Printronix laser printers User Manual

2005

Celebrating 30 Years of

leadership by design

PRINTRONIX SOLUTIONS
SPANNING YOUR ENTERPRISE

For over 30 years Printronix has delivered the broadest range of industrial printing

technologies and solutions for global enterprise. From market leading line matrix printers,

to the industry’s first commercially available UHF RFID printers, high-performance thermal bar

code and fanfold laser printers, Printronix products address the needs of customers worldwide.

Printronix comprehensive capabilities and experience in numerous industries has

produced a wealth of proven printing solutions. These solutions have helped organizations

increase operational efficiency, reduce costs, gain full visibility and manage print output

requirements across the entire enterprise and around the globe.

Printronix printers are used for a multitude of applications: business reporting, manufacturing,

warehousing and distribution printing. Printronix has created network-integrated technology

tools to help you control output quality and reduce turnaround time, increasing the

efficiency of your print operations.

MAXIMIZE YOUR
PRINTING SYSTEM INVESTMENT

The quick, accurate printing of bar code labels and
important documents is a critical link in your supply
chain. Better efficiencies at this level of your production
cycle can mean reduced maintenance costs, increased
productivity, improved performance and speedier delivery
times of products to customers. Printronix solutions help
you increase your competitive advantage with increased
visibility, printing control and flexibility, bar code accuracy
and legacy connectivity.

PRINTNET ENTERPRISE –
PRINTER MANAGEMENT ANYWHERE

Successful organizations are flexible enough to meet
new requirements in a changing marketplace. PrintNet
Enterprise provides this flexibility by placing total control
of worldwide print operations in your IT network manager’s
hands. The result is increased resource efficiency,
reduced downtime costs,
maximized security and
complete compatibility.

ONLINE DATA VALIDATION –
100% COMPLIANCE GUARANTEED

Bar code labeling is a key supply chain enabler – if
labels scan every time. Printronix Online Data Validation

™

(ODV

) ensures maximum reliability in the interface
between bar code printing and scanning techniques.
ODV analyzes every printed bar code to assure that
it meets stringent verification standards. ODV Data
Manager, a solution for fully automated bar code quality
control, closes the loop by allowing bar code verification
systems to integrate with enterprise networks, eliminating
costly bar code rejection while capturing printing
application data.

®

GPIO –
INTERFACE MADE EASY

The GPIO module enables thermal bar code printers
to interface with external equipment through input and
output signals. The most common external equipment
used with thermal bar code printers is a label applicator.
Other possibilities include Programmable Logic Controllers
(PLC), status indicator lights, RJS SV Series verifiers,
scanners and user operated push buttons. GPIO Manager
is a powerful software program that can access and
configure all the input and output circuits on the
GPIO module with more flexibility than the standard
printer menus. This module is used for systems that
require more complex and/or custom applications. This
creates the most powerful and flexible I/O interface in
the industry.

WIRELESS –
FREE-FLOWING, FLEXIBLE PRINT MANAGEMENT

Today’s “just-in-time” manufacturing and logistics
environments require printing to happen where and
when it is needed. Equipped with the exclusive Printronix
PrintNet wireless NIC, thermal and line matrix printers
take the modern enterprise into the world of
free-flowing, flexible print management. Sliding
seamlessly into any 802.11b
powered by PrintNet Enterprise, this technology supports
the explosive growth in wireless LAN technology.

®

wireless network and

MOBILE PRINT SYSTEM –
PRINTING WHERE YOU NEED

Printronix recognizes the need to have bar code
printing and RFID encoding applications anywhere,
at any time. The Printronix Mobile Print System (MPS),
when combined with the 5rMulti-Technology Platform
smart printers, delivers thermal bar coding and RFID
directly to locations that need it the most.

RJS SERIES –
HIGH SPEED VERIFICATION

The SV Series of scanners and verifiers provides both
fixed position scanning and high-speed on-line ANSI
method verification of linear bar codes. The SV Series
assures that bar code print quality is at an acceptable
level and reports practically every bar code quality
and data parameter known. It offers a turnkey method
of monitoring a print process for errors by checking
for burned out pixels, ribbon wrinkle, clogged inkjet
nozzles, etc. Serial communications and output ports
are included for maximum system interface flexibility.

