Operator`s manual

A-Class 159
Appendix
Ribbon Saver Overview
With the Ribbon Saver option, the printer can conserve ribbon use in non-print label areas. Depending
upon the label format, when more than .25 inches (6.4 mm) of ribbon can be saved in areas of label white
space, the printhead lifts from the platen and a brake stops ribbon motion, while the assist rollers continue
to advance the media. At about .25 inches before the next line of print, the brake releases as the printhead
is lowered to resume printing.
There are a few additional parameters and features to keep in mind regarding Ribbon Saver operation:
 Speed-dependant white space minimums: The print speed will determine the amount white space
passed while the ribbon saver engages. For example, at 2 IPS there must be at least .65 inches (16.5
mm) of white space, while at 8 IPS the area increases to 1.2 inches (30.5 mm). Ribbon savings
become more significant as the label white space gets larger.
 Note: If a Top of Form, Out of Stock, Position, Ribbon or Head Lift Fault occurs, ribbon saving will not occur
during the first two inches (51 mm) after printing is restarted.
 Multiple lifts per label: The ribbon saving feature will actuate a maximum of twenty times per label.
 Software control: Software commands can enable or disable the ribbon saving function. For details,
refer to your labeling software documentation; or, if writing your own program in DPL, refer to the
Class Series Programmer’s Manual.
 User Interface control: A menu selection can enable or disable the ribbon saving function, see
Section 4.2.4. However, menu selections may be overridden by the software program or DPL
commands.
 Testing: A menu selection is available to test the ribbon saving feature, see Section 4.2.7.
 Continuous printing: Label throughput will not be affected when using the Ribbon Saver. Printing
speeds and ribbon saving are maintained through the entire range for that printer model. At faster
speeds, however, a light horizontal mark at the point just before the Ribbon Saver has disengaged
may appear across the label. This mark is produced as the already moving label contacts the
stationary ribbon. There are two ways to minimize this contact mark: (1) change to a slightly harder
wax or wax/resin formulation of ribbon; or, (2) slow down the print speed.