Epson CW-C6000Au, CW-C6000Pu, CW-C6000Ae, CW-C6000Pe, CW-C6010A Command Reference Guide

Command Reference Guide

M00097706

Rev. G

Cautions

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4.Neither is any liability assumed for damages resulting from the use of the information contained herein.

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EPSON is a registered trademark of Seiko Epson Corporation.

Exceed Your Vision and ESC/Label are registered trademarks or trademarks of Seiko Epson Corporation.

Zebra Technologies Corporation and ZPL II are the registered trademarks or trademarks of Zebra Technologies Corporation. General Notice: Other product and company names used herein are for identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective companies.

All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners and used for identification purpose only. ©Seiko Epson Corporation 2016-2020. All rights reserved.

ESC/Label Command Reference Guide
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About this Document

(1)Scope of this document

This document describes ESC/Label commands. ESC/Label commands are used to control Epson’s label printers.

This document is designed for those who use ESC/Label commands to develop programs to control printers. Please refer to the ESC/Label Application Development Guide when developing programs. Refer to the attached Command List for commands used and definition ranges for each model.

(2)Content of the specification

The content of this document is outlined below.

	Content of the specification
Item	Description
About this Document	Positioning and content of this document, definitions (terminology,
	expressions)
1 Commands Outline	Characteristics, configuration, basic specifications, and usage
	examples of ESC/Label commands
2 Primary Functions	Key features of the ESC/Label command
3 Detailed Command	Detailed specifications of the ESC/Label command
Specifications
Appendix	The list of the mode and the setting
Command List (Attachment)	Indicates commands used by model and their corresponding
	parameter definition ranges in the commands included in the
	ESC/Label commands.

(3)Definitions

(a)Hexadecimal values are expressed with numbers 0 – 9 and letters A – F, along with the letter H (first letter of HEX).

Example: 1AH

(b)Outside of command code descriptions, commands are enclosed within double quotation marks and command codes are enclosed in parentheses.

Example: "^F(C" (field color settings)

(c)Units are expressed by the unit name enclosed in square brackets. Examples: [dot], [mm]

(d)The following are enclosed in angle brackets.

Control codes	Examples:	<CR>, <STX>
Uniquely defined terms	Example:	<prefix character>
Non-alphanumeric characters	Example:	Comma <,>

ESC/Label Command Reference Guide
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Commands Outline .........................................................................................................................................................		8
1.1.	Characteristics..........................................................................................................................................................	8
1.2.	Structure ...................................................................................................................................................................	9
1.3.	Command Basic Specifications...........................................................................................................................	10