Inspector models of portable verifiers are designed
for NIST traceable ANSI/ISO method and/or laser
point-and-shoot type operation. There is an
Inspector model to meet practically any
linear bar code verification application.

FORM PRINTING –
ON DEMAND

Printronix eliminates costly pre-printing and huge inventory
purchases by allowing multi-part forms to be created
and stored on the printer. At run time, these forms are
merged with the data and printed on plain multi-part
paper to create completed form sets on demand.

SCALABLE • INNOVATIVE • BEST OF BREED • BUILT FOR CHANGE • SMART READY

The 5rMulti-Technology Printing Platform enhances Printronix thermal bar code

and RFID smart label printer families. The 5rPlatform is designed to give users the

immediate benefit of industry-leading throughput for bar code label printing while

offering the flexibility of RFID field upgradeability for future technology needs.

“leadership by design”

Platform is the evolution of its more than 30 year history of offering the highest-quality

products, a range of customer-focused solutions, and unsurpassed service and support.

Based on Printronix implementation of a

the 5rSeries derives its name from its five areas of competitive differentiation and

the priorities of Printronix customers. These attributes come together for the most

rewarding user experience and outstanding return on investment.

is a celebration of Printronix heritage. The company’s 5

“leadership by design”

framework,

r

PRINTERS FOR A CHANGING WORLD

Printronix offers a range of world-class UHF printers
and solutions that provide maximum versatility and
flexibility while supporting multi-protocol reader technology.
These RFID printers also support a range of smart label
sizes and antenna configurations to provide customers
with the choices they need to implement RFID in
various applications. And all Printronix RFID printers
support software upgrades to keep up with evolving
EPCglobal standards. The 5rSeries delivers the next
generation of innovative multi-platform technology
printing to integrate RFID solutions, creating a
performance standard
never before realized.

RFID SMART LABEL APPLICATOR SYSTEM

COMBINING ENCODE, PRINT AND APPLY

The SLPA7000 is a unique encode, print and apply
RFID Smart
and FOX IV Technologies. Built on Printronix leading
EPCglobal RFID Smart encoding technology and
combined with FOX IV’s best-in-class Uniwall applicator
system, the SLPA7000 is the first and only all-in-one
system to meet RFID compliance encoding and in-line
encode and apply production requirements. Combining
both RFID smart label printing technology with applicator
capability, this RFID smart label solution delivers fast,
accurate, cost-effective encoding, printing and application
to users with site specific requirements.

™

Label applicator, co-developed by Printronix

SMARTLINE RFID PRINTERS

DELIVERING THE LATEST EPCGLOBAL TECHNOLOGY

Printronix SL5000
Platform, are the next generation family of RFID printers.
These printers deliver
solutions that address a wide range of applications
requiring EPCglobal Class 0, 0+, 1, Gen 2 and Philips

1.19 standards and global frequency requirements.
These printers enable encoding and printing of the
various label sizes and inlay designs that have emerged
through industry implementation. The printers are
software upgradeable to support the latest innovations
and standards, providing true asset protection.

™

r

, based on the 5rMulti-Technology

leadership by design

with RFID

THERMALINE PRINTERS

SUPPORTING THERMAL PRINTING NEEDS
TODAY AND TOMORROW

Printronix T5000
class 5rMulti-Technology Platform, are web-enabled,
industrial grade thermal bar code label printers designed
to operate in demanding manufacturing or distribution
environments. Through
thermal bar code printers enable the rollout of bar code
label printing throughout the supply chain with an open
migration path to RFID for future requirements. Users
can obtain RFID upgrade kits as needed when supply
chain applications require advance tracking and
compliance. Upgrade kits have everything needed
to upgrade to a multi-protocol SmartLine

™

r

thermal printers, based on the world-

leadership by design

, Printronix

™

printer.

SMART LABEL DEVELOPER’S KIT

ENABLING RFID PROGRAM INITIATION

One of the important first steps in developing an RFID
program is creating a smart label development environment.
This will allow you to experiment with, test and measure
smart labels to find the ideal RFID solutions for your
company without disrupting your current operations.
Printronix makes it easy for you to initiate your RFID
program by offering a comprehensive, best-of-breed
Smart Label Developer’s Kit. The kit includes everything
you need – printer, encoder, software, certified smart
labels, manuals and support – to create your RFID
development environment right out of the box.

