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Glossary
6/28/17 ZT510 User Guide P1095460-001 
liquid crystal display (LCD)  The LCD is a back-lit display that provides the user with 
either operating status during normal operation or option menus when configuring the printer 
to a specific application.
media  Material onto which data is printed by the printer. Types of media include: tag stock, 
die-cut labels, continuous labels (with and without media liner), non-continuous media, 
fanfold media, and roll media.
media sensor  This sensor is located behind the printhead to detect the presence of media 
and, for non-continuous media, the position of the web, hole, or notch used to indicate the start 
of each label.
media supply hanger  The stationary arm that supports the media roll.
non-continuous media  Media that contains an indication of where one label/printed 
format ends and the next one begins. Examples are die-cut labels, notched tag-stock, and stock 
with black mark registration marks.
non-volatile memory  Electronic memory that retains data even when the power to the 
printer is turned off.
notched media  A type of tag stock containing a cutout area that can be sensed as a start-of-
label indicator by the printer. This is typically a heavier, cardboard-like material that is either 
cut or torn away from the next tag. (See non-continuous media.)
peel-off  A mode of operation in which the printer peels a printed label away from the 
backing and allows the user to remove it before another label is printed. Printing pauses until 
the label is removed.
print speed  The speed at which printing occurs. For thermal transfer printers, this speed is 
expressed in terms of ips (inches per second).
printhead wear  The degradation of the surface of the printhead and/or the print elements 
over time. Heat and abrasion can cause printhead wear. Therefore, to maximize the life of the 
printhead, use the lowest print darkness setting (sometimes called burn temperature or head 
temperature) and the lowest printhead pressure necessary to produce good print quality. In the 
thermal transfer printing method, use ribbon that is as wide or wider than the media to protect 
the printhead from the rough media surface.
registration  Alignment of printing with respect to the top (vertical) or sides (horizontal) of a 
label or tag.
ribbon  A band of material consisting of a base film coated with wax or resin “ink.” The 
inked side of the material is pressed by the printhead against the media. The ribbon transfers 
ink onto the media when heated by the small elements within the printhead. Zebra ribbons 
have a coating on the back that protects the printhead from wear.
ribbon wrinkle  A wrinkling of the ribbon caused by improper alignment or improper 
printhead pressure. This wrinkle can cause voids in the print and/or the used ribbon to rewind 
unevenly. This condition should be corrected by performing adjustment procedures.