Zebra P310i User Manual

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

P310iPlastic Card printer

Welcome to your new

Zebra Card Printer Solutions

P310

i

User's Manual

User's Manual No. 980405-001 Rev. D

© 2003 ZIH Corp.

Printer
Solutions

FOREWORD

This manual contains installation and operation information for the P310

i

Series card printers manufactured by Zebra Technologies Corporation,
Camarillo, California.

RETURN MATERIALS AUTHORIZATION

Before returning any equipment to Zebra Technologies Corporation for
in-warranty or out-of-warranty repair, contact Repair Administration for a
Return Materials Authorization (RMA) number. Repack the equipment in the
original packing material and mark the RMA number clearly on the outside.
Ship the equipment, freight prepaid, to the address listed below:

For USA, and Latin America

Zebra Technologies Corporation

Card Imaging Division

1001 Flynn Road

Camarillo, CA. 93012-8706. USA

Phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

Toll Free in US: [phone]

For Europe, Asia and Pacific:

Zebra Technologies Corporation

Card Imaging Division

Zone Industrielle, Rue d’Amsterdam

44370 Varades, France

phone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

This document contains information proprietary to Zebra Technologies
Corporation. This document and the information contained within is
copyrighted by Zebra Technologies Corporation and may not be duplicated
in full or in part by any person without written approval from Zebra. While
every effort has been been made to keep the information contained within
current and accurate as of the date of publication, no guarante is given or
implied that the document is error-free or that it is accurate with regard to
any specification. Zebra reserves the right to make changes, for the purpose
of product improvement, at any time.

TRADEMARKS

P310iis a service mark and Zebra is a registered trademark of Zebra
Technologies Corporation. Windows and MS-DOS are registered
trademarks of Microsoft Corp. All other marks are trademarks or registered
trademarks of their respective holders.

I

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

P310iPlastic Card printer

Printer
Solutions

PRODUCT WARRANTY STATEMENT

Printers

All Zebra Card Printers are warranted against defects in material or
workmanship for twelve (12) months from the purchase date.
Proof of purchase or shipment date is required to validate the warranty
period. The warranty becomes void if the equipment is modified,
improperly installed or used, damaged by accident or neglect, or if any
parts are improperly installed or replaced by the user.

Note: Products returned must be packaged in the original or
comparable packing and shipping container. In the event equipment is
not so packaged, or if shipping damage is evident, it will not be
accepted for service under warranty. Surface transportation charges
for return to customers in the continental United States is paid by
Zebra. Otherwise, Zebra pays CPT (carriage paid to) nearest airport,
customer pays customers, duties, taxes, and freight from airport to
destination. If Zebra determines that the product returned for warranty
service or replacement is not defective as herein defined, the customer
will pay all handling and transportation costs.

Printheads

Since printhead wear is part of normal operation, the original printhead
is covered by a twelve (12) month warranty. Warranty period begins on
purchase date.

To qualify for this warranty, the printhead must be returned to the
factory or to an authorized service center. Customers are not required
to purchase Zebra supplies (media and/or ribbons) for warranty
qualification. However, if it is determined that the use of other
manufacturer supplies has caused any defect in the printhead for which
a warranty claim is made, the user is responsible for Zebra’s labor and
material charges required to repair the defect. The warranty becomes
void if the printhead is physically worn or damaged; also if it is
determined that failure to follow the preventive maintenance schedule
listed in the User’s Guide has causes defect in the thermal printhead for
which a warranty claim is made.

Spare Parts

All parts, maintenance kits, options kits, and accessories are warranted
to be free of defects in material and workmanship for 90 days (except
where otherwise denoted) from date of purchase. This warranty
become void if the item is modified, improperly installed or used, or
damaged by accident or neglect.

II

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

P310iPlastic Card printer

Printer
Solutions

DECLARATIONS OF CONFORMITY

This equipment is being tested for compliance with the limits for a Class B
digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are
designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses ans can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a
particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the
equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the
interference’s by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to
which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

The user may find the following booklet, prepared by the Federal
Communications Commission, helpful:
How to identify and resolve Radio/TV Interference Problems. This booklet is
available from the U.S. Government printing Office, Washington, D.C.
20402, Stock No. 004-000-00345-4.
Use of a shielded cable is required to comply within Class B limits of Part 15
of FCC Rules.
Pursuant to Part 15.21 of the FCC Rules, any changes or modifications to
this equipment not expressly approved by Zebra may cause, harmful
interference and void the FCC authorization to operate this equipment.

INDUSTRY CANADA NOTICE

This device complies with Industry Canada ICS-003 class A requirements.

III

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

P310iPlastic Card printer

European Council Directive

73/23/EEC modified

by 93/68/EEC

EMC Directive

EN 500082-1,1992

Immunity to

Electromagnetic

Disturbances

Compliance to Standards

89/336/EEC

modified by

92/31/EEC and

93/68/EEC

RF Emissions

control

Low voltage

Directive

EMC Directive

EN 60950

EN 55022-B

Product safety

Model: P310iconforms to the following specification:
FCC Part 15, Subpart A, Section 15.107(a) and Section

15.109(a) Class B digital device-Testing in process

Printer
Solutions

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for choosing the Zebra P310iPlastic Card Printer.
These printers produce cards ideal for personalized identification, access

control, visitor, membership, promotion and luggage card, badges and
tags.