CERTIFIED SMART LABELS

PROVIDING THE FINEST RFID PERFORMANCE

Printronix certified Smart Labels combine the technology
of thermal-transfer, pressure-sensitive labels with RFID.
These smart labels – with their many different sizes and
antenna configurations – provide the finest RFID
performance possible when used with our printers. Under
software control, the printer writes data to the RFID tag,
then validates that the EPCglobal information can be read
reliably. After completing this validation process, the printer
prints the human-readable and bar code data. If for any
reason the encoding process cannot be validated, the label
is printed with an overstrike pattern to prevent it from
entering your supply chain.

LEADING THE INDUSTRY IN RFID PRINTING SOLUTIONS

The Printronix practical guide to RFID label printing offers the industry a snapshot of what successful

Wal-Mart RFID supply-chain suppliers can do to meet RFID compliance schedules. This first edition has

been a valuable resource for companies facing the challenges of RFID implementation. A soon to be

released second edition will build on this knowledge base, providing customers with tools for the

future RFID requirements.

LINE MATRIX PLATFORM

leadership by design

P7000

SCALABLE • INNOVATIVE • BEST OF BREED • BUILT FOR CHANGE

The P7000 Line Matrix Printing Platform extends Printronix series of technology

innovations that cement Printronix

Printronix flagship technology, and it remains the workhorse solution for supply-chain and

back-office printing applications because of its reliability and lower total cost of ownership.

The line matrix platform

offering the highest-quality products, a range of customer-focused solutions, and

unsurpassed service and support.

Encompassing a host of technology advancements, the P7000 line matrix printing

platform features the lowest service cost, least expensive cost per printed page, easiest

user experience and longest-lasting ribbon available. By design, this framework has produced

the best line matrix printer in Printronix history. The P7000 platform is even more reliable,

and is future-proof. Because of its scalability, the P7000 could be the longest-lasting

printer any organization will ever own.

“leadership by design”

“leadership by design”

is the evolution of more than 30 years of

position. Line matrix printing is

RUGGED, COST EFFECTIVE
AND VERSATILE

The P7000 offers unsurpassed reliability. When your
application cannot be interrupted, look to the P7000 for
maximum productivity. For cost control, this technology
provides the edge needed, giving you the lowest cost per
page output. It handles specialized forms that work
for your application – forms that can only be printed
on a line matrix printer – information reports, multi­part transaction documents and bar code labels.

ENHANCED RELIABILITY

No other print technology delivers more trouble free
high volume printing than a Printronix line matrix printer.
Every generation of our printers has delivered higher
quality and more reliability than its predecessor.
Now the P7000 family, with a wide range of design
enhancements, carries the tradition forward delivering
the most reliable Printronix printer ever. The result is
more uptime, more mission critical dependability and
lower service and operating costs.

ULTRA CAPACITY RIBBONS

Leadership by design

Customers turn to line matrix to get the lowest cost printing
of any technology. Typically 10 times less expensive
than laser or serial matrix, Printronix line matrix delivers
significant cost savings in all high volume applications.
To extend this benefit even further, Printronix makes
significant investments in the design and testing of new
fabrics, ink formulations, and ribbon construction. The
highlight of these investments is a totally new ribbon
that is at the heart of the P7000 family. Suitable for
both text and bar code applications, the new P7000
Ultra Capacity ribbon starts 20% darker and lasts 3X
longer than our most popular 30 million character
ribbons. With a 90 million character rated life, the number
of user interventions are dramatically reduced. In addition
to the labor savings from reduced consumable handling,
the efficiency of this new design results in an even lower
cost per page.

also extends to our ribbons.

INCREASED EASE OF USE

In creating the next generation of line printers,
customer feedback was used to identify enhancements
that would simplify operation, enhance the user
experience and boost productivity.