	1.3.1 Format Commands and Control Commands ..............................................................................................		10
	1.3.2 Basic Data Format for the Command............................................................................................................		10
	1.3.3	Command Syntax .............................................................................................................................................	12
	1.3.4 About Saving the Graphics and Label Formats in the Printer..................................................................		12
	1.4. Example of Command Use..................................................................................................................................		13
	1.4.1	Basic Label Printing ..........................................................................................................................................	13
	1.4.2	Color Label Printing..........................................................................................................................................	14
	1.4.3	Serialized Printing.............................................................................................................................................	15
	1.4.4 Saving a File for a Label Format .....................................................................................................................		16
	1.4.5 Printing Using the Label Format File ............................................................................................................		17
	1.4.6	Getting Status....................................................................................................................................................	18
2.	Primary Functions..........................................................................................................................................................		19
	2.1.	Fonts........................................................................................................................................................................	19
	2.1.1	Font type ............................................................................................................................................................	20
	2.1.2	Special symbols.................................................................................................................................................	21
	2.2.	Media settings .......................................................................................................................................................	21
	2.2.1	Media coating type...........................................................................................................................................	21
	2.2.2	Media form.........................................................................................................................................................	22
	2.2.3	Label edge detection .......................................................................................................................................	22
	2.2.4	Media source .....................................................................................................................................................	22
	2.2.5	Media shape.......................................................................................................................................................	22
	2.3.	Errors........................................................................................................................................................................	23
	2.4.	Print area.................................................................................................................................................................	24
	2.4.1 Leading edge and direction definitions .......................................................................................................		25
	2.4.2	Reference position definitions .......................................................................................................................	26
	2.4.3	Maximum printable area.................................................................................................................................	27
	2.4.4 Printable area and mount settings................................................................................................................		28
	2.4.5 Print area and margin settings.......................................................................................................................		29
	2.4.6 Print requests outside the print area ............................................................................................................		30
	2.4.7 Print area settings using ZPL II commands..................................................................................................		31
	2.5. Getting and Setting Printer Information ..........................................................................................................		32
	2.5.1 Method for Setting Printer Information .......................................................................................................		33
	2.5.2 Method for Getting Printer Information.......................................................................................................		34
	2.6.	Designating Color .................................................................................................................................................	36
	2.7.	Field color reversal................................................................................................................................................	38
	2.8.	Printing Graphics...................................................................................................................................................	40
	2.8.1 Registering a Graphic in a Printer and Printing It .......................................................................................		40
	2.8.2 Embedding a Graphic in the Field and Printing It ......................................................................................		41
3.	Detailed Command Specifications .............................................................................................................................		42
	^A......................................................................................................................................................................................		43
	^A@	..................................................................................................................................................................................	44
	^B(Q..................................................................................................................................................................................		45
	^B(R	..................................................................................................................................................................................	48
	^B(V	..................................................................................................................................................................................	50
	^B0 ^BO...........................................................................................................................................................................		51
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^B2....................................................................................................................................................................................		53
^B3....................................................................................................................................................................................		54
^B7....................................................................................................................................................................................		55
^B8....................................................................................................................................................................................		57
^B9....................................................................................................................................................................................		58
^BA ...................................................................................................................................................................................		60
^BC ...................................................................................................................................................................................		63
^BD...................................................................................................................................................................................		68
^BE....................................................................................................................................................................................		70
^BF....................................................................................................................................................................................		71
^BK....................................................................................................................................................................................		73
^BQ...................................................................................................................................................................................		74
^BR....................................................................................................................................................................................		78
^BU ...................................................................................................................................................................................		80
^BX ...................................................................................................................................................................................		81
^BY....................................................................................................................................................................................		85
^C(D..................................................................................................................................................................................		86
^C(L ..................................................................................................................................................................................		87
^C(S ..................................................................................................................................................................................		88
^CC	~CC .......................................................................................................................................................................	89
^CD	~CD ......................................................................................................................................................................	90
^CF....................................................................................................................................................................................		91
^CI.....................................................................................................................................................................................		92
^CM ..................................................................................................................................................................................		94
^CT	~CT........................................................................................................................................................................	95
^CV ...................................................................................................................................................................................		96
^CW ..................................................................................................................................................................................		97
~DE ...................................................................................................................................................................................		98
^DF ...................................................................................................................................................................................		99
~DG.................................................................................................................................................................................		100
~DN.................................................................................................................................................................................		102
~DU.................................................................................................................................................................................		103
~DY .................................................................................................................................................................................		104
^F(C ................................................................................................................................................................................		107
^FB..................................................................................................................................................................................		109
^FC..................................................................................................................................................................................		110
^FD .................................................................................................................................................................................		111
^FH .................................................................................................................................................................................		112
^FM.................................................................................................................................................................................		113
^FN .................................................................................................................................................................................		114
^FO .................................................................................................................................................................................		115
^FP..................................................................................................................................................................................		117
^FR..................................................................................................................................................................................		118
^FS ..................................................................................................................................................................................		119
^FT..................................................................................................................................................................................		120
^FV..................................................................................................................................................................................		123
^FW ................................................................................................................................................................................		124
^FX..................................................................................................................................................................................		126
^GB .................................................................................................................................................................................		127
^GC.................................................................................................................................................................................		128
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^GD.................................................................................................................................................................................	129
^GE .................................................................................................................................................................................	130
^GF .................................................................................................................................................................................	131
^GS .................................................................................................................................................................................	133
~H(C................................................................................................................................................................................	134
~H(I .................................................................................................................................................................................	136
~H(Q ...............................................................................................................................................................................	139
~H(S ................................................................................................................................................................................	142
~H(Y................................................................................................................................................................................	144
^HF .................................................................................................................................................................................	146
^HG.................................................................................................................................................................................	147
^HH.................................................................................................................................................................................	148
~HI ..................................................................................................................................................................................	149
~HM................................................................................................................................................................................	150
~HS .................................................................................................................................................................................	151
^HW................................................................................................................................................................................	153
^HY .................................................................................................................................................................................	155
^ID ..................................................................................................................................................................................	156
^IL ...................................................................................................................................................................................	157
^IM..................................................................................................................................................................................	158
^IS ...................................................................................................................................................................................	159
~J(C.................................................................................................................................................................................	160
~J(M................................................................................................................................................................................	161
~JA..................................................................................................................................................................................	162
^JB ..................................................................................................................................................................................	163
~JC ..................................................................................................................................................................................	164
^JM .................................................................................................................................................................................	165
~JP ..................................................................................................................................................................................	166
~JR ..................................................................................................................................................................................	167
~JS...................................................................................................................................................................................	168
^JU..................................................................................................................................................................................	169
~JX ..................................................................................................................................................................................	170
^JZ ..................................................................................................................................................................................	171
^KL..................................................................................................................................................................................	172
^LH .................................................................................................................................................................................	173
^LR..................................................................................................................................................................................	174
^LS ..................................................................................................................................................................................	175
^LT ..................................................................................................................................................................................	176
^MC ................................................................................................................................................................................	177
^MF.................................................................................................................................................................................	178
^MM ...............................................................................................................................................................................	179
^MN................................................................................................................................................................................	180
^MP ................................................................................................................................................................................	181
^MU................................................................................................................................................................................	182
^PH .................................................................................................................................................................................	184
~PH .................................................................................................................................................................................	186
^PM ................................................................................................................................................................................	187
^PO.................................................................................................................................................................................	188
^PP..................................................................................................................................................................................	191
~PP..................................................................................................................................................................................	192
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^PQ.................................................................................................................................................................................		193
~PS..................................................................................................................................................................................		194
~RO.................................................................................................................................................................................		195
^S(C ................................................................................................................................................................................		196
^SE..................................................................................................................................................................................		197
^SF ..................................................................................................................................................................................		198
^SL ..................................................................................................................................................................................		199
^SN .................................................................................................................................................................................		200
^SO .................................................................................................................................................................................		201
^ST..................................................................................................................................................................................		202
~TA .................................................................................................................................................................................		203
^TB..................................................................................................................................................................................		204
^TO .................................................................................................................................................................................		205
~W(P ...............................................................................................................................................................................		206
~WC ................................................................................................................................................................................		207
^WD................................................................................................................................................................................		208
^XA .................................................................................................................................................................................		209
^XB .................................................................................................................................................................................		210
^XF..................................................................................................................................................................................		211
^XG.................................................................................................................................................................................		212
^XZ .................................................................................................................................................................................		213
Appendix A:	List of Printer Operation Modes ..........................................................................................................	214
Appendix B:	List of Printer Operation Statuses .......................................................................................................	227
Appendix C:	List of Printer Information ....................................................................................................................	232
REVISION SHEET (Summary) ...............................................................................................................................................		233
REVISION SHEET (Detail)......................................................................................................................................................		234

