BIXOLON SMP6350 User manual

User’s Manual
SMP6350
Thermal Printer Mechanism
Rev. 2.03
http://www.bixolon.com

Rev. 2.03
- 2 -
SMP6350
REVISION SHEET
Revisions
Design section
Revision
REV.
Date
WRT
CHK
APL
Page
Description
1.00 27.06.17 K.H.JEON K.H.JEON J.S.LEE
2.00 14.09.17 K.H.JEON J.S.LEE J.G.KIM 16~29 Modified TPH and
STEPMOTOR spec.
2.01
20.09.17
K.H.JEON
J.S.LEE
J.G.KIM
17~23
Modified TPH spec.
2.02 30.11.17 K.H.JEON J.S.LEE J.G.KIM
42~42
46,52,
59~60
Modified Out View
2.03 15.05.20 J.S.LEE J.S.LEE J.G.KIM
3~4
6
Modified Contents &
Spec revision

Rev. 2.03
- 3 -
SMP6350
■
Table of Contents
1. Specifications.............................................................................................................14
2. Connector pin arrangement......................................................................................16
2-1 Main FPC cable (50Pin)..........................................................................................16
2-2 SUB FPC cable (8Pin)............................................................................................17
3. Thermal Printer Head.................................................................................................18
3-1 Specification ...........................................................................................................18
3-2 Block Diagram of the Head.....................................................................................18
3-3 Printing position of transferred data........................................................................19
3-4 Dimensions of thermal device.................................................................................20
3-5 Electrical Characteristics of the Thermal Head.......................................................21
3-6 Thermal Head Drive Timing Diagram......................................................................22
3-7 Maximum Condition (Ambient temperature of the printer head: 25℃)....................22
3-8 Standard conditions (head supply voltage and temperature)..................................22
3-9 Pulse Width Control of the Head.............................................................................23
3-9-1 Head Voltage and the pulse width when temperature changes........................23
3-9-2 Thermistor specifications..................................................................................24
3-9-3 Detection of abnormal temperature of thermal head........................................25
4. Step Motor (Paper Feed) ...........................................................................................26
4-1 Specifications..........................................................................................................26
4-2 Example drive circuits.............................................................................................26
4-3 Drive sequence (Motor rotates in counterclockwise direction)................................27
4-4 Drive FrequencyAcceleration (Acceleration Control) .............................................27
5. Sensor.........................................................................................................................29
5-1 Paper Detection Sensor and Black Mark Detection Sensor....................................29
5-1-1 Absolute maximum rating.................................................................................29
5-1-2 Electrical Characteristics ..................................................................................29
5-1-3 Paper Detection Sensor Sample External Circuits ...........................................30
5-2 Platen Roller Block Detection Switch......................................................................31
5-3 Auto Cutter..............................................................................................................32
5-4 Step Motor (Auto Cutter).........................................................................................34
5-4-1 Auto Cutter Drive Circuits .................................................................................34
5-4-2 Auto Cutter Sensor(Home Sensor)...................................................................35
5-4-3 Auto Cutter Flow Chart.....................................................................................37
5-4-4 Acceleration Step..............................................................................................38
6. Case Design...............................................................................................................39
6-1 Mounting Position...................................................................................................39
6-1-1 Method of mounting the printer mechanism .....................................................39
6-1-2 Recommended Screws ....................................................................................42
6-1-3 Precautions during mounting the printer body..................................................42
6-2 Possible MountingAngle of the Printer Mechanism................................................42
6-3 Installation of Platen Roller Block ...........................................................................43
6-3-1 Pivot center area of platen roller block .............................................................43
6-3-2 Parallel design of the platen roller block...........................................................44

