CommandsLabel formatting
^MT - Media Type
Selects thermal transfer or direct thermal media type
^MT - Media Type
Overview
The ^MT command selects the type of media being used in the printer. It distinguishes between thermal transfer media (which requires a ribbon with ink that bonds to the media) and direct thermal media (which is heat-sensitive and requires no ribbon). This setting affects how the printer controls the print head temperature and ribbon handling.
Syntax
^MTaParameters
- a = Media type (required)
- T = Thermal Transfer Media (requires ribbon)
- D = Direct Thermal Media (no ribbon needed)
Media Types
Thermal Transfer Media (T)
- Uses high carbon black or colored ribbon
- Ribbon ink bonds to media through heat and pressure
- Requires ribbon installation
- More durable and versatile
- Use for: barcode labels, shipping labels, product labels
Direct Thermal Media (D)
- Media is heat-sensitive
- Changes color when heated by print head
- No ribbon required
- Lower cost per label
- Use for: receipt labels, shipping labels, temporary labels
Description
- Specifies whether printer uses thermal transfer or direct thermal printing
- Affects print head temperature settings
- Affects ribbon system operation
- Critical for proper print quality and media handling
Usage Notes
- Instruction is ignored if parameter is missing or incorrect
- Using wrong setting can result in poor print quality or errors
- Ribbon-out sensor may generate error if thermal transfer mode is selected without ribbon
- Setting persists across power cycles
- Default value is last permanently saved value
Examples
Thermal Transfer Media
^XA
^MTT
^FO50,50^A0N,30,30^FDThermal Transfer^FS
^XZSets printer for thermal transfer media with ribbon.
Direct Thermal Media
^XA
^MTD
^FO50,50^A0N,30,30^FDDirect Thermal^FS
^XZSets printer for direct thermal media without ribbon.
Media Comparison
| Aspect | Thermal Transfer | Direct Thermal |
|---|---|---|
| Ribbon | Required | Not needed |
| Cost | Higher per label | Lower per label |
| Durability | Very durable | Moderate |
| Color | Multiple colors | Single color (black) |
| Use Cases | Barcode, shipping | Receipts, temporary |
| Print Head Life | Longer (ribbon protection) | Shorter (direct contact) |
Important Notes
For Thermal Transfer (T)
- Ensure ribbon is properly installed and threaded
- Check ribbon take-up is working
- Verify ribbon is compatible with media
- Monitor ribbon depletion
For Direct Thermal (D)
- Verify media is direct thermal compatible
- Media may be more expensive per label
- Print head requires more maintenance
- Heat settings critical for quality
Related Commands
^MM- Print Mode^MN- Media Tracking^MF- Media Feed^MD- Media Darkness