Tech Tip - Wrinkled Ribbons

The first step in troubleshooting a ribbon wrinkle problem is to identify if there is a wrinkle problem and where is the wrinkle problem located. There are specific symptoms that you can look for and can include the following.

1. Random irregular voids in the print
2. Diagonal lines or creases in the print.

Once the ribbon wrinkle problem has been identified, follow the steps below to correct the problem.

1.  Load a label on the printer and and use a ribbon that is slightly wider than the label liner.

2. Once loaded, turn the printer on and press the feed button to advance a blank label while looking at the  ribbon supply spindle movement to see if the ribbon is flowing smoothly without any rippling or sagging in the ribbon. If it is not flowing smoothly, follow step 3. If it is flowing smoothly, follow step 4.

3. Break or cut the ribbon from the rewind spindle and print test labels allowing the ribbon and label to feed out of the printer together. Stop printing, peel back the ribbon, and check the print to see if there are wrinkles. If there are, then you need to adjust the supply spindle roller cam or tension of the ribbon. Reference the manual provided with the printer to make these adjustments.

4. Thread the ribbon onto the rewind spindle and feed several labels until the flow of the ribbon is smooth.

5. Next, print test labels while observing the ribbon flow as well as the print. If there are still wrinkles or voids, you will need to adjust the ribbon shield plate to correct the problem. Once again, please reference your manual on how to make these adjustments.

Note: Make sure the head leveling adjustment is at the minimum setting. Reference your printer manual for the location of the mechanical adjustments.

MODELS:

All Thermal Transfer Printing Devices including:

• Label Print and Apply

• Label Print and Insert

• Table Top Label Printers