Rev. 2.03
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SMP6350
6-3-3 Mounting platen roller block..............................................................................44
6-3-4 Precautions during mounting platen roller block...............................................46
7. Recommended Placement of Thermal Paper..........................................................47
8. Designing Platen Roller Block Removal Lever .......................................................48
9. Designing Thermal Paper Feed Holder....................................................................49
10. Designing the device to release the jamming of moving blade...........................50
11. Thermal Paper Exit Design......................................................................................51
12. Precautions for Outer Case Design........................................................................52
13. Frame Ground..........................................................................................................53
14. Printer Mechanism Handling Method.....................................................................54
14-1 Installation of thermal paper..................................................................................54
14-2 Removing thermal paper.......................................................................................54
14-3 Procedure to clear thermal paper jam...................................................................54
14-4 Procedure to clear cutter jam................................................................................54
14-5 Precautions when installing/removing thermal paper............................................55
14-6 Cleaning thermal head..........................................................................................55
15. Appearance and Dimensions..................................................................................56
※
Product Approval Sheet...........................................................................................59

Rev. 2.03
- 5 -
SMP6350
※ Definition of Terms
The terms below help users to understand manual contents easy and fast who refer to
the manual. Some terms may contain technical terminology of printers.
a) Printer mechanism (Mecha)
Machanism means SMP6350 which is simply referred to as Mecca in this manual.
b) Paper
A roll paper that is used to print and is discolored in response to heat.
c) Thermal head
Head is marked as a core part that applies heat to paper for printing.
d) Paper Feeding
It means ejecting paper after printing.
e) Paper Jam
it means paper-feed fail during printing
f) Platen roller block
It means assembly block containing a roller for paper feed. And it is marked as a roller
block.
g) Auto cutters
It means a cutter that cuts paper after printing.
h) Movable cutter and fixed cutter
The fixed cutter blade of auto cutter is called a fixed cutter and a moving cutter blade is
called a movable cutter.
i) Feed Motor
This means a motor that is operated during paper feed.

Rev. 2.03
- 6 -
SMP6350
※
Precautions
Please read carefully and fully understand this user’s manual when you design printers or
terminals using the printer mechanism (SMP 6350).
BIXOLON is not responsible for any damage or loss occurred due to your company’s
configuration parts or usage not included in this user’s manual or improper handling of
the printer mechanism.
The printer mechanism is designed and manufactured for the purpose of installation to
general purpose electronic equipment. Contact sales department of BIXOLON if it is to be
used for products with higher responsibilities involved with injury to body or life and
property loss as additional design or performance verification will be necessary.
The sample circuits included in this document were not verified for intellectual properties.
You must check the intellectual properties related to these circuits sufficiently before
using them.
BIXOLON makes continuous improvements for better functions and quality of the product.
The specifications of the product and contents of this manual are subject to change
without prior notice due to this reason.
Check the latest user’s manual when you purchase the printer mechanism

Rev. 2.03
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SMP6350
※ Safety Precautions
Take care with the following items when designing products such as terminals using the
printer mechanism, and include precautions required for user’s manual so that users of
the products such as terminals can use the products safely.
a) Precautions when cutting thermal paper
Before cutting thermal paper, check whether thermal paper supply is in stop state.
Paper powder can be generated due to the operation of automatic cutter. As the paper
powder could cause problems with electric circuits, design the system so that paper
powder does not pile up over the control device or power supply device.
b) Precautions with cutter blade
Thermal paper can be easily installed by isolating the platen roller block from the printer
main body with this printer mechanism. The fixed cutter blade will be exposed if the
platen roller block is open. In order to prevent injury to users by touching the blade
while cutter is in operation or replacing the thermal paper, design the structure with a
cover on outer case or attach a warning label to warn the users for safe operation.
c) Precautions with portable blade drive
Set the control so the motor does not operate when platen roller block is open. And
design the paper exit so that users are not injured by touching the cutter while the
cutter is in operation.
d) Precautions for preventing overheating of thermal head
When the thermal device of thermal head remains activated continuously due to a
malfunction, the overheating of the thermal head may cause a fire. Design the system
so that the thermal head does not malfunction even under abnormal conditions.
e) Precautions of temperature rise of thermal head
The temperature of the thermal head and peripheral devices is very high during printing.
Design the system so that users do not get a burn injury by touching the thermal head.
Attach a warning label so that users use the product safely.
When cleaning the thermal head, recommend cleaning work after the thermal head has
cooled down. Leave enough space between the thermal head and outer case when
designing the outer case for faster cooling of the thermal head.
f) Precaution about temperature rise of the motor
The temperature of step motor and the peripheral device is very high during or right
after printing. Design the outer case so that users do not get a burn injury by touching
the motor. Attach a warning label so that users can use the product safely. Leave
enough space between the motor and outer case when designing the outer case for
cooling the motor.
g) Precautions on sharp edges of the printer mechanism
The printer mechanism has many sharp corners and rough surface on the metal parts.
Design the outer case so that users do not get injured by touching the sharp edges,
and attach a label for the safety of users.