ESC/Label Command Reference Guide
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1.Commands Outline

1.1.Characteristics

ESC/Label command is a command system that has the following characteristics.

(1)It includes much of the ZPL II command and is highly compatible with your existing system.

(2)The command is primarily in the text data format and is highly compatible with database or Web technology.

(3)It can arrange text, barcodes, or graphics in any position on the label and perform color printing.

(4)It is well-suited for batch printing through the serialized designation function and the print count designation function.

(5)Due to its simple command syntax, it helps prevent printing mistakes from failing to control the printer.

(6)Because you can save the graphic and label format in the printer, you can print labels with a small amount of transmitted data.

(7)You can get the printer operation status or the printer operation mode whenever you like.

ESC/Label Command Reference Guide
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1.2.Structure

ESC/Label command consists of the major commands of the ZPL II command and Epson's original extension.

(1)It includes the major commands for ZPL II, which is mainstream in the monochrome thermal label printer market.

(2)Epson's original commands and parameter expansions are included to realize color label printing on an inkjet printer.

ESC/label command

ZPL II

ZPL II

Commands necessary for label printing and inkjet printer control

*Epson parameter expands on some commands.

Commands not included in ESC/label command

Epson additional commands

Epson original expansions

Figure 1.2.1 Structure of ESC/Label command

Table1.2.1 indicates the parts of ZPL II commands not included in ESC/Label command.

Table 1.2.1 Excerpt of Commands Not Included in ESC/Label command

Command type	Example
Thermal head device control commands	Setting the thermal head resistance value
RFID control commands	Reading, writing the RFID
Commands related to wireless	Wireless LAN settings
Commands related to battery control	Transmitting battery status

ESC/Label Command Reference Guide
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1.3.Command Basic Specifications

1.3.1Format Commands and Control Commands

Commands for ESC/Label command belong to either format commands or control commands, depending on their purpose and execution priority.