This manual guides you to an efficient start up and operation of your new
Card Printer.

P310iPRINTER MODELS

Zebra's Product Numbers tell the story:
Here is a quick review of Zebra's Card Printer Series numbering and

lettering system to help you.
Zebra's P310i Plastic Card Printer Series employ Dye Sublimination and

Resin Thermal Transfer Technologies. Model numbers include identifiers
that specify options and items in the Ship-Away kits.

Printer Type:

I = RFID

C = Color
F = Monochrome

Smart Card:

O = No
E = Yes

Magnetic Encoder:

O = No
M = Yes

Magnetic Encoder Options:

O = No
1 = Stripe down HICO
2 = Stripe Down LOCO
3 = Stripe Up HICO
4 = Stripe Up LOCO

Memory:

O = Standard

Interface:

P = Parallel (DB - 25 Male)
S = Serial (DB - 25 Female)
U = USB/Parallel
R = USB/Serial

IV

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

P310iPlastic Card printer

}

Ship-away kit

P310i X - X X X X X - X DO

DO =Documentation CD &

Driver Wizard

Power Cord:

I = International (120 / 220)
U = UK

Printer
Solutions

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

P310iPlastic Card printer

V

Important general information

Mechanical hazard, such as one associated
with moving parts, capable of resulting in
equipment damage or personal injury.

Electrical hazard, such as an exposed voltage
point, capable of causing electrical shock and
personal injury.

An area where electrostatic discharge (ESD)
can cause component damage. Use a
grounding wrist band.

Elevated temperature hazard, capable of
producing a burn.

Keep Card Printer clean by minimizing cover
open time.

ICONS

Throughout this manual, different icons
highlight important information, as follows:

Printer
Solutions

Table of contents

ICONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi

GETTING STARTED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

UNPACKING YOUR CARD PRINTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

INDICATORS AND CONTROLS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

ITEMS INCLUDED WITH YOUR PRINTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

PRINTER INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

P310i PRINTER FEATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

LOADING RIBBONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

LOADING CARDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

FEEDING ONE CARD AT TIME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

REMOVING CARD CARTRIDGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

PRINTING A TEST CARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

PRINTING A SAMPLE CARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

CLEANING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

CLEANING SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

CLEANING THE PRINT HEAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

CARD CLEANING CARTRIDGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

APPENDIX A - MAGNETIC CARD STRIP ENCODER . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

APPENDIX B - SMART CARD CONTACT STATION . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

APPENDIX C - ACCESSORIES AND SUPPLIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

RIBBONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

CARDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

ACCESSORIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

VI

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

P310iPlastic Card printer

Printer
Solutions

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

P310iPlastic Card printer

1

Your P310iprinter ships in a carton and
protective anti-static bag. Keep all packing
material in case you need to move or re-ship the
printer.

While unpacking, inspect the carton to ensure
that no damage occurred during shipping.

Please ensure that you have a clean and nearly
dust free environment for proper operation and
storage of the printer.

UNPACKING
YOUR CARD

PRINTER

GETTING STARTED

Printer
Solutions

In addition to user documentation, make sure the
following items are included with your P310

i

printer:

2

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

P310iPlastic Card printer

If any items are missing, please contact your dealer.

To reorder, please refer to Appendix C of this manual.

+ OPERATOR HELP GUIDE
(Not Shown)

CARD CARTRIDGE

POWER CABLE

CARD OUTPUT HOPPER

INTERFACE CABLE

CD Rom with driver Wizard &
user’s manual

CLEANING KIT

CARD CLEANING

CARTRIDGE

Printer
Solutions

INDICATORS(green, amber & red) signal printer

activity by illuminating or flashing, a follows:

3

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

P310iPlastic Card printer

Your P310i printer has three Status indicators and
a panel button on the front and power switch on
the rear :

INDICATORS

AND CONTROLS

PANEL

BUTTON

INDICATORS

INDICATOR ON FLASHING

POWER ON

LOAD CARDS

PROCESSING

REPLACE RIBBON

ENCODER ALERT

REFER TO TROUBLESOOTING

PRINTER ALERT

REFER TO TROUBLESOOTING

OTHER ALERTS

PANEL

BUTTON

AMBER & RED

FLASHING

PRINTER CLEANING

PROCESS REQUIRED

ALL FLASHING

PRINT HEAD COOL DOWN MODE
PRINTING WILL RESTART
SHORTLY

This is a push button to operate the printer for:

- CLEAN ERROR

- CLEANING PROCESS

SEE CHAPTER 4

- TEST CARD

SEE CHAPTER 2

Printer
Solutions

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

4

PRINTER

INSTALLATION

The following will guide you through the
installation of your P310i Printer.