• The ribbon spool and hub have been redesigned to

be fully self aligning and to snap on and off with ease

• All user adjustment and control points are blue

for fast operator identification

• The control panel is color coded, with faster

reacting keys

• A Quick Setup menu simplifies and groups the

most common setup parameters into one easily
modified section

• Automatic configuration saving prevents settings

from accidentally being lost or reset

• A new platen gap adjustment system separates

the functions of opening/closing the platen and
setting the gap. Now, the gap is set by a knob to
match the form’s characteristics, and once set,
the platen can be opened and closed without
affecting the gap setting, simplifying the loading
of ribbons and forms

INTEGRATED PRINT
MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

This system is designed to constantly monitor print
quality - eliminating waste, maximizing ribbon life
and reducing printing costs. Printronix has built in
the intelligence and auto-sensing capabilities that
provide visibility and control without any user set-up.
This allows the system administrator to have precise
control over print quality, consumable costs, and job
planning. Add in PrintNet Enterprise and the visibility
and control, along with instant e-mail alerts, comes
right to your desktop – ideal for enterprise management
of printing applications.

MULTIPLY SUPPLY CHAIN PRODUCTIVITY WITH FAST AND VERSATILE LASER PRINTERS

Printronix laser printers are the high-speed solution for distribution centers, service

bureaus and ERP environments. These fanfold laser printers run at industry-significant

speeds, are capable of printing a high volume of labels in a short period of time and

use continuous forms up to 17.5 inches wide.

The L5535 cost-effectively prints the highest quality image on a wide variety of media

such as plastic cards, pressure sensitive labels and synthetics. It combines flash fusion

technology with continuous and cut-sheet form printing to produce high-resolution forms

®

and features PSA

2 architecture, with a printing speed of 35 pages per minute and a

duty cycle of 300,000 per month.

The L5520 offers the same benefits as its companion model, the L5535, but with a

printing speed of 20 pages per minute and a duty cycle of 200,000 per month.

The L1524 is the perfect printer for mailing labels, billing statements, bar code labels

and more. It can handle forms up to 10" wide and uses heat and pressure to ensure

perfectly printed images.

GENUINE PRINTRONIX SUPPLIES

Ensure optimal performance by using Genuine Printronix
Supplies. Printronix offers a broad selection specifically
designed to enhance the output quality and complement
the features of all Printronix printer systems. These
products will provide performance, reliability and economy
to support even your most critical printing, bar code and IS
applications. All Genuine
Printronix Supplies are
certified for maximum
output quality and are
unconditionally guaranteed!

LINE MATRIX

No matter what the project, demand the exacting quality
of Genuine Printronix Ribbons. We design and manufacture
our ribbons to optimize your printer’s performance. And,
we ensure they meet the full operational requirements
of the Printronix printing systems for which they were
designed. As the world leader in impact printing technology,
we assure that Genuine Printronix Ribbons will produce
the level of density, consistency and cost effectiveness
required for efficient and error-free printing.

ON-SITE SERVICE PROGRAMS

When a printer requires repair, customers expect immediate
and efficient service. The Printronix Service Program
assures you that service expectations will be met.
Genuine Printronix on-site service programs support all
Printronix products in the field including on-site service
for most non-Printronix printers. So, whether your need
for service is local, regional or national, there is a service
program that’s right for you.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

Printronix Professional Services leverage the full capability
of enterprise printing by working to reduce costs,
improve operational efficiencies and reduce downtime.

LABEL AND RFID COMPLIANCE SOLUTIONS

Many companies require their suppliers to adhere to
strict guidelines and standards as integral components
of the automated supply chain, or else face the prospect
of returned goods or even fines. Printronix has the proven
experience to handle supply chain requirements, freeing
your organization to focus on its core business.

LASER

Print quality of this flash fusion system is only as good
as the supplies used within the printer. That is why
Printronix invests heavily in the research, development
and testing of all LaserLine
that the supplies meet the full operational requirements
of LaserLine printers. These printers combine flash fusion
technology with continuous form printing to produce
high-resolution forms as well as printing on a variety of
other media, such as bar code labels, plastic cards,
pressure sensitive labels and synthetics.

™

supplies. Printronix ensures

THERMAL BAR CODE

The best printing solution is achieved when the printer,
ribbon, and media are matched to the application
requirements. Use of Genuine Printronix thermal transfer
ribbons will ensure optimum print and bar code quality,
consistent imaging performance, and extended life of
the printhead.

