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Appendix: Media
Types of Thermal Media
1/13/2016 ZD420 User’s Guide 212485-001 Rev. A
Types of Thermal Media
Your printer can use various types of media:
• Standard media—Most standard (non-continuous) media uses an adhesive backing that
sticks individual labels or a continuous length of labels to a liner.
• Continuous roll media—Most continuous roll media is direct thermal media (similar to FAX
paper) and is used for receipt or ticket style printing.
• Tag stock—Tags are usually made from a heavy paper (up to 0.0075in./0.19mm thick).
Tag stock does not have adhesive or a liner, and it is typically perforated between tags.
For more information on basic media types, see Table 1.
The printer typically uses roll media, but you can use fan-fold or other continuous media too.
Determining Thermal Media Types
Thermal transfer media requires ribbon for printing while direct thermal media does not.
To determine if ribbon must be used with a particular media, perform a media scratch test.
To perform a media scratch test, complete these steps:
1. Scratch the print surface of the media with a finger nail or pen cap. Press firmly and quickly
while dragging it across the media surface. Direct thermal media is chemically treated to print
(expose) when heat is applied. This test method uses friction heat to expose the media.
2. Did a black mark appear on the media?
Important • Zebra strongly recommends the use of Zebra-brand supplies in order to
ensure consistent high-quality printing. A wide range of paper, polypropylene,
polyester, and vinyl stock has been specifically engineered to enhance the printing
capabilities of the printer and to prevent premature printhead wear. To purchase
supplies, go to http://www.zebra.com/howtobuy.
If a black mark... Then the media is...
Appears on the media Direct thermal. No ribbon is required.
Does not appear on the
media
Thermal transfer. A ribbon is required.
Not supported by this printer.
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