CAUTION: Limit AC power supplied to the P310i
to 110 ~ 230 volts, 60 ~ 50 Hertz, for an
associated 800 ~ 400 milliamps. Limit excess
current draw to 16 amps or less, using an
associated circuit breaker or other such device.
Never operate the printer in a location where
operator, computer, or printer can get wet.
Personal injury could result. The electrical
security of the printer is based on the reliability
of the mains power source.

1. Place the printer in a location that allows easy
access to all sides. The printer should never be
operated while resting on its side or upside
down.

2. Place the printer's power swith in the OFF (0)
position.

3. Insert the power cable into the printer power
socket and attach to grounded electrical socket
of the proper voltage and type.

4. Attach interface cable to printer and computer
and then secure.

5. Switch power on.

CAUTION: Intermittent or unpredictable

operation may occur from unsecured
connectors. If damaged, the power cable must
be replaced by an exact equivalent.

P310iPlastic Card printer

Printer
Solutions

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

5

OPERATION

P 310i PRINTER

FEATURES

The following shows the features found on your

P310i Printer.

STANDARD FEATURES OPTIONAL FEATURES

1. Print Head A. Magnetic Encoding Station

2. Print Head Unlock Lever B. Smart Card Contact Station

3. Manual Holder

4. Card Output Hopper

5. Status Indicators

6. Panel Button

7. Card Cleaning Cartridge

8. Card Cartridge

9. Card Thickness Control

PLEASE NOTE: Any blue items inside the printer can be operated by the user.

P310iPlastic Card printer

Printer
Solutions

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

6

LOADING
RIBBONS

“i Series”Printers requires the use of “i Series”
ribbons for full color printing. The Resin
Thermal Transfer and Dye Sublimation ribbons
for P310i only are specifically designed for your
P310i Printer. For optimum performance and
printer life (Print Head), use True Colors ribbons.

DO NOT TOUCH the print head or the electronic
components on the print head carriage.
Discharges of electrostatic energy that
accumulates on the surface of the human body
or other surfaces can damage the print head and
other electronic components used in the device.

1. Remove ribbon from packaging.

2. Open cover and press down on the print

head unlock lever to open the print head
carriage. The print head carriage will pop
open.

Continued on next page .......

P310iPlastic Card printer

Printer
Solutions

P310iPlastic Card printer

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

7

Please note that the ribbon automatically
synchronizes whenever the print head lock
down occurs.
The ribbon is simultaneously identified and the
according parameters are automatically sent to
the driver.

3. Load ribbon onto the supply spindle (under print head carriage) and
empty core (with tape attached) onto the take-up spindle flange side in.
Make sure the ribbon comes off of the top of the supply spindle and feeds
to the top of the take-up spindle.

4. Push down on the Print Head Lock Lever until an audible 'click' signals
the locked-down position.

5. Close Cover.

Printer
Solutions

P310iPlastic Card printer

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

8

LOADING CARDS

A - CARD CARTRIDGE

For loading cards.

To help you load, print, and collect cards, the
P310i is equiped with the following items:

DO NOT bend cards or touch print surfaces as
this can reduce print quality. The surface of the
cards must remain clean and dust free. Always
store cards in an enclosed container. Ideally, use
cards as soon as possible. If cards stick together,
carefully shuffle them.

1. Install Card Cartridge by hooking onto
printer as shown and clicking down.

2. Install cards into Cartridge.*

3. Close Cartridge.

* See Chapter 6, Technical Specifications, for card requirements and
capacities.

Printer
Solutions

P310iPlastic Card printer

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

9

B - INSTALL CARD CLEANING CARTRIDGE

This item is used to clean the cards entering the printer.

1. Remove Card Cleaning Cartridge from
packaging.
Peel protective wrapper from adhesive
roller.

2. Open Printer cover and remove the
yellow reminder tape from the location for
the Cleaning Cartridge.

3. Make sure the arrow on top of the
assembly is facing toward the rear of the
printer.
Hook assembly into slot on printer and
rotate down.
Ensure the assembly locks in place.

Printer
Solutions

P310iPlastic Card printer

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

10

C - CARD THICKNESS CONTROL LEVER

This item is operated by the user to prevent more than one card feeding
into the printer at the same time and causing a jam.

Card Thickness:

A -60mil (1.524mm) to 50mil
(1.27mm)
B - 40mil (1.016mm)
C - 30mil (0.762mm)
D - 20mil (0.508mm)
E* - Less than 20 mil (0.508mm)

* Start at lowest position and move
lever up to match card thickness.

For other card thickness, start lever
at lowest position and move up
until cards feed.

Open Cover, and adjust lever to correct
position. Repeat for different card thickness.
(Factory setting is for 30mil (0.762mm) card
thickness. See diagram below:

D - CARD OUTPUT HOPPER

For collecting printing cards.

Install Card Output Hopper onto printer by
hooking over bottom edge of card exit
aperture.

Printer
Solutions

P310iPlastic Card printer

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

11

FEEDING ONE

CARD AT A TIME

A Manual Feed Slot is available on the size of
the Card Input Hopper for feeding single cards.
Cleaning Cards are fed manually through this
slot. The Card Cartridge must be empty

for

manual card feeding to work properly.