Rev. 2.03
- 8 -
SMP6350
h) Precautions when driving the motor
Hair can be rolled into the platen roller and gears when they are closed.
Design the control so that the printer driver motor does not operate when the outer
case and platen roller block are open. Also, design the outer case so that external
objects do not contact the platen roller and gears, so preventing objects from jamming.
Attach a warning label so that users can use the device safely.

Rev. 2.03
- 9 -
SMP6350
※Design Precautions
Take precautions with the following items when designing products such as terminals
using the printer mechanism.
a) The sequence of applying power is as follows.
- Startup: Apply Logic Power (VDD) and then apply Head supply voltage (VH)
- Shutdown: Cut off Head supply voltage (VH) and cut off Logic Power (VDD)
b) The head power (VH) must have a TVS diode less than 28V.
c) To prevent noise from the Logic power supply, put a 0.1µF Cap near the connector.
d) Design the pattern resistance (or wire resistance) between the power input and the
printer terminal to less than 50 mΩ. Also, design the power and signal so that they do
not interfere with each other.
e) Protect the thermal head from electrolytic corrosion by blocking the head supply
voltage (VH) while not printing. Also, design the product so that the GND signal of the
thermal head and the frame ground of the printer mechanism maintain the same
potential difference.
f) Use C-MOS IC for CLK,/LAT , DI,/STB signals of the thermal head.
g) Design the / Strobe signal to maintain a high level whenever the power is turned on or
off, or not printing.
h) If the head is activated when the roller block is open or out of paper, the life of the
head and roller may be reduced or damaged.
i) Do not drive the cutter when the roller is open or there is no paper. The life of the cutter
may be reduced.
j) Strobe on (T-on) time of the head is Max. Control within T-on.
Max. Longer Trobe-on time in T-on standard may damage the head.
k) If excessive energy is applied to the head, the head may be damaged or the life span
may be shortened due to overheating.

Rev. 2.03
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SMP6350
l) Noise and vibration during printing may differ depending on the pulse speed of the
motor. Check performance by actually using the device.
m) Paper feeding force may decrease depending on the pulse speed of the motor. Check
performance by actually using the device.
n) If the printer mechanical device is not used for a long time after cutting the thermal
paper, the paper may jam. In order to prevent this situation, feed the paper up or print
by more than 2 mm after cutting.
o) Do not feed the thermal paper backwards. If the thermal paper falls off from the
thermal head or platen roller, the printer mechanical device may not able to feed paper
anymore or it may be jammed.
p) Continuous printing may cause problems to the printer mechanism because of
accumulated heat in the step motor. Therefore, when there is a need to print for longer
than few minutes, stop the printing in the middle and restart printing after the step has
sufficiently cooled down. Check performance by actually using the device.
q) If the main body with the moving cutter blade and platen roller block with the fixed
cutter blade are not positioned correctly, it might cause printing defects, paper jam, or
cutting failure. Therefore special care must be taken to position the outer case correctly
when installing it.
r) Door pivot system in the outer case that holds platen roller block must be installed by
pressing the center of platen roller block. If only one end of the platen roller block is
pressed and installed, it might cause a problem such as printing defects, paper jam, cut
failure, or damage to the cutter blade. Check performance by actually using the device.
Mark the instruction to install platen roller block by pressing the center.
s) Provide sufficient space so that the lever can be removed easily with the fingers when
designing the outer case.
t) Chattering might occur at the mechanical operating contact in auto cutter switch.
Therefore, you must configure hardware chattering protection circuit or apply software
chattering compensation program.
u) Printing quality cannot be guaranteed if thermal paper other than specified paper is
used, and it may reduce the life of the thermal head.
v) The detection range of the paper detection sensor changes depending on the input
and output resistance value. Refer to the paper sensor detection sample external
circuits in 7-1-3. Check performance by actually using the device.
w) When initially turning on the power after product design or closing the platen roller
block after disassembly, make sure to move the paper feed motor forward by 4~8 steps.
Otherwise, the characters on the first line may overlap. Check performance by actually
using the device.
x) Do not allow current to be applied to the motor when the step motor is not operating. It
can cause the heating of the step motor.