Format commands are used for defining and printing labels, and control commands are used for controlling the printer. Format commands and control commands have their own fixed prefix character, so the type can be determined based on the prefix character in the command code.

Format commands are executed FIFO (First In, First Out). A part of control commands are executed with priority over format commands.

Table 1.3.1 Command Type by Purpose

Type	Main purpose	Prefix character
Format Command	Defining and printing labels	Caret <^>
Control Command	Controlling the printer	Tilde <~>

1.3.2Basic Data Format for the Command

ESC/Label command is defined in a character string of ASCII code (20h to 7Eh). The command format is as follows.

<Prefix character>	<Command identifier> <Parameter> (,<Parameter>,...)
<Command code>
<Prefix character>:	Indicate a format command with a caret <^> and a control
	command with a tilde <~>.
<Command identifier>: Indicate the command type with 1 to 3 characters of ASCII
	code.
<Parameters>:	Designate 1 character or more of ASCII code. This controls
	the command functions. Whether there are parameters or not
	and their number depend on the command type.

The <command code> is defined as both the <prefix character> and the <command identifier>.

Commands without a parameter will be a command with just the command code. Commands with 2 or more parameters must be punctuated by a comma <,> when listed. The number of parameters a command can have depends on the command type.

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(1)ESC/Label command Additional Command Format

In order to differentiate the command added to ESC/Label command from the ZPL II command, use this format, which has added the following limit to the command identifier.

<Command identifier>: 3 characters (1 character ASCII code, an opening parenthesis <(>, and 1 character ASCII code) indicate the command type.

(2)Omitted Designation of Parameters

If 2 commas <,> are input following one another and the parameters are omitted, the printer will assume default parameters are being designated. Whether there are default command parameters depends on the command. If you omit parameter for a command which the parameter cannot be omitted, the command will be invalid.

(3)Parameter Rounding

Parameters must take the format of being a numerical value, a fixed character string, or an undefined length character string. Depending on the format and conditions, the parameter may be invalid or may be rounded.

Table 1.3.2 Parameter Rounding Processing

Format	Conditions	Processing
Numerical va lue	Value that exceeds the upper limit is	The printer assumes the upper limit was
	designated	designated.
	Value less than the lower limit is	The printer assumes the lower limit was
	designated	designated.
Fixed character	Undefined characters are designated	Command invalid
string
Undefined length	Character string that exceeds the	The printer assumes the character string
character string	maximum character string length is	up until the maximum character string
	designated	length was designated.

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1.3.3Command Syntax

Format commands have command syntax rules. Control commands do not have command syntax and are effective with just a single command.

	Table 1.3.3 Command Syntax Rules
Definition	Syntax rule
Label format	Command group that begins with "^XA"(Begin label format) and
	ends with "^XZ"(End label format).
Field	Command group that begins with "^FO"(Field position setting) and
	ends with "^FS"(Field end).

Format commands not included between "^XA"(Begin label format) and "^XZ"(End label format) are invalid.

"^XA"(Begin label format)

Field

"^FO"(Field position setting) "^A"(Font designation) "^FD"(Field data
setting) "^FS"(Field end)						Label
"^FO"(Field position setting) "^B4"(Barcode designation) "^FD"(Field data						format
setting) "^FS"(Field end)
"^XZ"(End label format)
		Field

Figure 1.3.1 Format and Field

1.3.4About Saving the Graphics and Label Formats in the Printer

With ESC/Label command, you can save graphics and label formats in the printer. The printer has a file system. Data saved in the printer is handled as files and is managed in the following way.

The file system does not have a hierarchy.

The printer has a non-volatile saving device, such as Flash ROM, and a volatile saving device, such as RAM, and different drive letters are allocated for each device.

Files are designated as

"<drive letter> colon <:> <file name> dot <.> <extension>".

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1.4.Example of Command Use

1.4.1Basic Label Printing

Perform label printing using ESC/Label command in accordance with the syntax rules shown in Section 1.3.3.