For one-at-a-time printing, feed cards
through slots on side of Feeder.

Do not feed more than one card at a
time.

REMOVING CARD

CARTRIDGE

Remove the Card Cartridge prior to packaging
the printer shipment.

To remove, pull hook back, and lift
hopper out.

HOOK

Printer
Solutions

P310iPlastic Card printer

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

12

PRINTING A

TEST CARD

With ribbon and cards loaded, your P310i printer
is ready to print. To check the operation of the
printer you should print a test card.

1. Place the printer’s power switch in the
OFF (O) position.

2. While pressing the panel button, switch
printer on. Green indicator will show.

3. Keep pressing panel button until green
indicator starts flashing.

4. Release panel button and a test card
will print after a few seconds.

This is an example of the test card.

Printer
Solutions

P310iPlastic Card printer

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

13

PRINTING A SAMPLE CARD

Printing with the P310i Printer requires the Windows Printer Driver, your
card design/issuing Windows software or printer command level
programming through the printer interface.

The P310i Card Printer can be used with any Windows 95/98, Windows NT

4.0 or 2000 sotware application program, using the drivers provided with
the printer.

This section contains information on the printing of a sample card in color
(using the 5-panel color ribbon YMCKO) for P310i and the Windows Printer
Driver.

BEFORE installing updated printer driver
versions, always delete the existing printer
driver version from your computer.

Printer
Solutions

To install the P310i Printer Driver Automatically on all
Operating Systems, Use the Zebra Install Wizard

To ensure the accuracy of driver installation, it is recommended that you
use the Zebra Install Wizard that is provided with your documentation CD.

The Wizard will:
a • Check to see which operating system you are using
b • Delete previous version of the driver and clean up any necessary

Registry entries
c • From the main menu of your documentation CD, select your desired

language and then select “DRIVERS” from the subsequent menu. The
Install Wizard will walk you through the appropriate steps.

14

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

P310iPlastic Card printer

On NT systems, ensure that you have
administrative privileges to perform this
installation or contact your IT department.

Printer
Solutions

Set Printer Driver Options:

The P310i Printer screen appears. Change the options as follows:
On the Printer tab configure the magnetic encoder feature. If your printer is

equipped with a magnetic Encoder Option, select With Magnetic Encoder
option.

On the Card tab select card orientation:
Landscape or portrait - Select “Landscape”.

For P310

i: with i Series ribbon, the ribbon, the printer will automatically
detect which ribbon is installed and configure the Windows driver
accordingly.

In the Ribbon tab, go to Black Panel area and select Text Only. This option
allows the text printing using the Black Resin Panel from the Color Ribbon.

Close the Zebra P310i Printer Properties screen.

Now that you have loaded media and set up the printer driver, the P310ii
Printer is ready to print.

15

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

P310iPlastic Card printer

Printer
Solutions

Printing a sample card:

Follow the steps to print your first card

Go to the Microsoft Word Software.
If the printer was not selected as the default printer, go to the File menu and

Select Printer and choose Zebra P310i Card Printer in the printer names list.
Then Close the print dialog box.

Come back to File menu and choose Page Setup.
Select Paper Size tab and in Paper Size choose Card. Then select the

orientation: "landscape".
Go to Margins tab, put the Top, Bottom, Left and Right margins with O

values.
Press OK to close Page Setup window.
The card appears on the screen.
Design a card with both black and colored text and with colored pictures

(see example below).

Once you are ready to print, go to File and point Print
Th

e printer will feed in a card and start printing ( the data download time
will vary depending on the complexity of the card design and the
proce

ssing speed of your computer).

Once the printing job is achieved the card is ejected from the printer.

16

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

P310iPlastic Card printer

Printer
Solutions

P310iPlastic Card printer

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

17

CLEANING

PROTECT YOUR FACTORY
WARRANTY!

The recommended maintenance procedures must
be performed to maintain your factory warranty.
Other than the recommended cleaning procedures
described in this manual, allow only Zebra
authorized technicians to service the P310i Printer.
NEVER loosen, tighten, adjust, or bend, etc. a part
or cable inside the printer.
NEVER use a shop air compressor to remove
particles in the printer.

Printer
Solutions

P310iPlastic Card printer

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

18

Your P310i Printer includes a simple cleaning
system using the Pre-Saturated Cleaning Cards
provided. The regular use of these cards will clean
and maintain important parts of your printer:
including the Print Head, and Transport Rollers
and Magnetic Encoder Station (optional feature).

CLEANING

SYSTEM

WHEN TO CLEAN

When the amber & red indicators flash.

(Every 1000 cards* approx.)
* Using 5-panel color ribbon (YMCKO).
(Every 5000 cards* approx.)
* Using monochrome ribbon.
*Optional factory setting.

HOW TO CLEAN

1. Leave power on.
Open Cover and release Print Head Bracket to
remove ribbon.
Close Print Head.
Close Cover. Remove cards from Card
Cartridge.

2. Insert one Pre-Saturated Cleaning Card
(provided) through slot on the side of the Card
Cartridge.

3. Press the Panel Button for a few seconds. The
card will feed into printer and carry out the
cleaning process. Repeat the process with a
new Cleaning Card if necessary.