Rev. 2.03
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SMP6350
※
Handling Precautions
Incorrect handling of the printer mechanism will reduce the efficiency and damage the
system. Precaution must be taken with the following.
* When paper other than specified thermal paper is used.
- Printing quality may drop due to low thermal sensitivity.
- The thermal head will be worn out quickly due to rough surface of the thermal paper.
- Printer might be jammed as the thermal layer of the thermal paper might stick to the
thermal head, which may generate noise as well.
- Maintainability of the thermal paper is lower so that color of the printed matter changes.
- Electrolytic corrosion may occur due to poor quality paper.
- Cutter may malfunction due to uneven thickness of thermal paper. (Uneven
mechanical strength and paper density.)
a) When the printer mechanism is left unused for long time
Printing quality may drop due to the deformation of platen roller block. In this case,
feed the thermal paper for a short period to correct the deformation of the roller. Paper
feeding may become difficult when the thermal head touches with the roller without
paper for long time. If this occurs, take out the platen roller and install the paper again
before using it.
b) Do not clean the coating of the cutter (moving cutter blade and fixed cutter blade) with
oil. The performance of the cutter may drop.
* Do not disassemble the platen roller block during printing or cutting. It might cause
damage to the mechanical devices of the printer.
c) The reduction gear may obstruct the installation the platen roller block. In this case,
separate the platen roller and install it again.
d) Never pull out the thermal paper while installing platen roller block. It might damage
the
mechanical device of the printer.
e) Do not apply force to the platen roller block during printing or cutting. It might degrade
the printing quality and paper cutting may not work.
f) Wear antistatic clothes while handling the printer mechanism, and touch the metal
pieces before starting work to discharge the static electricity built up on the body in
order to prevent damage to the thermal head by static electricity. Take extreme care
with the thermal device and connection terminal of the thermal head.
g) Do not scratch or tap the thermal head with a sharp or heavy object. It might damage
the thermal head.

Rev. 2.03
- 12 -
SMP6350
h) When printing at high speed in an environment of low temperature or high humidity,
water drops might form on the printer mechanism due to steam generated by the
thermal paper and the thermal paper might be damaged. Do not apply power until the
water drops are completely dried out.
i)After turning off the power to the printer mechanism, do not connect or separate the
printer mechanism connection terminal (printer connection terminal).
j) Do not apply force to FPC while connecting or separating the connection terminal
(printer connection terminal). FPC might be damaged.
k) Provide warning instructions so that users do not change the thermal paper exit angle
or pull out the thermal paper during printing or cutting. It might cause a problem such
as printing defects, paper jam, or cutting failure.
l) Provide warning instructions to users to carry out printing and cutting after removing the
completely cut thermal paper. If the printing or cutting continues without removing the
cut paper, it might cause a problem such as a paper jam or to the cutting paper
depending on the mounting position.
m) When replacing the thermal paper due to damage to the thermal paper or printing
defects, provide warning instructions to users not to touch the thermal head or sensor.
n) Do not use a paper roll with the glued or folded tip. When using this type of paper,
replace with new paper before the tip of the paper roll appears.
o) Never unscrew the screws holding the corresponding parts of the printer mechanism.
Unscrewing them may degrade the performance of the printer mechanism and the
cutter.
p) The printer mechanism is not waterproof and is susceptible to water drops. Do not let it
touch the water and do not operate with wet hands. It might damage the printer
mechanism or cause a fire.
q) The printer mechanism is susceptible to dust. Do not use the printer mechanism in a
dusty place. It might damage the thermal head or paper drive system.
r) Black carbon residues can accumulate on the surface of the thermal head or be
discharged with paper during long-term use depending on the paper quality and
operating conditions. Clean the head surface periodically.

