Glossary
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diagnostics Information about which printer functions are not working that is used for troubleshooting
printer problems.
die-cut media A type of label stock that has individual labels stuck to a media liner. The labels may be
either lined up against each other or separated by a small distance. Typically the material surrounding the
labels has been removed. (See non-continuous media.)
direct thermal A printing method in which the printhead presses directly against the media. Heating the
printhead elements causes a discoloration of the heat-sensitive coating on the media. By selectively
heating the printhead elements as the media moves past, an image is printed onto the media. No ribbon is
used with this printing method. Contrast this with thermal transfer.
direct thermal media Media that is coated with a substance that reacts to the application of direct heat
from the printhead to produce an image.
dynamic RAM The memory devices used to store the label formats in electronic form while they are being
printed. The amount of DRAM memory available in the printer determines the maximum size and number
of label formats that can be printed. This is volatile memory that loses the stored information when power is
turned off.
fanfold media Non-continuous media that comes folded in a rectangular stack.
Fanfold media is either gap/notch or black mark media. Contrast this with roll media.
firmware This is the term used to specify the printer’s operating program. This program is downloaded to
the printer from a host computer and stored in FLASH memory. Each time the printer power is turned on,
this operating program starts. This program controls when to feed the media forward or backward and
when to print a dot on the label stock.
FLASH memory FLASH memory is non-volatile and maintains the stored information intact when power is
off. This memory area is used to store the printer’s operating program. In addition, this memory can be
used to store optional printer fonts, graphic formats, and complete label formats.
Font A complete set of alphanumeric characters in one style of type. Examples include CG Times ™ , CG
Triumvirate Bold Condensed ™ .
gap/notch media Media that contains a separation, notch, or hole, indicating where one label/printed
format ends and the next one begins.
Contrast this with black mark media or continuous media.
ips (inches-per-second) The speed at which the label or tag is printed. Many Zebra printers can print from
1 ips to 14 ips.
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