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Printing Modes
5Operator’
s Guide
The printer is capable of printing in either of
two modes:
• Direct Thermal only
(T3204–20 and T3304–20)
• Direct Thermal
and
Thermal Transfer
(T3204–21 and T3304–21)
The two modes have in common the
application of heat to produce the printed
image.They differ in the way the heat is
applied.
In thermal transfer printing, the individual dot
elements of the printhead apply heat to a
ribbon. The ink on the ribbon is a specially
formulated material that melts onto the print
media, bonding with the media to produce an
image.
Direct thermal printing does not use a ribbon.
Instead, the printer applies heat
directly
to
the print media, which reacts to the heat by
turning black.
note
All
illustrations reflect the direct thermal
and
thermal transfer printer configuration
(T3204–21 and T3304–21).
This mode requires the use of a special
direct thermal print media. It also requires
that the ribbon be removed, if already
installed.
note
Using
direct thermal print media with a
ribbon installed will produce unacceptable
print quality
.
The desired mode is selected through the
printer menu system. The main menu is
accessed via the secondary operator panel.
note
Refer
to the “Configuring the Printer”
chapter in the
Setup Guide
for complete
instructions in how to access and use the
secondary operator panel.