How do I correctly load the label stock to avoid feeding and printed image alignment offset problems? (LX Series)
Incorrect loading of the label stock is the number one reason for horizontally or vertically offset images and a variety of other feeding problems. Below is a top view of the printer with the cover open. There are several main areas to watch for when loading label stock. See the graphic below for a brief overview.
1. Fixed Throat Guide. Make sure the label liner/backing is tight up against the left edge of the fixed throat guide. The throat guide causes the stock to feed straight so make sure the liner is touching this guide. If it is not touching it is possible for the label to "walk" back and forth between the throat guides.
2. Moveable Throat Guide. Make sure the Moveable Throat Guide is approximately 1mm from the label stock. The guide should not touch or pinch the label stock! You'll notice a rough liner edging on the right side of the stock if the label stock is pinched between the throat guides.
3. Roll tight against Printer. The left side of the roll should be tight up against the left side of the printer. If this is not tight, it will not matter if the label is correctly fed in between the throat guides. The stock will be twisted as it comes off the roll causing feed problems.
4. Roll Guide. The Roll Guide should be flipped up and moved to the edge of the right side of the roll. It should not touch the roll. Some rolls may not be evenly rolled from the outer edge to the inner core. There may be some labels protruding near the core. Because of this, it may be possible for the bottom of the roll to be touching the roll guide while the top is not. This can pinch the roll causing feed and offset problems. Make sure that no part of the roll guide is interfering with the label stock.
5. Slack Loop. The purpose of the roll arm that holds the label stock roll is to maintain a slack loop beneath the roll. This ensures that the printer is pulling on loose/slack labels instead of pulling labels directly from the roll. The printer does not have enough grip strength to pull directly from the roll. This slack loop is normally created automatically. If you are having problems, confirm that the slack loop is present.
6. Leading-edge parallel to pinch rollers. After you have loaded label stock you should verify that the leading edge of the label stock is parallel to the pinch rollers. The pinch rollers press the label stock against the grit roller beneath. As the grit roller turns, it will move the label stock forward.
Top View of the LX printer with the cover open.
The loading process is similar for each printer. Below are videos for the LX2000 and LX900.
Related Articles
Top of Form (Vertical) Alignment: Gap Sensing Error. Label stock is not loading. Label alignment is printing vertically offset. There is a white line/gap at the top or bottom of my label. The image is printing too far down the label or too early (LX Series).
If labels are printing horizontally offset, try the solutions in this article: Labels are printing horizontally offset (left to right). The image is printing too far to the left or right. The LX series printer decides where to start printing by ...Labels are printing horizontally offset (left to right) on an LX Series printer. The image alignment is printing too far to the left or right. There is white space on the right or left side of my label.
If your labels are printing consistently offset in one direction or if the offset gradually changes from one label to the next, this article applies to you. For sudden changes in the horizontal offset, follow this article. 1. Label Loaded ...My LX610 or LX600 is skipping, slipping, printing over on the same spot or printing out of alignment left to right. Feed Stall. (LX610-LX600)
There are several reasons for skipping labels or a feed stall error on the LX-Series printers. A full article explaining all of the possibilities can be found here. See below for the LX600/LX610 specific reasons. Blue Guide Diameter is too large. ...Primera's new Smart Part format for Custom Label Stock Explained
You can now see important information about your label stock embedded within the part number printed on a label inside the core. Read below for instructions on how to decipher this smart part number. SMART PART: The format is: PRI (for Primera) – ...Essential Guide to Aligning Full Bleed Prints on an LX Series Label Printer
Essential Guide to Aligning Full Bleed Prints on an LX Series Label Printer 1. Load the label stock correctly. If this is not done correctly nothing else matters! - See KB Article Tip! Tear off the first label from the liner each time you load it ...