Command

Printer

(1)

"^XA"(Begin label format)

Ex: ABC in the field data setting

(2)

"^FO"(Field position setting) "^A"(Font designation)

"^FD"(Field data setting) "^FS"(Field end)

Render the character string

Ex: 12345 in the field data setting

(3) "^FO"(Field position setting) "^B1"(Barcode setting) "^FD"(Field data setting) "^FS"(Field end)

Render the barcode

Printed label

(4) "^XZ"(End label format)

Print

ABC

|||||||||

12345

Figure 1.4.1 Example of a Basic Label Printing

The printer operates as follows.

In (2), the character string "ABC" is rendered in the rendering area.

In (3), the character string "12345" is rendered in the rendering area as a barcode.

In (4), the contents of the rendering area are printed.

ESC/Label Command Reference Guide
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1.4.2Color Label Printing

With ESC/Label command, add a command to set the field color to realize color rendering. When printing a color label, designate the rendering color with "^F(C"(Field color setting).

Command

Printer

(1) "^XA"(Begin label format)

Ex: ABC in the field data setting,

red as the field color

(2) "^FO"(Field position setting) "^A"(Font designation)

"^F(C"(Field color setting) "^FD"(Field data setting) "^FS"(Field

Render

the character

end)

string

Ex: 12345 in the field data setting

(3) "^FO"(Field position setting) "^B1"(Barcode setting)

Render

the barcode

"^FD"(Field data setting) "^FS"(Field end)

(4) "^XZ"(End label format)

ABC

Print

|||||||||

12345

Figure 1.4.2 Example of a Command to Print a Color Label

The printer operates as follows.

In (2), the character string "ABC" is rendered in red in the rendering area.

In (3), the character string "12345" is rendered in the rendering area as a barcode.

In (4), the contents of the rendering area are printed.

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1.4.3Serialized Printing

If performing serialized printing, designate the field data designation section in sequence, and designate the number of copies to print.

Command

Printer

(1)

"^XA"(Begin label format)

Ex: ABC in the field data setting

(2)

"^FO" (Field position setting) "^A"(Font designation)

Render the

character string

"^FD"(Field data setting) "^FS"(Field end)

Ex: Set 001 as the initial number and 1 as the increment value.

(3)	"^FO"(Field position setting) "^B1"(Barcode designation)
"^SF"(Serialization field)		Render the sequence
(4)	"^PQ"(Print quantity)	Printed label
		Ex: Print 10 copies
(5)	"^XZ"(End label format)	ABC
		Print
		|||||||||
		: 010
		: 10 copies

ABC

|||||||||

001

Figure 1.4.3 Example of Command for Serialized Printing

The printer operates as follows.

In (2), the fixed character string "ABC" is rendered in the rendering area.

In (5), the image is render in accordance with the serial setting from (3) and printed the number of times in (4)

When the second label is being printed, the following processing is done in (3).

The character string "001" is rendered in the rendering area as a barcode.

The sequence adds 1, and renders the character string "002" in the rendering area as a barcode.

The content of the rendering area is printed.

This is repeated until the 10th copy, and 001, 002, ... 010 is printed on the sequence of 10 copies.

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1.4.4Saving a File for a Label Format

Use "^DF"(Download label format) to save a label format. If designating a different value for each label, designate the "^FN"(Field number) in the field.

		Command							Printer
	(1) "^XA"(Begin label format)					Ex: The command group after this
						command is saved as "SAMPLE.FMT".

(2)	"^DF"(Download label format)
	Ex: ABC in the field data setting
(3)	"^FO"(Field position setting) "^A"(Font designation) "^FD"(Field
data setting) "^FS"(Field end)

Ex: The field is the barcode specification and number 1 is applied to this field.

(4) "^FO"(Field position setting) "^B1"(Barcode designation) "^FN"(Field number)"^FS"(Field end)

(5) "^XZ"(End label format)	Save	SAMPLE.FMT

Figure1.4.4 Example of a Command to Save a Label Format File

The printer operates as follows.

In (2), the host orders the printer to save the label format with the designated file name.

In (5), the command group written between "^XA"(Begin label format) and "^XZ"(End label format) is saved in the memory area of the printer as "SAMPLE.FMT".

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1.4.5Printing Using the Label Format File

If printing using the saved label format file, first call the command group in the label format by using <Call the label format file>. Next, set the field data that will be the difference and perform printing.

