ID Technology 250 - Label Threading (ZEBRA)

Model 250
Printer Applicator
Operators/Technical Manual Section Three
Section 3 Page 8 of 19
Label Threading (ZEBRA)
Threading Labels through the applicator can be accomplished in under 30 seconds once
you have loaded labels a few times and got the hang of it. The roll of labels you use
should be stored in a cool dry climate.
Humidity and heat can ruin the roll of labels
and cause many problems during printing and
application. Labels kept in a hot and or humid
environment tend to bleed. That is, the
adhesive begins to soften and seep out the
sides. This causes labels to stick together or
not separate from the liner. The labels won’t
dispense onto the tamp pad or curl around the
peel tip and flounder on the air assist tube.
First remove the outer flange of the unwind.
The inner flange should be mounted with the
hub facing out, or towards you. Slide the
labels (Wound out on a 3” core) over the
unwind shaft and onto the 3” diameter hub of
the inner flange. Ensure the core is snug on
the hub and flush with the back flange. Re-
install the outer flange with the flat of the
shafted lined up with the flat of the decal on
the outer hub. Once you have the outer flange on, twist flange a
quarter turn in either direction to tighten onto shaft. There is a
setscrew through the hub that can be adjusted to give more or
less pressure against the shaft (4mm Allen wrench is required).
The label roll should not rotate easily at this point. To allow for
freewheeling of the unwind, move the dancer arm toward the
center of the machine. (refer to section one figure one part
identified as #16) This releases tension on the brake and will
allow you to unwind labels from the roll. About 3 feet is required
to complete the threading. Take the labels to the outside of the
dancer arm, around the bottom and over the roller to the right of
the dancer roller. (see figure 3-10)
The web should now be hanging vertical to the floor or parallel to the print engine. As you
are facing the applicator the web will go around the left side of the roller directly to the left
of the print engine and about an inch from the bottom of the faceplate. The web should
now be heading to the right and into the print engine itself. Referring to the applicable
printer manual for more concise directions is advised. Figures 3-14 and 3-15 shows an
example of a Zebra print engine with the label threaded through.
Figure 3-14 Web Path through the applicator
and Printer
Figure 3-15 Outer
Flange with Hub Decal in
center