Zebra 105SL Plus How To Load Media And Ribbon

Watch the video below.

Step-By-Step Instructions To Load Media And Ribbon On The Zebra 105SL Plus

To load media and ribbon into your Zebra 105SL Plus printer, follow these steps:

Loading the Ribbon (Thermal Transfer Mode)

1. Prepare the Ribbon:

   – Ensure the ribbon is at least as wide as the media to protect the printhead from wear.

   – The coated side of the ribbon should face outward.

   – If the ribbon doesn’t have a leader, create one by tearing off a strip of media (labels and liner) about 6–12 inches (150–305 mm) long. Peel off a label from this strip and apply half of it to the end of the strip and the other half to the end of the ribbon. This acts as a ribbon leader.​​

2. Install the Ribbon:

   – Align the segments of the ribbon supply spindle.

   – Place the ribbon roll on the ribbon supply spindle, pushing it all the way back.

   – Thread the ribbon leader and attached ribbon through the print mechanism, under the upper roller, and past the platen roller.

   – Bring the ribbon leader over the upper ribbon roller and toward the ribbon take-up spindle.

   – Wind the ribbon counterclockwise around the ribbon take-up spindle for several turns to remove any slack.

   – Ensure the ribbon hook fits snugly in the notch on the spindle.

   – Close the printhead.

Loading the Media

1. Prepare the Printer:

   – Open the printhead assembly by rotating the printhead-open lever.

   – Loosen the thumb screw located on the bottom of the outer media guide.

2. Install the Media:

   – Place the media roll onto the media supply spindle.

   – Thread the media through the print mechanism, over the snap plate, under the upper roller, and past the platen roller.

   – Align the media with the inner media guide.

   – Slide in the outer media guide until it just touches the edge of the media.

   – Tighten the thumb screw on the bottom of the outer media guide.

   – Push down the printhead assembly and rotate the printhead-open lever until it locks into place.

   – Close the media door.​