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Overview

The following information will assist you in selecting and maintaining your printer for use with Tray Label Management System (TLMS) software.

Appropriate Printers

Australia Post does not endorse any manufacturer or model of direct thermal label printer. 

Printing speed, durability and support are important aspects to consider when purchasing a printer for use with (TLMS) software, and the output should be checked to ensure that it meets size and print quality required.

Documentation

The Tray Labelling Documentation page features a downloadable facts sheet detailing minimum barcode size and structure. The position of every separate label element can be found in the Barcode Mail Tray Label Specification which can also be accessed via the documentation page.

Loading Printers

Whilst this information describes the basic procedures for loading direct thermal label stock, refer to the operation guide for your particular label printer for complete details.

• Open the printer cover or door.
• Turn the printhead lift knob counter-clockwise to the open position to release the print head unit.
• Thread the strip of label stock through the lower paper intake slot at the rear of the printer and underneath the slack absorber bar forward towards the print unit. The stock must have the heat sensitive surface facing up and the chamfer cut corners feeding through first. The heat sensitive surface can be identified by the Australia Post logo in the right bottom corner.
• Ensure that the label strip fits within the space allowed for by the paper guides.
• Close the printer cabin door.
• Adjust the paper feed by simultaneously pressing the shift and feed keys and check that the label stock flows freely from the supply carton.

Cleaning Procedures

The following cleaning procedures are suggested for Direct Thermal label printers. Refer to your printer guide book or contact your printer manufacturer for details on cleaning your printer.

Important: Do not use any metal or other hard objects such as knives or screwdrivers when cleaning the printhead or rollers. The printhead is sensitive and, if scratched, will generally need to be replaced.

Turn the printer off.

• Lift printhead and remove the label stock.
• Dampen a piece of clean cloth or blotting paper with isopropanol alcohol.
• Place the cloth against the print roller and rotate the print roller. (When the machine is turned off the roller is easy to rotate.)
• Clean the roller surface that comes in contact with the labels.
• Dampen another clean cloth with the cleaning fluid and wipe the area where the printhead and roller come in contact.
• Wait approximately one minute to allow any excess fluid to evaporate.
• Reload the labels.
• Press the printer feed button to verify that the printer is back in working order.