Although the amber and red inducators will keep
flashing until the cleaning process has been
performed, the printer will continue to operate.

Note: For cleaning prior to the WHEN TO CLEAN signal, press the Panel
Button for 3 seconds to start the cleaning process (Repeat first steps 1 & 2
above).

Printer
Solutions

P310iPlastic Card printer

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

19

A cleaning using the Cleaning Cards usually
suffices. However, a separate Print Head
cleaning using swabs can remove more
stubborn deposits when print anomalies persist.
To avoid deposits, only use foam-tipped swabs.

CLEANING THE

PRINT HEAD

1. Turn power OFF. Raise Print Head
and remove the Ribbon.

2. Clean Print Head by moving alcohol­moistened swab tip side-to-side across
Print Head elements. Only use moderate
force. (To reorder swabs see Appendix C).

3. Turn power ON. Allow two minutes
for the print head components to dry
before resume printing.

Never use a sharp object to scrape deposites from
the print head. Permanent damage will result.

Printer
Solutions

P310iPlastic Card printer

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

20

Your P310i Printer also has a Card Cleaning
Cartridge. This item cleans the cards

entering the printer. To ensure print quality,
the cleaning roller requires periodic
replacements.

CARD CLEANING

CARTRIDGE

WHEN TO MAINTAIN

Replace the cleaning cartridge roller each
time you install a new ribbon.A cleaning
roller is included with every True Colors
ribbons.
*If a cleaning card will be run, use the
Cleaning Card before replacing adhesive
Cleaning Roller.

HOW TO MAINTAIN

1. Open Cover and locate Cleaning

Cartridge.

2. Gently remove by rotating up and away
from printer.

Continued on next page...

Printer
Solutions

P310iPlastic Card printer

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

21

3. Remove Cleaning Roller from Cartridge and
discard.

4. Install new Cleaning Roller into Cartridge*.
To avoid contamination, always hold the
Cleaning Roller assembly by the ends.

5. Carefully peel off wrapper from new
Cleaning Roller while in Cartridge.

6. To replace Cartridge into printer:
Make sure the arrow on top of the assembly is
facing toward the rear of the printer.
Hook assembly into slot on printer and rotate
down. Ensure the assembly locks in place.

DO NOT touch the roller surface that contacts
the card.

7. Close Cover.

* See Appendix C for replacement Cleaning Rollers.

SLOT

Although the amber and red inducators will keep
flashing until maintenance has been performed,
the printer will continue to operate.

Printer
Solutions

P310iPlastic Card printer

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

22

TROUBLESHOOTING

The following offers causes or solutions to symptoms related to improper
operation. Check this table when experiencing any loss of operation or print
quality. Note that the LEDs appear white for ON, dark for OFF, and circled
with radial lines for FLASHING.

PROBLEMS / DESCRIPTION

AMBER
INDICATOR
ILLUMINATES

Alert: cards

The printer stops and an error comes
up in the Windows application
program.

AMBER
INDICATOR
FLASHES

Alert: ribbon

The printer stops and an error comes
up in the Windows application
program.

REASON / SOLUTION

1. Check for Cards in Cards Cartridge.

2. Check Card Thickness Control
setting.

3. Press the Panel Button for 1 second.

The printing job will restart.

1. Check ribbon.

2. Load new ribbon.

3. Ribbon will automatically
synchronize and printing will
restart with new card

Printer
Solutions

P310iPlastic Card printer

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

23

RED INDICATOR
ILLUMINATES

Printer alert:
Print Head Bracket open
Card Jam
Ribbon Jam
Command Error

The printer stops working.

RED INDICATOR
FLASHES

Magnetic Encoder alert:

The printer ejects card and stops

AMBER & RED
INDICATORS
FLASH

Cleaning alert:

The printer needs cleaning

ALL INDICATORS
FLASH

Print Head alert:
Cool down mode

Printing stops

NO INDICATOR
ILLUMINATES

Power cord:

The power switch is ON

1. Check Print Head Bracket is closed.

2. Check if you are using correct card
type (see Technical Specifications).

3. Check Card Thickness Control Lever is
properly adjusted for correct card
thickness (see Chapter 2 - Loading
Cards)

4. If two cards are fed into printer at
same time:

- Open cover & remove Card Cleaning
Cartridge, empty feeder, pull jammed
cards out. Replace Card Cleaning
Cartridge.

- remove cards from Card Cartridge,
shuffle them and replace.

5. Check ribbon is loaded correctly
inside printer.

6. Check command.

1. Check that you are using correct
magnetic card type (for low or high
corcivity encoding).

2. Verify Command Syntax.

3. Call technical support.

1. Printer cleaning required

(see Chapter 4 - Cleaning)

1. Printing will restart automatically after
a few seconds.

1. Make sure power cord is plugged in
properly at both ends.

2. Call technical support.

Printer
Solutions

P310iPlastic Card printer

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

24

Ribbon Errors: Check that the print ribbon has not 'run out'. Lock and then

unlock the print head assembly; this resynchronises the ribbon
automatically. When using a color ribbon, it should advance automatically
so that the leading edge of the Yellow panel is beneath the print head.
Ensure that the correct ribbon type has been specified in the Windows
driver.

