Printer Optimization 9-1
P RINTER O PTIMIZATION
This chapter provides information on how to improve your printer’s performance by
♦ adjusting the print quality
♦ reducing the imaging time for printing
♦ providing general tips and hints for designing formats.
This printer uses “smart imaging” to image and print fields on supplies. Smart imaging remembers
the exact boundaries and locations of each field and places a boundary box (white space) around
each field. When a field changes that particular boundary box is cleared and the new field data is
imaged. However, the new field data may require a larger boundary box than the previous field
did. In some cases, neighboring fields that do not change may be covered with white space from
the changing field’s boundary box. To prevent existing fields from being covered by a changing
field, see “Using Option 61 (Reimage Field)” in Chapter 4.
Note: Smart imaging is automatically disabled on formats with a Data Matrix bar code.
Adjusting the Print Quality
Many factors affect print quality: type of supplies, print speed, print contrast, and the type of
printer’s application. This printer supports both thermal transfer and thermal direct supplies. The
type of supply should match the printer’s application.
♦ If you want to print at high speeds, you should use premium supplies. Using premium supplies
reduces smudged images, hard to read labels, and faded print. Supply type, print speed, and
print contrast work together to improve the print quality of labels. Contact your Sales
Representative for more information.
♦ Select the print speed based on desired throughput and print quality. If print quality is more
important, reduce the print speed, because a lower print speed increases the print quality of
labels. If throughput is more important, increase the print speed as high as it will go to give
you the needed print performance. See “Increasing Throughput” for more information.
♦ If the print quality is too light or too dark, adjust the print contrast. The correct contrast setting
is important because it effects how well your bar codes scan and how long the printhead lasts.
Be sure to check the print quality of bar codes with a bar code verifier or scanner. If you
do not have a verifier or scanner, check the bar code visually. A bar code that is IN SPEC
will have complete bars and clear spaces. Small alphanumeric characters will look
complete. A bar code that is IN SPEC may not look as good as one that is too dark, but it
will have the highest scan rate.
Note: For highest scan rates, make sure there is adequate white space before and after the bar
code. Also, a darker bar code does not mean it will scan better.
The following non-print zones are recommended:
All Supplies.050 inches on either edge of the label.
All Supplies.020 inches at the top and bottom of the label.
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