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Print Operations
Modes of Printing
12/14/07 GX420t / GX430t User Guide 980612-001 Rev. A
Modes of Printing
You can operate this printer in many different modes and media configurations:
• Direct thermal printing (which uses heat sensitive media to print).
• Thermal transfer printing (which uses ribbon to heat transfer print to the media).
• Standard Tear-Off mode allows you to tear off each label (or batch print a strip of labels)
after it is printed.
• Label Dispense Mode: If an optional dispenser is installed, the backing material can be
peeled away from the label as it is printed. After this label is removed, the next one is
printed.
• Media Cutting: If an optional media cutter is installed, the printer can cut the label liner
between labels, receipt paper or tag stock depending upon the cutter option purchased.
• Stand-alone: The printer can run in a stand-alone mode (not connected to a computer)
using the printer’s auto running label form feature (programming based) or by using an
data input device. This mode accommodates data input devices, such as scanners, weigh
scales, Zebra KDU Plus or KDU (Keyboard Display Unit) with a KDU Adapter, etc., via
the printer’s serial port.
• Shared network printing: Printers configured with the Ethernet interface option include an
internal print server with ZebraLink printer configuration web page and ZebraNet Bridge
software for managing and monitoring status of Zebra printers on a network.
Print Media Types
Your printer can use various types of media:
• Standard media—Most standard (non-continuous) media uses an adhesive backing that
sticks individual labels or a continuous length of labels to a liner.
• Continuous roll media—Most continuous roll media is direct thermal media (similar to
FAX paper) and is used for receipt or ticket style printing.
• Tag stock—Tags are usually made from a heavy paper (up to 0.0075in./0.19mm thick).
Tag stock does not have adhesive or a liner, and it is typically perforated between tags.
For more information on basic media types, see Table 1.
The printer typically uses roll media, but you can use fan-fold or other continuous media too.
Use the correct media for the type of printing you require. When printing without a ribbon, you
must use direct thermal media. When using ribbon, you must use thermal transfer media.
Important • Zebra strongly recommends the use of Zebra-brand supplies for continuous
high-quality printing. A wide range of paper, polypropylene, polyester, and vinyl stock has
been specifically engineered to enhance the printing capabilities of the printer and to prevent
premature printhead wear. To purchase supplies, go to http://www.zebra.com/howtobuy.