	Command		Printer
(1)	"^XA"(Begin label format)	Ex: Call "SAMPLE.FMT"
(2)	"^XF"(Call label format)
		Load the contents of SAMPLE.FMT
		Ex: 001 for the field data setting in number 1
(3)	"^FN"(Field number) "^FD"(Field data setting) "^FS"(Field
end)		Render the barcode
(4)	"^XZ"(End label format)	Print	SAMPLE.FMT
			ABC
			|||||||||
			001

Figure 1.4.5 Example of Print Command Using the Label Format File

The printer operates as follows.

SAMPLE.FMT is called by the "^XF"(Call the command file) in (2).

"ABC" is rendered.

The barcode is designated in a field and the field number 1 is allocated.

The field for number 1 in (3) is barcode designation, so it is converted into a barcode and rendered. In (4), the contents of the rendering area are printed.

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1.4.6Getting Status

For control commands, there are no syntax rules like for format commands. The printer receives a request for each control command.

Command	Printer
(1) "~HS"(Status request)	Status request
	Status response

Figure 1.4.6 Example of a Command to Request the Status

The printer operates as follows.

In (1), the printer receives the "~HS"(Status request), and returns the status to the host.

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2.Primary Functions

The primary functions of the ESC/Label command added or modified in comparison with ZPL II command are shown below.

Table 2.1 Primary Functions of the ESC/Label Command

	Item	Details
2.1	Font	Available fonts, and their appearance
2.2	Media settings	How to set the type and form of media used for printing
2.3	Errors	Types of error, and printer operation during error status
2.4	Print area	How to set printer’s print area for a sheet of paper
2.5	Getting and setting printer	Printer information, and how to get/set it
information
2.6	Designating color	How to specify colors for text and graphics
2.7	Field color reversal	How to specify reversed colors for fields
2.8 Printing Graphics		How to print color and monochrome graphics

2.1.Fonts

A font is a set of attributes for text, including image and size.

To print text with a certain font, specify the font and then use the field to specify a character code. Only one font can be specified per field.

Figure 2.1.1 shows examples of printed text with fonts specified in multiple fields.

FontP sample

FontC sample

FontA sample

Figure 2.1.1 Examples of Printed Text Images by Specifying Fonts

Multiple fonts are included in the printer when shipped from the factory. The user can also download fonts to the printer at a later time.

Font types include fixed-size fonts, for which the character width and height can be specified as fixed values or integer multiples, and scalable fonts, for which the character width and height can be specified separately in units of [dots].

The fonts included in the printer are both fixed-size fonts and scalable fonts. However, only scalable fonts can be downloaded.

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2.1.1Font type

Fonts that can be specified by the user are shown in Table 2.1.1.

Table 2.1.1 Font List

	Font	Font	Size		Scalable	Character image
	identifier		(H × W dot)
	Font	Sans serif	9	× 5	No
	"A"
	Font	Sans serif	11 × 7		No
	"B"	(All Caps)
	Font	Sans serif	18	× 10	No
	"C"("D")*1
	Font	OCR-B	42	× 20	No
	"E"
	Font	Sans serif	26	× 13	No
	"F"
	Font	Sans serif	60	× 40	No
	"G"
	Font	OCR-A	34	× 19	No
	"H"
	Font	SYMBOL	24	× 24	No
	"GS"
	Font	Sans serif	20	× 18	No
	"P"
	Font	Sans serif	28	× 24	No
	"Q"
	Font	Sans serif	35	× 31	No
	"R"
	Font	Sans serif	40	× 35	No
	"S"
	Font	Sans serif	48	× 42	No
	"T"
	Font	Sans serif	59	× 53	No
	"U"
	Font	Sans serif	80	× 71	No
	"V"
	Font	Sans serif	15	× 12	Yes
	"0"*2		(Default)
*1 Font "C" and "D" are the same font.
*2 Zero

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2.1.2Special symbols

Font GS is a special symbol font. See Table 2.1.2 Special Symbols for details about character code and character image.

Table 2.1.2 Special Symbols

Character code

Character image

41h

42h

43h

44h

45h

2.2.Media settings

Media settings instruct the printer about the type and form of media to be used for printing. The printer performs printing control and media control based on these settings. The media setting items are shown in Table 2.2.1.

	Table 2.2.1 Media Setting Items
Setting item type	Description
Media coating type	Sets differences between media material, such as an ink receiving
	layer.
Media form	Sets differences between media forms, such as gap and adhesive.
Label edge detection	Sets differences between methods of detecting leading edge position
	of label, such as black mark and gap.
Media source	Sets the method for supplying paper to the printer
Media shape	Sets differences between media shape, such as roll shape and folded
	shape.

