There are 2 print methods:
Direct thermal: Label media contain chemical compounds which blacken when exposed to heat. No ribbon is required.
Thermal transfer: In addition to the label media, there is a ribbon with a layer of resin and/or wax material. This material is transferred to the label media when exposed to heat.
Detailed below are four different ways to change the print method.
- Change the print method from the printer driver on a Windows computer.
For printer driver version 5: Navigate to
Control Panel > D
evices and Printers > Right-click on your printer >
Printing Preferences >
Advanced Setup >
Media Type > Select the required print method.
For printer driver version 8:
Navigate to Control Panel > Devices and Printers > Right-click on your printer > Printing Preferences > Print Options > Printing Mode > Select the required print method.
- Change the print method by the ZPL command sent from Zebra Setup Utilities (ZSU).
- Download the Zebra Setup Utilities (ZSU) tool.
- Once ZSU is opened, make sure that the printer is perfectly detected in the tool.
- Navigate to Open Communication with printer.
- Paste the command format ^XA^MT^JUS^XZ to the upper frame. Refer to Programming Guide: ^MT command on page 309.
- Switch to thermal transfer using: ^XA^MTt^JUS^XZ.
- Switch to direct thermal using: ^XA^MTd^JUS^XZ.
- Press Enter on your keyboard two to three times and then click Send to Printer.
- Change the print method from the LCD of the printer (only available with printers featured with LCD).
For example, on a ZD620 printer, you have to navigate to Settings > Print Method.
Refer to ZD620 and ZD420 Users Guide: Print Method for information.
The same procedure can be followed on a ZT230 printer.
Refer to ZT230 User Guide: Print Method.
- Change the print method from the ZebraNet Print Server Web Page (only available with printers with an Ethernet or Wireless network configuration). The web interface is accessible with the IP address.
- Navigate to View and Modify Printer Settings > Media Setup > Print Method.
- Click Submit changes.
- When you have completed setting your printer configuration return to the View and Modify Printer Settings page and select Reset Network to make the change permanent.
The proper print method setting can help you to solve the Ribbon Out or Ribbon In Errors.
Helpful Information:
