Zebra ZT111 How To Load Media Or Ribbon With The Cutter Option

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Step-By-Step Instructions To Load Media Or Ribbon With The Cutter Option On The Zebra ZT111

To load media or ribbon with the cutter option on a Zebra ZT111 printer, follow these troubleshooting and reset steps:

Here’s a step‑by‑step guide to loading media + ribbon into a Zebra ZT111 when using the cutter / delayed-cut option. (Also includes things to check / pitfalls.)

Prerequisites & notes

• The cutter/delayed cut option must be installed in the the printer for this method to work.
• The media path (where the label or tag passes) is the same whether you are using “tear-off” mode or cutter mode — the difference is how the end of the label is handled.
• Use a ribbon that is wider than the media to protect the printhead.
• Ribbon must be ink‑coated on the outside (i.e. the side facing outward) for proper thermal transfer loading.

Step‑by‑Step: Loading Ribbon & Media with Cutter

Here is the typical sequence. Follow carefully, especially at the cutter:

1. Open the media cover / door
   This gives access to the printhead and media cavity.
2. Release or open the printhead assembly (lever up)
   The printhead pivots upward, allowing you to thread ribbon and media underneath.
3. Load ribbon (if using thermal transfer)
• Place the ribbon roll on the ribbon supply spindle (loose end unwinds toward printer). Push it back as far as it will go.
• On the take-up spindle (where the used ribbon winds), mount an empty ribbon core. Push that back as far as it will go.
• Thread the ribbon under the printhead assembly (i.e. it goes between the printhead and the platen) so that it lies against the media when printing.
• Wrap the ribbon onto the take-up core, rotate the take-up spindle several times to tension and align the ribbon.
4. Slide out outer media guide
   This gives you room to position the media.
5. Load the media (labels / tags / paper) through the cutter path
• Make sure the media passes through the slot in the transmissive media sensor and under the inner media guide. The edge of media should touch or just barely enter the back of the sensor slot.
• Feed the media through the cutter’s opening (i.e. the blade slot). Be cautious — the blade is sharp.
• Slide the outer media guide in until it lightly touches the edge of the media (to keep it aligned).
6. Close the printhead / lock it down
   Once ribbon and media are aligned, rotate the printhead lever down until it locks.
7. Insert cutter catch tray (if available)
   Some setups include a tray to catch cut pieces. Insert it into the slot in front of the cutter.
8. Close the media cover
   Secure the door/cover.
9. Set printer to Cutter or Delayed Cut mode
   In the printer’s menu (Print Menu → Label Position → Collection Method), choose “Cutter” or “Delayed Cut” depending on how you want the cut action to behave.
10. Exit pause / resume printing
    Press PAUSE (or equivalent) to leave pause mode and allow printing. The printer may auto‑calibrate after this.
11. Calibrate sensors (optional but recommended)
    After loading supplies, it’s a good idea to calibrate ribbon & media sensors to ensure correct detection and cutting.
12. Test with a configuration label or print job
    Confirm things are working (labels feed, cut after each label, alignment ok).

Common Pitfalls & Tips