SERVICE & SUPPORT

Printronix Service & Support provides factory repair
service, multi-vendor on-site service, as well as new
and refurbished parts for all line matrix, thermal bar
code and laser printers. The Printronix mission is to
respond to your needs and keep all printers in good
working condition.

SYSTEM INTEGRATION SERVICES

Large software and hardware installation projects require
major commitments of resources, time, and money. It
is crucial that all aspects of the users’ requirements
are met, including the printed output. Printronix system
engineers are trained on the latest technologies and are
aware of new technologies and future developments.
Our integration specialists have the expertise and
development knowledge necessary to tie together software
and hardware from different vendors into a single
integrated system, enabling business improvement.

BAR CODE AND EPC DATA MANAGEMENT

Bar code and EPC data are crucial components in
the supply chain, as more and more companies rely
on Automatic Identification and Data Capture (AIDC)
technology for internal manufacturing processes, proper
routing and distribution. RFID requires 100% compliance,
with much more data captured and ultimately distributed
up and down the supply chain.

SELECTED FINANCIAL DATA

The following results of operations, balance sheet and cash flow data have been derived

from our consolidated financial statements. The information set forth below is not necessarily

indicative of the results of future operations and should be read in conjunction with the

consolidated financial statements and notes thereto appearing in our Form 10-K.

Fiscal years ended March 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Revenue $131,711 $125,070 $138,229 $146,683 $158,091
Gross margin $51,522 $47,400 $48,850 $47,570 $43,007
Gross margin % 39.1% 37.9% 35.3 % 32.4% 27.2%
Operating expenses $48,798 $46,403 $45,803 $44,110 $43,166
Restructuring charges - - - - $1,768
Income (loss) from operations $2,724 $997 $3,047 $3,460 $(1,927)
Other (expense), income taxes & minority interest $(785) $(365) $(10) $(1,155) $592
Net income (loss) $1,939 $632 $3,037 $2,305 $(1,335)

$ in thousands, except per share data

Diluted net income (loss) per share $0.30 $0.11 $0.51 $0.39 $(0.22)

SELECTED BALANCE SHEET DATA

Cash and cash equivalents $35,405 $36,671 $29,617 $22,618 $9,832
Short-term investments $9,500 - ---
Accounts receivable, net $18,207 $18,408 $18,741 $18,232 $20,932
Inventories $13,093 $13,617 $12,678 $15,063 $20,703
Other assets $6,335 $8,153 $6,270 $6,149 $6,814
Property, plant and equipment, net $32,926 $34,960 $38,781 $42,897 $47,688
Total assets $115,466 $111,809 $106,087 $104,959 $105,969

Current portion of long term debt $700 $700 $700 $700 $4,200
Accounts payable & other current liabilities $19,566 $18,927 $19,408 $20,083 $18,071
Long-term note payable, net of current portion $13,475 $14,175 $14,875 $15,575 $16,275
Other non-current liabilities & minority interest $2,569 $1,814 $28 $59 $1,172
Common stock, paid in capital & retained earnings $79,156 $76,193 $71,076 $68,542 $66,251
Total liabilities and equity $115,466 $111,809 $106,087 $104,959 $105,969

Stockholders’ equity per share $12.23 $12.64 $12.67 $11.72 $11.22

SELECTED CASH FLOW DATA

Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $11,429 $6,398 $11,965 $20,726 $(1,699)

Purchase of property, buildings and equipment, net $(3,624) $(2,965) $(3,627) $(3,727) $(6,734)
Purchase of short-term investments $(9,500) - ---

Proceeds from the issuance of long-term note - - - - $17,500
Payments made on long-term note $(700) $(700) $(700) $(700) $(525)
Payments on line of credit, net - - - $(3,500) $(10,000)
Repurchase and retirement of common stock - $(1,061) $(1,718) $(73) $(3,928)
Proceeds from employee stock incentive plans $1,450 $5,382 $1,079 $60 $238
Cash dividends paid $(321) ---­Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities $429 $3,621 $(1,339) $(4,213) $3,285

Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents $(1,266) $7,054 $6,999 $12,786 $(5,148)

CORPORATE INFORMATION

Printronix is the leading manufacturer of global
enterprise printing solutions. A publicly traded company,
Printronix was among the first technology leaders to
be listed on the NASDAQ exchange.

