Zebra 105SL Ribbon And Media Load

Watch the video below.

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

Loading Roll Media (Tear‑Off Mode)

This is the most common setup:

1. Open the printhead by lifting the lever.
2. Pull the media supply guide all the way outward to make space.
3. Mount the media roll onto the supply hanger and push it as far back as it goes.
4. Slide the media guide inward until it just touches the edge of the roll—don’t pinch it.
5. Thread the media under the lower roller, through the sensor area, under the printhead, and over the platen roller, exiting the front.
6. Adjust the outer media guide to lightly touch the media’s edge, aligning it properly.
7. Secure everything: tighten any guide thumb screws and close the printhead lever.

Other Media Modes (Optional)

• Rewind Mode: Involves attaching a core or hook to rewind the liner; again, leave ~36 in (915 mm) as a leader, wind the liner, adjust guides, and close the printhead.
• Other modes like Cutter or Peel‑Only follow similarly, with guide adjustment and leader setup as required.

Loading the Ribbon (Thermal Transfer Mode)

This applies when using thermal transfer labels—skip if using direct thermal labels.

• Ensure the ribbon is at least as wide as the media, ideally wider, to protect the printhead.
• Slide the ribbon roll onto the ribbon supply spindle, aligned squarely and pushed fully to the stop.
• Prepare a ribbon leader, if not already present:
• Tear off a strip of media (~6–12 in / 150–305 mm), peel a label, and attach one half to the ribbon’s end and the other half to the media strip.
• Open the printhead, then thread the ribbon and its leader underneath the upper roller and past the platen roller.
• Position the ribbon hook snugly into its notch on the ribbon take‑up spindle.
• Wind the ribbon (with leader) counterclockwise around the take‑up spindle for a few turns.
• Close the printhead, securing everything.

Final Steps

• After installing media and ribbon, run a calibration if needed (e.g., when switching media or ribbon types) or ensure print settings match media type (direct vs. thermal transfer).