2.2.1Media coating type

Media coating type sets the differences between media material, such as ink receiving layer.

Table 2.2.2 Media Coating Type

Name	Description	Command
		format
Plain Paper	Paper without ink receiving layer	^S(CLM,T,P*
Matte Paper	Paper with ink receiving layer	^S(CLM,T,M*
Synthetic	Synthetic with ink receiving layer	^S(CLM,T,S*
Glossy Paper	Paper with ink receiving layer and luster processing	^S(CLM,T,G*
Glossy Film	Glossy synthetic with an ink receiving layer on a film	^S(CLM,T,GS*
High Glossy Paper	Glossy paper that is glossier than regular glossy paper	^S(CLM,T,PG*

"*" in the command format indicates a figure.

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2.2.2Media form

Media form sets the differences between media forms, such as gap and adhesive.

Table 2.2.3 Media Forms

Name	Description	Command
		format
Continuous paper	Paper without adhesive	^S(CLM,F,CP
Die cut label	Labels with adhesive and cut to a specific size, with gaps	^S(CLM,F,DL
	between labels
Continuous label	Continuous label with adhesive, and not cut to a specific	^S(CLM,F,CL
	size like die cut labels

2.2.3Label edge detection

Label edge detection sets the detection methods, such as black mark and gap.

Table 2.2.4 Label edge detection

Name	Description	Command
		format
Black mark detection	The black mark attached at the leading edge of the label is	^S(CLM,D,M
	detected.
Gap detection	The gap between labels is detected.	^S(CLM,D,W
No detection	Printer does not detect the leading edge of the label.	^S(CLM,D,N

2.2.4Media source

The media source sets the method for supplying paper to the printer.

Table 2.2.5 Media Source

Name	Description	Command
		format
Internal roll media	The printer receives paper from the internal roll paper	^S(CLM,P,IR
	supply mechanism.
External feed	The printer receives paper from an external paper supply.	^S(CLM,P,ER

2.2.5Media shape

The media shape sets differences between media shape, such as roll shape and folded shape.

Table 2.2.6 Media Source

Name	Description	Command
		format
Roll paper	Paper formed to roll shape.	^S(CLM,S,RP
Fanfold paper	Paper folded	^S(CLM,S,FP

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2.3.Errors

Errors indicate that something has occurred to prevent the printer from printing or executing other primary functions. Errors are classified as Table 2.3.1 according to their cause and how they are resolved.

Table 2.3.1 Types of Error

Name	Description	Example causes
Recoverable error	An error condition that can be reset by the	Open cover, paper out, paper jam,
	user. The printer returns to normal status
	when the user removes the cause of the error.
Unrecoverable error	An error condition that cannot be reset by	Detector failure or motor failure
	the user because the user cannot remove the	caused by aging equipment.
	cause of the error.

Error status occurs when there is some cause of error in the printer. When the printer recognizes that all causes of the error have been removed, it returns to idling status.

		Power ON
Cause of recoverable error		Idling	Cause of unrecoverable error
		Error
Recoverable	All causes of recoverable		Unrecoverable error
error
	error removed

Figure 2.3.1 Error Status Transition Diagram

When the printer is in error status, the printer behaves differently than the normal idling status as described below.

Commands for printer mechanisms, such as print requests, cannot be executed.

Indicators (LEDs/LCDs) indicate errors.

"~H(SMA,S"(Send printer operation status ): ER (error status) is returned.

"~H(SEA,E"(Send error status): the cause of the error is returned.

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2.4.Print area

Print area is the area of a full sheet of paper where the printer will print. Print area is a logical rectangular area in the printer, corresponding to one logical label on a sheet of paper. The top left corner of the print area is the initial home position, which is used as the starting point for printing text and graphics.

In the printer specifications, the printing limit area is defined as the maximum printable area.

Within the maximum printable area, the area minus the mount (gap) is defined as the printable area.

Within the printable area, the area minus margins is defined as the print area.

Examples of maximum printable area, printable area, and print area are shown in Figure 2.4.1.

Printer	Paper

Maximum printable area

Home position

Mount (gap)

Label

Figure 2.4.1 Examples of Maximum printable area, Printable Area, and Print Area

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2.4.1Leading edge and direction definitions

The leading edge, top, bottom, left, and right directions, and X and Y directions of the paper are defined as described below.