Rev. 2.03
- 13 -
SMP6350
■
Characteristics of SMP6350 Printer Mechanism
This printer mechanism has the following characteristics.
* Integrated cutter
- Guillotine-type cutter is included.
* High speed printing
- Printing speed can be up to 250mm/s printing.
* High resolution printing
- Smooth and accurate printing using the high-density printing head of 8 dots/mm.
* Small and economic size
- Printing function and cutting function are combined into a small-sized system.
* No cutter jam
- Cutter jam does not occur due to paper jam or unclosed cover.
* One touch Jam Free
- It is possible to relieve paper jam by opening cover.
* High reliability auto cutter
- Cutting life of more than one million cuts is guaranteed.
* Easy mounting platen roller block
- The structure enables automatic mounting of the fixed cutter blade and the outer case
can be designed easily.
* Low noise
- Printing noise is low due to thermal printing type.

Rev. 2.03
- 14 -
SMP6350
1. Specifications
Printing type
Thermal Dot Line Printing
Dot Density
8 dots/mm
Number of dots per line
576dots
Printing width
72mm
Printing speed
Max. 250mm/s
Paper feed pitch
0.125mm
Paper width
80mm 0, -1 mm
Paper diameter
Max. 80mm
Head temperature
sensing
Via Thermistor
Paper sensing
Via Photo interrupter
Platen roller block
sensing
Via Photo interrupter
Operating voltage
TPH, Step Motor(VH line): 24VDC±10%
Logic(Vdd line): 3.3V or 5V
Power consumption
Head: Max. 17.7 A(at 576dots, 24VDC)
Motor auto cutter: Max. 0.6A/Phase
Motor paper feed: Max. 0.385A/Phase
Head Logic: Max. 55mA
Paper cutting type
Guillotine
Paper cutting method
Full cut and Partial cut
Cutter operating time
Max. 30 cuts/min.
Product life
(at 25oC and rated
energy)
Activation pulse resistance: 100million
Abrasion resistance : 100km
Auto cutter : 1,000,000 cuts
Impact resistance
Package: Bixolon standard package
Height: 75cm
Directions: 1 corner, 3edges and 6 surfaces
Recommended paper
A. TF50KS-E(Paper thickness : 65 µm) of Nippon paper Industries Co., Ltd
B. PD 160R(75 µm) of New Oji Paper Mfg, Co., Ltd.
C. P350(62 µm) of Kanzaki Specialty Paper, Inc.(USA)
D. Hansol Thermo 65(65 µm) of Hansol Paper Co., Ltd.(Korea)
Dimension (WxLxH)
100.8mm x 27.3(41.5)mm x 27.3mm
Weight
170g
Temperature range
Operating: 0°C to 45°C
Storage: -20°C to 60°C (no condensation)
Humidity range
Operating: 10 to 80% RH
Storage: 90% RH

Rev. 2.03
- 15 -
SMP6350
Operating conditions
For temperature
/ humidity
Printing quality is guaranteed
Printer can be operated