Printronix management team is the most experienced in
the industry, with a conservative, disciplined philosophy that
focuses on achieving long-term profitability. The company
imparts in the industry a deep knowledge of enterprise
printing technologies and solutions.

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Printronix
provides market coverage across the globe, with a
product breadth that meets a diverse set of customer
requirements. We operate four manufacturing facilities
and 27 sales and support locations that serve users
in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa and
Asia Pacific. As a global company, Printronix has
developed printers that offer local languages to support
its worldwide user base.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Bruce T. Coleman*

Chief Executive Officer, El Salto Advisors
(Advice & interim CEO services)

John R. Dougery*

Dougery Ventures
(Venture capital investments)

Chris Whitney Halliwell**

Principal, Chris Halliwell Technology
Consulting
(Marketing consulting)

Erwin A. Kelen*

President, Kelen Ventures
(Venture investments)

Robert A. Kleist

President and Chief Executive Officer,
Printronix, Inc.

*Member of the Audit, Compensation/
Stock Option and Nominating Committees

CORPORATE DIRECTORY

Printronix Corporate Office

14600 Myford Road
P.O. Box 19559
Irvine, Calif. 92623-9559
[phone]
[phone] fax
www.printronix.com

Legal Counsel

Kirshman & Harris
A Professional Corporation
General Counsel
1875 Century Park East, Suite 850
Los Angeles, CA 90067
[phone]

Independent Auditors

BDO Seidman, LLP
3200 Bristol Street
Costa Mesa, California 92626
[phone]

**Member of the Compensation/Stock
Option and Nominating Committees

CORPORATE OFFICERS

Robert A. Kleist

President and Chief Executive Officer

Theodore A. Chapman

Senior Vice President, Engineering &
Product Marketing and Chief Technical
Officer

C. Victor Fitzsimmons

Senior Vice President, Worldwide
Operations

George L. Harwood

Senior Vice President, Finance and IS,
Chief Financial Officer and Corporate
Secretary

Claus Hinge

Vice President, European Sales &
Marketing

Philip Low

Vice President, Asia Operations

William D. Mathewes

Vice President, Product Development

Juli A. Mathews

Vice President, Human Resources and
Assistant Corporate Secretary

James B. McWilson

Vice President, Sales, Americas

David A. Sakai

Vice President, Marketing

Registrar and Transfer Agent

Mellon Investor Services LLC
P.O. Box 3315
South Hackensack, New Jersey 07606
[phone] U.S.
[phone] International
[phone] TDD Hearing Impaired
www.melloninvestor.com

Annual Meeting

The Annual Meeting of Stockholders
will be held at 9:00AM, August 16, 2005,
at the Printronix corporate office, located
at 14600 Myford Road in Irvine,
California.

Printronix Common Stock

Printronix shares are traded on the
NASDAQ Stock Market®under the stock
symbol PTNX.

Stockholders

As of March 25, 2005, there were 1,494
holders of record of the company’s
common stock and 6,470,260 shares
outstanding.

Corporate and Investor Information

A copy of the Form 10-K will be furnished
without charge by contacting the Investor
Relations Department at the Printronix
corporate office.

Corporate 714-368-2300

Fax [phone]

Sales 800-826-3874

14600 Myford Rd. • Irvine, CA 92606-1005

www.printronix.com

© 2005 Printronix, Inc. All rights reserved. Printronix, ThermaLine, PrintNet, PSA, LaserLine, PGL, IGP, T5000e, T5000r, SmartLine, RFID Smart, SDLK, SLP, SLPP, SLPA, ODV, ODV Data Manager, SMT, 5r,
SL5000e, SL5000rare trademarks or registered trademarks of Printronix, Inc. All other trademarks, product names, and company names or logos herein, are the property of their respective owners. Printronix,

Inc. utilizes “green” packaging for optimal recycling. Product appearance and/or specifications are subject to change without notice. PTX-136-05 (6/05)