Helpful Details Ribbon J-Hook Part Number 40490-2 (Must be purchased from your Zebra Reseller)
How it works Ribbon Mechanics There are two spindles, Ribbon Supply and Ribbon Take-up, that guide the ribbon during printing. The actual movement of ribbon is controlled by the printhead pressure at the print line. Back tension is applied from the Ribbon Supply spindle to help prevent wrinkle and take up slack during backfeed operation. Printhead pressure moves the ribbon keeping it synchronized with the labels and the Ribbon Take-up spindle removes the ribbon from the labels and rewinds the spent ribbon.
Ribbon Detection The printer uses a combination of an optical sensor and a removeable reflector plate (snap plate) to detect the ribbon as it blocks the ribbon sensor light path. The ribbon sensor is used in Thermal Transfer applications to detect the state of the ribbon and will provide a Ribbon Out condition when the ribbon reaches the end of the roll or is not installed. A clear ribbon trailer allows the light to reach the reflector plate or the ribbon has a reflective chrome trailer that acts as a light reflector for the ribbon sensor. For Direct Thermal applications (where ribbon is not required) the sensor will warn if ribbon is detected by displaying a Ribbon In warning on the LCD Display. To avoid ribbon errors proper loading and configuration of the printer and driver/software is required.
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