Rev. 2.03
- 16 -
SMP6350
2. Connector pin arrangement
2-1 Main FPC cable (50Pin)
PIN NO SIGNAL Description
1
P_FEED_AM
Feeding motor
2
P_FEED_BM
Feeding motor
3
P_FEED_AP
Feeding motor
4
P_FEED_BP
Feeding motor
5
GND
TPH Ground
6
GND
TPH Ground
7
GND
TPH Ground
8
COVER_IN
COVER Sensor Input
9
GND
COVER Sensor Ground
10
COVER_OUT
COVER Sensor Output
11
NC
No connection
12
VH
TPH Supply voltage
13
VH
TPH Supply voltage
14
VH
TPH Supply voltage
15
VH
TPH Supply voltage
16
NC
No connection
17
CLK
TPH Clock
18
nLAT
TPH Latch
19
nSTB2
TPH Strobe 2
20
nSTB1
TPH Strobe 1
21
NC
No connection
22
TH
TPH Thermistor
23
GND
TPH Ground
24
GND
TPH Ground
25
GND
TPH Ground
26
GND
TPH Ground
27
GND
TPH Ground
28
GND
TPH Ground
29
GND
TPH Ground
30
GND
TPH Ground
31
GND
TPH Ground
32
GND
TPH Ground
33
GND
TPH Ground
34
NC
No connection
35
VDD
TPH Logic voltage
36
VDD
TPH Logic voltage
37
NC
No connection
38
nSTB4
TPH Strobe 4
39
nSTB3
TPH Strobe 3
40
SI
TPH Data input
41
NC
No connection
42
VH
TPH Supply voltage
43
VH
TPH Supply voltage
44
VH
TPH Supply voltage
45
VH
TPH Supply voltage
46
VH
TPH Supply voltage
47
NC
No connection
48
PS_OUT
Paper End Sensor Output
49
GND
Paper End Sensor Ground
50
PS_IN
Paper End Sensor Input

Rev. 2.03
- 17 -
SMP6350
2-2 SUB FPC cable (8Pin)
PIN NO
SIGNAL
Description
1
CUT_IN
Cutter Home Sensor Input
2
CUT_OUT
Cutter Home Sensor Output
3
GND
Cutter Home Sensor Ground
4
GND
Cutter Home Sensor Ground
5
C_FEED_AM
Cutter Feeding motor
6
C_FEED_AP
Cutter Feeding motor
7
C_FEED_BP
Cutter Feeding motor
8
C_FEED_BM
Cutter Feeding motor
※User recommended connector
- Number of terminals
50 pin with 0.5mm pitch, 50 pin (MAIN FPC) / 8 pin (SUB FPC)
- Recommended connector
50 pin: KYOCERAELCO 04 6274 050 000 xxx
MOLEX: 501951-5019
8 pin: MOLEX 052559-0853
※Caution)
Using non-ZIF type connectors could cause shorting failures between the terminals due
to the peeling of FPC plated film. ZIF type connectors must be used.

Rev. 2.03
- 18 -
SMP6350
3. Thermal Printer Head
Thermal head is configured with a thermal device and thermal head drive that drives and
controls the thermal device. Data input from the DI terminal is “High” for printing and
“Low” for not printing. Data from DI terminals are transferred to the shift registers at the
rising edge of the CLK.
After transferring one line of data, the data is stored to the latch register by making the
/LAT signal “Low”. Depending on the stored printing data, the thermal device is activated
by making /STB signal “Low”.
3-1 Specification
Printing width
72mm
Total number of dots
576 dots
Dot density
8 dots/mm
Dot pitch
0.125mm
3-2 Block Diagram of the Head

Rev. 2.03
- 19 -
SMP6350
* Number of strobe dots by TPH manufacturer
AOI TPH
SHEC TPH
※Caution: Split control is not recommended because there may be variation in print
density.
3-3 Printing position of transferred data
Block No.
Strobe number
Heating element number
Dots / STB
1
/STROBE1
1 ~ 192
192
2
/STROBE2
193 ~ 320
128
3
/STROBE3
321 ~ 448
128
4
/STROBE4
449 ~ 576
128
Block No.
Strobe number
Heating element number
Dots / STB
1
/STROBE1
1 ~ 144
144
2
/STROBE2
145 ~ 288
144
3
/STROBE3
289 ~ 432
144
4
/STROBE4
433~ 576
144

Rev. 2.03
- 20 -
SMP6350
3-4 Dimensions of thermal device