Zebra Technologies P320i User Manual

P320i Plastic Card Printer

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

User's Manual

P320 i

User's Manual No. 980392-001 Rev. D

© 2003 ZIH Corp

Printer
Solutions

P320i Plastic Card Printer

FOREWORD

This manual contains installation and operation information for the P320i
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, Latin America, Asia & Pacific:

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, Middle East-Africa:

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

P320i is 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

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

Printer
Solutions

P320i Plastic Card Printer

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.

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

Printer
Solutions

P320i Plastic Card Printer

DECLARATIONS OF CONFORMITY

This equipment has been tested and found to comply 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 B requirements.

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

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: P320i conforms to the following specification:
FCC Part 15, Subpart A, Section 15.107(a) and Section

15.109(a) Class B digital device

Printer
Solutions

P320i Plastic Card Printer

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for choosing the Zebra P320i Plastic 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.

P320i PRINTER 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 P320i 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.
Please refer to the Zebra Card Printer Products Price List for available
options by printer type.

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:

U = USB / Parallel
R = USB / Serial
P = Parallel
S = Serial

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

}

Ship-away kit

P320 X - X X X X X - X DO

Windows Drivers
& User Documentation CD

D = Drivers & Documentation

Power Cord:

O = None
I = 120 VAC & 220 VAC
U = UK

Printer
Solutions

P320i Plastic Card Printer

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

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

ITEMS INCLUDED WITH YOUR PRINTER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

PRINTER INSTALLATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

OPERATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

P320i PRINTER FEATURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

LOADING RIBBONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

LOADING CARDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

FEEDING ONE CARD AT TIME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

PRINTING A TEST CARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

PRINTING A SAMPLE CARD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

CLEANING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

CLEANING SYSTEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

CLEANING THE PRINT HEAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

CARD CLEANING CARTRIDGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

TROUBLESHOOTING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

APPENDIX A - MAGNETIC CARD STRIP ENCODER . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

APPENDIX B - SMART CARD CONTACT STATION . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

APPENDIX C - ACCESSORIES AND SUPPLIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

RIBBONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

CARDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

ACCESSORIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

P320i Plastic Card Printer

Printer
Solutions

trademarks of their respective holders.

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

P320i Plastic Card Printer

Printer
Solutions

P320i Plastic Card Printer

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

Your P320i printer 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

Make sure the following items are included with
your P320i printer:

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

P320i Plastic Card Printer

CARD

CLEANING CARTRIDGE

POWER CABLE

CARD OUTPUT HOPPER

INTERFACE CABLE

CLEANING KIT

CD Rom With drivers Wizard
& User’s manual

+ OPERATOR HELP GUIDE
(Not Shown)

If any items are missing, please contact your dealer.

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

Printer
Solutions

P320i Plastic Card Printer

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

PRINTER

INSTALLATION

The following will guide you through the
installation of your P320i Printer.

CAUTION: Limit AC power supplied to the P320i
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.

Printer
Solutions

P320i Plastic Card Printer

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

OPERATION

P 320i PRINTER

FEATURES

The following shows the features found on your

P320i Printer.

1

2

3

4

A

B

8

7

6

5

STANDARD FEATURES

1. Print Head

2. Print Head Unlock Lever

3. Manual Holder

4. Card Output Hopper

5. Card Feeder

6. LCD Display

7. Card Thickness Control lever

8. Card Cleaning Cartridge

OPTIONAL FEATURES

A. Magnetic Encoding Station
B. Smart Card Contact Station

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

P 320i SECURITY

FEATURES

Your P320i Plastic Card Printer comes
equipped with several security features. For
information on the hardware lock and key,
Passcode electronic lock or the TrueSecure
Varnish Image Printing, please refer to the P320i
Security Features supplement document.

Contact your management or authorized dealer for more details.

Printer
Solutions

P320i Plastic Card Printer

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

LOADING
RIBBONS

i Series Printers require the use of iSeries
Ribbons for full color printing (See Appendix C).
The Resin Thermal Transfer, Dye Sublimation
ribbons and monochrome ribbons are
specifically designed for your P320i 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 .......

Printer
Solutions

P320i Plastic Card Printer

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

Please note that the ribbon automatically
synchronizes whenever the print head lock
down occurs.
The ribbon specifications will be sent to the
printer and the driver parameters will
automatically be set.

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.

SUPPLY SPINDLE

TAKE-UP SPINDLE

`CLICK'

Printer
Solutions

P320i Plastic Card Printer

Card

General information

Getting started

Operation

Cleaning

Specifications

Appendix A

Appendix B

Troubleshooting

Printing a card

Appendix C

LOADING CARDS

A - CARD CARTRIDGE

For loading cards.

To help you load, print, and collect cards, the
P320i 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. Open Feeder door.

2. Install cards into Cartridge.

3. Close Cartridge.

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

Printer
Solutions