Card Feed & Mechanical Errors: Ensure that the card thickness adjustment
has been set-up correctly to allow one card to feed.

Magnetic Encoding Errors: Check that the cards are inserted correctly in the
printer. Ensure that the cards are low or high coercivity as required, and are
set-up correctly in the printer driver (Appendix A).

Cleaning Alert: The printer has counted the number of cards printed and
has automatically flagged that a cleaning routine needs to be carried out.

CARDS HAVE ‘SCRATCH LINES’
MISSING PRINTING

Incorrect rolled ribon
Dust
Print Head

There are non-printed horizontal
lines (white) on card surfaces.

POOR PRINTING QUALITY

Dust on the print head.
Contrast & Intensty values for P310i:

Printing shows very pale or
inconsistent results.

PRINTING HAS VOIDS

Dust inside printer
Contamination on card surfaces

Small pots on the printed card with
a non-printed area or a different
printed color.

1. In correct position of ribbon. Check
ribbon is properly rolled onto the
ribbon core and there are no pleats.

2. There may be dust on the print head
(see Chapter 4 - Cleaning).

3. An element on the print headmay be
scratched or burnt. Contact technical
support for print head replacement
information.

1. There may be dust or embedded
contaminations on elements of the
print head (see Chapter 4 - Cleaning).

2. Contrast and/or intensity colors for
P310i may be set to high values for
P310i in software or with
programming.

1. This may be caused by dust inside the
printer and/or a dirty Cleaning Roller
Assembly (see Chapter 4 - Cleaning).

2. This may be caused by contamination
on the card surface. Check that cards
are stored in a dust free environment.

Printer
Solutions

P310iPlastic Card printer

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

25

TECHNICAL

SPECIFICATI0NS

• High speed printing, over 140 cards/hour edge
to edge in full color (YMCKO) throughput

• High speed printing, over 1000 cards/hour
throughput (K-resin ribbon)

• Small footprint

• Windows Drivers for 95/98 and NT 4.0 / 2000

• One year printer warranty

• One year (unlimited passes) print head
warranty

•Powerful EPCL (Zebra Printer Program
Command Langage)

• Color dye sublimation or monochrome thermal
transfer printing

• 25 seconds per card edge to edge in full color
(YMCKO)

• 4 seconds in monochrome

• 300 dpi (11.8 dots/mm) print resolution

• Edge to edge printing standard

• Code 39

• Code 128 B & C with & without check digit

• 2 of 5 & 2 of 5 industrial

• UPCA

• EAN8 & EAN13

• PDF 417 2D bar code and other symbologies
available (Not resident in printer)

General

Colour Printing

Bar Codes

Printer
Solutions

P310iPlastic Card printer

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

26

ISO STANDARD DIMENSIONS FOR MAGNETIC STRIPE CARD

CHIP POSITION FOR SMART CARD

ISO STANDARD

CARD

• True Type fonts available via Windows Driver

• Types PVC, Composite

• Card width/length: ISO CR-80 - ISO 7810, 2.125”
(54mm) by 3.375” (86mm)

• Option: Magnetic Stripe - ISO 7811

• Option: Smart Card - ISO 7816-2

• Card thickness*: 10mil (0.25mm) to 30 mil
(0.75mm)

* Edge to edge printing on 20-30mil only

• Card Cartridge capacity: Up to 210 cards

(10mil), up to 75 cards (30mil)

• Card Output Hopper capacity: Up to 210 cards

(10 mil), up to 75 cards (30 mil)

Fonts

Cards*

AFNOR STANDARD

Printer
Solutions

P310iPlastic Card printer

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

27

• Monochrome: 1500 cards/roll

• Monochrome colors: black, red, blue, green,
silver, gold, white.

For P310

i only

• K-resin + O: 800 cards/roll

• K-dye + O: 800 cards/roll

• YMCKO: 350 cards/roll

• Thermal transfer

• 4 microns thick

• Clear and holographic options:

- Clear

- Genuine/Secure Hologram

- Pcard hologram

- Custom Hologram

• Parallel Standard (cable included)

• RS-232C Serial (Option)

• USB (Optional)

• Width: 11.8" (315 mm†)

• Depth: 7.75" (198mm†)

• Height: 8.7" (220 mm†)

• Weight: 13.4 Ibs (6.1 kg)

• 110 ~ 230 Volts AC, 60 ~ 50 Hz

• FCC Class A, CE, UL, and CUL approved

• Operating Temperature: 60 to 86°F (15 to 30°C)

• Operating Humidity: 20 to 65% non condensing

• Storage Temperature: -23 to 158°F (-5 to 70°C)

• Storage Humidity: 20 to 70% non condensing

• Ventilation: Free air

* Thermal transfer (Resin) ribbons offer more
durability than dye sublimation, with greater
resistance to scratches and UV-induced fading.

