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Digital Ribbon Save Mode
Digital Ribbon Save mode is a feature of the SmartDate X60 printer that allows you to
reduce the amount of ribbon used for each print.
This is achieved by allowing the substrate to run at a faster speed than the ribbon.
The difference between the ribbon speed and the substrate speed defines the amount
of ribbon saving that can be achieved.
For example: If the substrate speed is 1.5 times that of the ribbon speed, then
there is a ribbon saving of 1/3 (33%)
When the ribbon moves at a different speed to the substrate, the size of print is
still as designed. This is achieved by stretching the amount of ink removed from
the ribbon over a larger area.
An example of this might be as follows:
• Substrate running at twice the ribbon speed:
• A 10 mm long print on the substrate would only use 5 mm of ribbon.
• Substrate running at three times the ribbon speed:
• A 9 mm long print on the substrate would only use 3 mm of ribbon.
Digital Ribbon Save mode offers lower costs by using less ribbon per print than high
pack rate mode. Three levels of ribbon saving can be selected. As less ribbon (and
therefore less ink) is used per print there is a drop off in print quality as the ribbon
saving level increases:
• Lowest: Offers a 10% reduction in ribbon usage with a print quality comparable to
High Pack Rate mode.
• Low: Offers a 20% reduction in ribbon usage with a print quality slightly lower than
High Pack Rate mode.
• Medium: Offers a 30% reduction in ribbon usage with a print quality lower than the
High Pack Rate mode.
• High: Offers a 40% reduction in ribbon usage with a print quality noticeably lower
than the High Pack Rate mode.
• Highest: Offers a 50% reduction in ribbon usage with a print quality significantly
lower than the High Pack Rate mode.
To access the Cost Saving mode setup menu, see section 6 Menus - Print Features -
Print Mode.
Operation
for parts & service call QLC (800) 837-1309