FAQ’s
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
You can quickly access printing history via a number of areas. The most appropriate area depends on the information required.
To view a user’s printing history select the Job Log under the user’s details page.
To view recent print jobs printed on a printer, select Job Log under the appropriate printer’s details page.
To view all print jobs printed on the network with advanced search and filtering options, use the global Print Log on the Logs tab.
On Windows systems, new printers are added to the system automatically once the printer is added to a monitored server. On a Mac or Linux system, after PaperCut NG/MF is enabled on the printer, it is displayed in the Admin web interface after the first print. New printers are assigned initial settings based on the configuration assigned to the Template Printer.
Inkjet printers create a print image by targeted shooting or deflection of small ink droplets through the air between printhead and print surface. Inkjet technology is also sometimes used in (inkjet) label printers.
Various technologies based on significantly different functionalities are used in inkjet printing. Drop-on-Demand printers are used mainly in industrial applications.
Drop-on-Demand (DOD):
Drop-On-Demand printers carry the ink in a chamber in the printhead. Over- and under-pressure waves are generated here and only ink droplets that are actually needed will be ejected through the nozzle. Industry implements this method using two different processes:
Click the Printers tab.
The Printer List page is displayed.
Select a printer.
The Printer Details page is displayed showing the Summary tab contents.
In the Configuration area, in the Enable/Disable list, select one of the disable options.
- Contactless marking: Since only the ink droplets make contact with the surface, uneven, moving and sensitive products or packaging may also be reliably marked.
- Changing print text without retrofitting: As opposed to offset or gravure printing, inkjet printers have no fixed printing plate. Variable text, codes, sequential numbers and graphics may therefore be printed at the conveyor without interruption. Information such as time, date or lot number will simply be transferred from a database.
- Fast printing speed: Depending on the technology, products moving at speeds up to 5 meters per second may be printed on. We have already printed up to 300 changing character sequences per second!
- Many options for application: A wide range of different types of ink and special accessories qualify our inkjet printers for virtually all applications in industry and on almost all materials.
- Low cost printing: Inkjet printing may be a cost-effective alternative to labeling – for instance to mark cartons for internal logistics.
Various inkjet systems may be considered, depending on application. The following criteria may need to be evaluated in your selection:
- Material of the surface to be marked: Surfaces may be classified into absorbent or porous substrates (e.g. carton, wood, paper) and non-absorbent or smooth substrates (plastic, metal, glass). The printer must use inks producing satisfactory results in terms of print image, application and drying time.
- Inkjet coding size: Inkjet printers are capable of producing various font heights and numbers of printed rows in a single operation, depending on the space available for printed text.
- Production speed: Standard or high-speed systems are available, depending on how many products or how much packaging (stationary or moving) must be marked per minute.
- Print volumes and operating time: Systems with large ink reservoirs reduce the frequency of cartridge exchange and the impact this will have on overall system efficiency. Printers are also available for non-stop production, enabling ink top-up without stopping operation.
- Mobility and space limitation: Will the printer be stationary or must it be easy to move? Where space is at a premium, particularly compact systems or systems with extended print head supply lines should be selected.
- Print head mounting position: Marking is basically possible from top, bottom or sides. The construction may, however, not allow all printing systems to perform equally well in all positions.
- Ambient conditions: Rough environments are often found in industry, subjecting inkjet printers to dust, moisture, vibration or strong temperature fluctuations. In addition to a robust design, inkjet printers may therefore require a specific IP protection class or special protection systems.
- Downtime: Extended idle periods may cause the ink to dry up or block the inkjet nozzle. Inkjet printers with automatic nozzle covers or automatic print head rinsing before a stop will avoid this. They will quickly be ready to print again after extended idle times.
Laser printers as we have come to know them at home or in the office cannot be compared to industrial inkjet printers. They are suited for occasional printing on paper and foils. They operate based on electrophotography or xerography, where a statically charged drum is discharged by guided light beams.
The Notes field under each printer is useful for tracking all manner of information. Typical uses include:
Tracking configuration changes
Recording maintenance and/or toner replacements
Documenting problems
Leaving notes/comments to assist other administrators.