Specifications

PA/4000 User’s Manual
Appendix D, Replaceable Components and Supplies
Page 3
Ribbon
Direct Thermal:
Consider three important factors when selecting direct thermal ribbon:
1. The abrasive qualities of the material that covers the thermal reactive layer
of the paper.
2. The ability of that layer to control the chemical reaction that occurs when
the image is “burned,”
3. The amount of heat required to image the paper.
If the coating layer is too abrasive, the printhead will be “sanded off” at a faster rate
than would normally occur. If the layer cannot contain the reaction, the printhead
will become “pitted,” and the dots across the web of the printhead will fail.
The reaction temperature, the temperature at which the chemical process
produces an image, is important because the greater the degree of heat required
to image the paper, the greater the amount of time needed for the printhead and
paper to cool. This process reduces the maximum print speed that can be
obtained with the stock.
The abrasive qualities of the stock are not as critical in thermal transfer
applications because the thermal transfer ribbon is in direct contact with the
printhead when the ribbon is installed.
Thermal Transfer:
Consider two important factors when selecting thermal
transfer ribbon and label combinations.
1. Image quality is affected by the label top coating and ribbon combinations.
The top coating provides a layer to contain the substrate fibers and to
provide a base for the ribbon to adhere to. Ribbons are formulated to
provide various levels of smudge resistance and print quality. Typically,
the more expensive media combinations perform better than the cheap
combinations.
2. Ribbon backcoating is highly recommended because it provides protection
for the printhead. Many models also provide a desirable anti-static coating.
Diagraph thermal transfer ribbons are selected specifically for use with the
Prodigy Plus
TM
print engine. Use of ribbons other than those supplied by
Diagraph Value Added Resellers (VARs) or by Diagraph may result in a poor
quality printing of bar codes and their ability to be scanned. This may invalidate
the printhead warranty.