ZM Series Calibration Issues and Details (With Video)
Article ID: 54112073
Details
Description Understanding the media configurations needed for the ZM Series printer for proper calibration and avoiding media errors includes: • Understanding printer calibration
• Adjusting the Media Sensors
• Correcting Paper Out Errors • Correcting image drift problems
• Labels stopping at random locations
• Labels skipping or occasional blank label
• Labels are not lining up or are not aligned
• Correcting Calibration Problems Applies To ZM400, ZM600, RZ400, RZ600 Printers
Requirements The ZM Series printer has an LCD Display for printer configuration but can use ZPL commands as well for printer configuration. These are free utilities or applications that can be used to configure a connected printer
Overview The printer can be used for a variety of media and verifying the media related settings is required when any problems are encountered. By default the printer will calibrate and function correctly with the most commonly used standard gap labels. Problems can occur if there are specific setting required to use other types of labels or if the configuration settings are altered by mis-configured driver or label printing applications, or incorrectly altering LCD configuration settings. This procedure will help understand printer setup and configuration for accurate calibration/registration of your labels. This includes:
:Note The team Media = Labels, tags, card stock and so on. In summary the supplies you use in the printer Procedure 1. Understanding your media The Zebra Printer supports the use of many types and shapes of label/tags and knowing your media detail is important for proper configuration. Here are the details you should know for printer media setup and configuration. Media Related Configurations Media Type – Continuous, Gap/Notch, and Black Mark. Default is Gap/Notch Read More>> Helpful Info - Media identification details Read More>> Print Method – Thermal Transfer (Using Ribbon) or Direct Thermal (No Ribbon) – Default - Thermal Transfer Read More>> Print Mode – Tear off, Cutter, Peel, Rewind, RFID – Default is Tear off This is related to the label presentation after printing and limited to the options you have installed. Read More>> Media Loading - The media must be properly loaded for the Print Mode you intend to use. Read More>>
2. Understanding the Media Sensors The printer comes with two sensors for label tracking based on the Media Type used. Transmissive Sensor – This is adjustable position sensor that has a red light to helps you to position for proper sensor placement. It can be viewed when the printhead is opened and the printer is powered on. This sensor is used for sensing label Gaps, Holes, and Notches. See the Transmissive Sensor Read More>> Reflective Sensor - This is a fixed position inter-label gap type media sensor used for Black Mark Media. See the Reflective Sensor Read More>> The black mark must be located on the inboard side of the label since this sensor is fixed in position and mounted against the inner wall. 3. Positioning the moveable sensor The moveable or adjustable position sensor must be placed so the top of form can be detected. This can be an inter-label gap, a hole or notch. When using typical labels on a backing with an inter-label gap, the sensor can be positioned along the width of the label as long as it is not over the rounded edge. If using a hole or notch position the sensor's red light directly under the hole or notch so it is seen as the labels feed. Here is more detail on positioning the moveable sensor Read More>>
4. Media Feed Power up action The printer can be configured to position or calibrate the media after head closure or when powered on. These are configured using the LCD Display Read More>> or can be configured from your utility/application.These configurations are detailed as follows
For recommendations on these selections Read More>> 5. Maximum Label Length Note:You probably don't have to change this from the 39" default so ignore the Maximum Label Length discussion if you have defaulted the printer or are setting the printer up for the first time. If your printer is feeding less than a label length and experiencing a Media Out Error then you may want to see if this setting was incorrectly configured. Label Length Max setting. It should be noted that if the printer Maximum Length setting is changed from the default 39” it should be set to a value 1 inch longer than the longest label you intend to use. For example, on a 203dpi printer using a 6" label, set the Maximum Length value to 7". ( 7x203 = 1421) Here is the ZPL - ^XA^ML1421^XZ Read More>> To view the existing MAXIMUM LENGTH setting on the printer print a configuration label or request a configuration from your host Read More>> >Setting the Label Length Maximum< LCD Display - MAXIMUM LENGTH (Set to 1" longer than the actual length) There are no settings in the Zebra SetUp Utility so if required create a ZPL file with the recommended Maximum Label Length- Example:
Send the file using your utility or application.
6. Calibrate the printer for the media. - (This step assumes you have not changed the Media Feed Power Up Action from the default Calibrate setting) If the printer fails to feed properly or there is a Media Out indication, perform the Manual Calibration Procedure Read More>>
Note: If the printer fails after receiving a label request from your data source then there are likely commands being sent from the host that are overwriting the printer configurations. Check your host driver or application settings and assure they match the printer settings. Common Issues and Resolutions
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+ Product Codes
- RZ400
- RZ600
- Z Series Industrial Printers
- ZM400
- ZM600