Dye Sublimation printing requires dye
sublimation ribbons, with either black or cyan,
magenta, and yellow (plus black resin) panels.

† Measured without card output hopper.

Ribbons*

Overlay varnish

Interfaces

Mechanical

Electrical

Environmental

Printer
Solutions

P310iPlastic Card printer

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

28

• USB port

• RS-232C serial port

• Smart Card Contact Station (30 mil cards only)

• Magnetic Encoder (30 mil cards only)

• Cleaning supplies

• Service Manual

Options

“i Series”Printers requires the use of “i Series”
ribbons for full color printing

Refer to the Appendix C for more information about
Card and Ribbon Media availaible from Zebra
Technologies Corp.

Printer
Solutions

APPENDIX A - MAGNETIC CARD

STRIPE ENCODER

Operation and maintenance requirements for the P310i Printer with the
optional magnetic card stripe encoder.
(See Chapter 2 for location).
The magnetic encoder can be set for either high or low coercivity.

The magnetic encoder is a factory installed item
with the read/write head positioned below the card
path, available with HICO encoding or LOCO
encoding.

When loading cards into the Card Cartridge, please
ensure that the magnetic stripe is facing towards
the printer and closest to the rear.

Also available are Printer models with the
Magnetic Read/Write head positioned above the
card path, with HICO encoding or LOCO encoding.

When loading cards, please ensure that there is a
magnetic stripe.

Approved HICO & LOCO PVC Cards are available. (See Appendix C).

SAMPLE ENCODING PROGRAM

Refer to Programmer’s manual (Part number 98001-001)

29

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

P310iPlastic Card printer

ONLY USE cards that comply with ISO 7810 &
7811 standards for magnetic stripe cards. The
magnetic stripe must be flush to the surface of
the card to work properly. Never use taped-on
magnetic stripes.

STRIPE

DOWN

STRIPE

UP

Printer
Solutions

MAGNETIC ENCODER CLEANING

The read/write head requires periodic cleaning to maintain errorfree encoding.

WHEN TO CLEAN

When the amber & red indicators flash.
(Every 1000 cards* approx.)

* Using 5-panel color ribbon (YMCKO).
*Optional factory setting.

HOW TO CLEAN

1. Leave power on.

Open Cover and release Print Head Bracket to remove
ribbon.
Close Print Head.
Close Cover. Remove cards from Card Cartridge.

2. Insert one Pre-Saturated Cleaning Card (provided)
through slot on the side of the Card Cartridge.

3. Press the Panel Button for a few seconds. The card
will feed into printer and carry out the cleaning
process. Repeat the process with a new Cleaning Card

if necessary.
Note: For cleaning prior to the WHEN TO CLEAN signal, press the Panel Button for 3
seconds to start the cleaning process (Repeat first steps 1 & 2 above).

ISO STANDARD ENCODING

30

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

P310iPlastic Card printer

* Bit per inch

† Except the ‘?’ character
‡ Including Start, Stop and LCR characters. Also note that these 3 characters are

automatically managed by the magnetic encoder according to the ISO Standard
Norms.

NOTE: Refer to the Card Printer Programmer’s Manual for complete programming
information.

Track #

1

2

3

Field Separator

^

=

=

Track density

210 BPI*

75 BPI*

210 BPI*

Valid Characters

Alphanumeric

(ASCII 20~95†)

Numeric

(ASCII 48~62)

Numeric

(ASCII 48~62)

# of characters

79‡

40‡

107‡

Although the amber and red inducators will keep
flashing until the cleaning process has been
performed, the printer will continue to operate.

Printer
Solutions

P310iPlastic Card printer

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

31

APPENDIX B - SMART CARD CONTACT

STATION

This section contains information on the
additional operations of the P310i Printers with
Smart Card Contact Stations. (See Chapter 2 for
location.)

INTRODUCTION

Smart Cards can have a built-in microcomputer
and a battery. Card Memory can store
fingerprints, voice recognition patterns, medical
records and other such data. The P310i printer
may be equipped with an optional contact station
for programming Smart Cards (ISO 7816). This
printer model responds to commands that
position the cards at the contact station, where
the printer connects to the contacts on the Smart
Cards. All other printer operations remain the
same as the standard P310i model.

Printer
Solutions

P310iPlastic Card printer

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

32

MEDIA LOADING ORIENTATION

Orient the cards with the Smart Card Chip at
the top of the card and facing away from the
printer.

SMART CARD CONTACT STATION
INTERFACE

When a command to the parallel printer
interface sends a card to the Smart Card
Contact Station, the printer connects the
Smart Card Contact Station to the female DB­9 connector on the rear of the printer.

An attached external Smart Card Programmer
can be used to program Smart Card chips.

DB - 9 SMART CARD DB - 9 SMART CARD

PINS CONTACT POINTS PINS CONTACT POINTS

1 CI (VCC) 6 C6 (Vpp)
2 C2 (Reset) 7 C7 (I/O)
3 C3 (Clock) 8 C8 (RFU)
4 C4 (RFU)
5 C5 (GND)

9 (GND when chip is at station)

Refer to the Card Printer Programmer’s Manual for complete programming
information.