The edge in the feed direction of the paper is defined as the leading edge.

The direction of the leading edge of the paper is defined as the bottom direction, and its opposite direction is defined as the top direction.

When looking at the print surface of the paper, the left side is defined as the left direction, and the opposite side is defined as the right direction.

The left-right direction is defined as the X axis, with the right direction defined as the positive X direction.

The up-down direction is defined as the Y axis, with the down direction defined as the positive Y direction.

The leading edge, top, bottom, left, and right directions, and the X and Y directions of the paper are shown in Figure 2.4.2.

	Paper
X direction		Feed direction

Top direction

Y direction

Left direction Right direction

Bottom direction

Leading edge

Figure 2.4.2 Leading Edge and Directions

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2.4.2Reference position definitions

When the logical area for a sheet of paper in the printer is arranged on a physical sheet of paper, the 1st dot position on the left edge of the paper and the leading edge position of the label on the bottom edge of the paper are used as references. The 1st dot position is the left edge reference position for the maximum printable area. One of the following methods is used to detect the leading edge position of the label.

Table 2.4.1 Methods of Detecting the Leading Edge Position of Labels

Method of detecting leading edge	Description
position of label
Black mark detection	The position where a black mark is detected is the leading
	edge position of the label.
Gap detection	The position where the leading edge of the label is detected
	is the leading edge position of the label.

Paper with black mark	Paper consisting of mount and
	labels

Leading edge position of label

Black mark detector

Leading edge detector

Leading edge position adjustment

1st dot position

1st dot position

Figure 2.4.3 Methods of Detecting the Leading Edge Position of Labels

The leading edge position of a label can be corrected by making changes to the leading edge position adjustment, to account for detection deviation in the detector (caused by deterioration due to aging).

Table 2.4.2 Setting the Leading Edge Position Adjustment for Labels

Setting item	Setting command format
Leading edge position adjustment	^S(CLE,T,c ¹

¹ The unit of the setting value can be selected from dot/mm/inch by ^S(CMP,U or ^MU command.

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2.4.3Maximum printable area

The maximum printable area is defined as shown below, using the 1st dot position and leading edge position of the label as references.

The width of the maximum printable area is the maximum media width of the printer.

The length of the maximum printable area is the maximum paper length of the printer.

The left bottom edge of the maximum printable area is the point of intersection between the 1st dot position and the leading edge position of the label.

Maximum printable area

Maximum paper length

Leading edge position of label

Maximum media width 1st dot position

Figure 2.4.4 Maximum printable area

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2.4.4Printable area and mount settings

Within the maximum printable area, the area minus the mount area (gap) is defined as the printable area. The size of the label area and mount area are set according to the actual paper printed on by the printer.

Table 2.4.3 Mount Settings

Direction	Setting items	Setting command format
X direction	Left gap	^S(CLS,G,c ¹
	Label width	^S(CLS,P,c ¹
Y direction	Label length	^S(CLS,L,c ¹

¹ The unit of the setting value can be selected from dot/mm/inch by ^S(CMP,U or ^MU command.

Paper

Next label

Maximum printable area

	Printable area	Label length
Left gap	Label width

Media width

Figure 2.4.5 Printable Area and Gap Settings

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2.4.5Print area and margin settings

Within the printable area, the area minus margins is defined as the print area. The size of margins is set in the printer according to printer and paper specifications.

If all margins are set to 0, the printable area and print area will be the same.

Table 2.4.4 Margin Settings

Direction	Setting items	Setting command format
X direction	Left margin	^S(CLW,L,c ¹
	Right margin	^S(CLW,R,c ¹
Y direction	Top margin	^S(CLW,T,c ¹
	Bottom margin	^S(CLW,B,c ¹

¹ The unit of the setting value can be selected from dot/mm/inch by ^S(CMP,U or ^MU command.

	Paper
	Top margin
Left margin	Right margin
	Bottom margin

Figure 2.4.6 Printable Area and Mount Settings

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2.4.6Print requests outside the print area

The user prints text and graphics within the print area set in the printer, with the home position as the starting point. If you attempt to print text or graphics outside the print area, the portion that falls outside the print area will not be printed.

For example, if a portion of the text string "CDE" falls outside of the print area, as shown in Figure 2.4.7, only the portion that falls within the print area will actually be printed on the paper.

Home position

Paper

Print area

CDE

Figure 2.4.7 Example of Printing Outside the Print Area

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