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Ribbon
13163L Rev. 3 5/20/2004 Z4Mplus/Z6Mplus User Guide 17
Ribbon
Ribbon is a thin film that is coated on one side with wax or wax resin, which is transferred to
the media during the thermal transfer process. The media determines whether you need to use
ribbon and how wide the ribbon must be.
When to Use Ribbon
Thermal transfer media requires ribbon for printing while direct thermal media does not.
To determine if ribbon must be used with a particular media, perform a media scratch test.
To perform a label scratch test, complete these steps:
1. Scratch the print surface of the media with your fingernail.
2. Did a black mark appear on the media?
Ribbon Width
When ribbon is used, it must be as wide as or wider than the media being used. If the ribbon is
narrower than the media, areas of the printhead are unprotected and subject to premature wear.
Coated Side of Ribbon
Ribbon can be wound with the coated side on the inside or outside (see Figure 13), which
affects how the ribbon will be loaded in the printer. If you are unsure which side of a particular
roll of ribbon is coated, perform an adhesive test or a ribbon scratch test to determine which
side is coated.
Figure 13 • Ribbon Coated on Outside or Inside
If a black mark... Then...
Does not appear on the media The media is thermal transfer. A ribbon is
required with this type of media.
Appears on the media The media is direct thermal. No ribbon is required
for this type of media, though ribbon may be used
to help protect the printhead from abrasion with the
media.
Outside Inside