DO NOT position printing over the Smart Card Chip.

Printer
Solutions

P310iPlastic Card printer

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

33

APPENDIX C - ACCESSORIES & SUPPLIES

Please contact your Zebra-authorized dealer to place
an order for accessories and suplies.

RIBBONS The following ribbons may be used in the P310i

Printer:

Note:

Y = Yellow, M = Magenta, C = Cyan, K = black, O = Overlay

Monochrome Resin Ribbons (Sold by the Roll)

Part Number Description
800015-401 Black 1000 images

800015-402 Red 1000 images
800015-403 Green 1000 images
800015-404 Blue 1000 images
800015-406 Gold 1000 images
800015-407 Silver 1000 images
800015-409 White 1000 images
800015-485 Scratch-off Grey 840 images

Color Ribbons (Sold by the Roll)

Part Number Description
800015-440 5-Panel Color Ribbon (YMCKO) 200 images

800015-540 5-Panel Color Ribbon (YMCKO) 330 images
800015-445 4-Panel Color Ribbon (YMCK) 250 images
800015-545 4-Panel Color Ribbon (YMCK) 400 images
800015-480 5-Panel Color Ribbon (YMCKK) 200 images
800015-470 3-Panel Color Ribbon (YMC) 300 images
800015-448 6-Panel Color Ribbon (YMCKOK) 170 images
800015-450 2-Panel Black Ribbon (K Dye + O) 500 images
800015-460 2-Panel Resin Ribbon (K Resin + O) 500 images

Printer
Solutions

CARDS The following cards are optimized for use in the P310i

Printers:

Notes :

10mil = 0.254mm;30 mil = 0.762mm
10mil cards are recommended for single side printing monochrome and
spot Color only.

Many other card types are also available; ask your dealer for more information.

34

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

P310iPlastic Card printer

Blank White Cards (Sold by the box)

Part Number Description

Premier Grade PVC

104523-114 Card, 10 mil † (5 packs of 200)
104523-010 Card, 10 mil † adhesive back (5 packs of 200)
104523-111 Card, 30 mil † (5 packs of 100)
104523-112 Card, 30 mil -low coercivity Mag. Stripe (5 packs of 100)
104523-113 Card, 30 mil -High coercivity Mag. Stripe (5 packs of 100)

Premier Plus Grade (PVC composite 60/40)

104524-101 Card, 30 mil (5 packs of 100)
104524-102 Card, 30 mil -low coercivity Mag. Stripe (5 packs of 100)
104524-103 Card, 30 mil -High coercivity Mag. Stripe (5 packs of 100)

Printer
Solutions

P310iPlastic Card printer

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

35

ACCESSORIES

Accessories available for P310i Printers appear
below. Always refer to the part number when

placing an order:

Cleaning Supplies

Part Number Description
105909-169 Premier Cleaning Kit (25 swabs, 50 cards)

105912-003 Adhesive Cleaning Roller Kit (set of 5)
105912-002 Cleaning Cartridge, complete
104531-001 Cleaning Card Kit (box of 100 cards)
105909-057 Cleaning Swab Kit (box of 25 swabs)

Miscellaneous

Part Number Description
105576-003 CD ROM with Windows Driver Wizard and User's manuals in

English, French,Spanish, German, Portuguese, Italian,

Chinese, japonese.
806503-001 Card Punch (slots card for lapel clip)
104527-001 Lapel Clips (pack of 100 clips)

Printer Supplies

Part Number Description
105909-138 Card Printer parallel / Serial Interface Cable, ft (DB-25 male to

DB-25 female)
105912-024 Card Cartridge
105912-038 Card Output Hopper
105909-112 Replacement Print Head Kit

Documentation

Part Number Description
980081-001 Pseries Programmer's Manual (English only)

980264-001 P310

i Maintenance Manual (English only)

Printer
Solutions

World Wide Sales and Support:

Zebra Technologies Corporation
Card Imaging Division

1001 Flynn Road
Camarillo, CA. 93012-8706.USA
Phone:[phone]
Fax.:[phone]
Toll Free in US: [phone]
e-mail: [e-mail]

Zebra Technologies Corporation
Card Imaging Division, (Europe, Middle East, Africa)

The Valley Centre, Gordon Road, High Wycombe
Buckinghamshire HP13 6EQ, England
Phone: [phone]
Fax.: [phone]
e-mail: [e-mail]

Zebra Technologies Corporation
Card Imaging Division, Latin America

6175 NW 153rd Street, Suite # 121
Miami Lakes, FL 33014 USA
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
e-mail:[e-mail]

Zebra Technologies Corporation
Card Imaging Division, Asie/Pacific

1 Sims Lane #06-11
387355 Singapore
Phone:[phone]
Fax.:[phone]
e-mail:[e-mail]

CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
Zebra Technologies Corporation
333 Corporate Woods Parkway
Vernon Hills, IL 60061-3109 USA
Phone: [phone]
FAX: [phone]
e-mail: [e-mail]

Website: www.zebracard.com

36

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

P310iPlastic Card printer

Printer
Solutions