Postek MX Series User manual
FCC Notice
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two
conditions: (1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
This equipment may generate, use and/or radiate radio frequency energy. If not installed and used in
full accordance with this User’s Manual, interference to radio communications may occur. This
equipment complies with the limits for a Class A Information Technology Equipment pursuant to Part
15 of the FCC Rules, which are designed to provide reasonable protection against such interference
when operated in a commercial environment. Operation of this equipment in a residential area may
also cause interference. In such case the user, at his/her expense, will be required to correct the
interference using whatever means necessary.
Trademarks
POSTEK is a registered trademark by POSTEK Electronics Co., Ltd.
ARM is a registered trademark of Advanced RISC Machines Ltd.
Microsoft, Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Copyright
© 2023 by Postek Electronics Co., Ltd. All rights reserved. Under the copyright laws, this manual
cannot be reproduced in any form without the prior written permission of POSTEK. No patent
liability is assumed, with respect to the use of the information contained herein.
Disclaimer
POSTEK barcode/RFID printers are developed and produced by Postek Electronics Co., Ltd
(hereinafter “POSTEK”) with the adoption of direct thermal/thermal transfer printing and RFID
encoding techniques. For thermal transfer printing, matching ribbons and media are required.
Meanwhile, the wide variety of RFID chip and antenna designs makes it difficult to guarantee RFID
tags 100% compatibility with POSTEK printers. To satisfy your printing needs, please consult with
the reseller(s) to choose the matching consumables for POSTEK printers.
This manual has been validated and reviewed for accuracy. The instructions and descriptions it
contains are accurate for the POSTEK printer at the time of this manual’s distribution. However,
succeeding printers and manuals are subject to change without notice. POSTEK assumes no liability
for damages incurred directly or indirectly from errors, omissions or discrepancies between the
printer and this manual.
To protect your interests, and to prevent loss due to improper handling, please read the corresponding
user’s manual before operation, and don't use the printer during abnormal conditions. In no event
shall POSTEK be liable for any damage or loss caused by human misoperations, including but not
limited to loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business information, or other
pecuniary loss.
Although this manual describes and details many issues which could possibly occur, the manufacturer
cannot warrant against unpredictable conditions during the printer’s application. For problems such
as the printer not working, missed or unclear print content, etc., POSTEK and/or its resellers are
responsible for troubleshooting (according to POSTEK Warranty Clauses) only. In no event shall
POSTEK or the resellers involved be liable for any direct or indirect loss, including but not limited to
loss of business profits, business interruption, loss of business information, or other pecuniary loss.
Important Safety Instructions
•Only qualified and trained service technicians should attempt to repair the printer.
•Do not place the printer on or near a heat source.
•Be sure that your power source matches the rating listed on the regulatory label on the back of the
printer. Be certain your power source is grounded.
•To avoid getting an electric shock, do not use a worn or damaged power cord. If the power cord
becomes damaged or frayed, replace it immediately.
•Do not insert anything into the ventilation slots or openings on the printer.
•The printer should never be operated in a location where it can get wet. Personal injury may
result.
•The printhead becomes hot while printing. To protect from damaging the printhead and risk of
personal injury, avoid touching the printhead.
•To get increased printhead longevity and higher quality printouts, always use approved labels,
tags and thermal transfer ribbons. Approved supplies can be ordered from your POSTEK
authorized reseller.
•Static electricity that accumulates on the surface of the human body or other surfaces can damage
or destroy the printhead or electronic components in this device. DO NOT touch the printhead or
the electronic components with bare hands.
•Place the printer on a flat, firm, solid surface.
•Never operate in a high-temperature environment.
•Turn off the power when not in use for extended periods.
•Follow all recommendations and setup instructions included in this manual.
MX Series Industrial Print Engine User’s Manual Contents
i
Contents
Preface .......................................................................................................................... 1
Important Notes........................................................................................................... 2
Chapter 1: Introduction.............................................................................................. 4
1.1 Specifications .........................................................................................................................4
1.2 Contents in the Box................................................................................................................6
Chapter 2: Setup and Use ........................................................................................... 7
2.1 Main Parts and Structures ......................................................................................................7
2.1.1 Front View.....................................................................................................................7
2.1.2 Interior View .................................................................................................................9
2.1.3 Rear View.................................................................................................................... 11
2.1.4 Consumables Loading Path.........................................................................................13
2.2 Setting up the Printer ...........................................................................................................17
2.2.1 Interface Connection ...................................................................................................17
2.2.2 Connecting to a Power Source....................................................................................17
2.2.3 Loading the Ribbon.....................................................................................................19
2.2.4 Loading the Media ......................................................................................................22
2.3 Installing the Printer Driver .................................................................................................32
2.3.1 USB Port Installation ..................................................................................................32
2.3.2 Network Port Installation............................................................................................36
2.4 Installing Label Editing Software ........................................................................................42
Chapter 3: Operations and Settings ........................................................................ 43
3.1 The Front Panel....................................................................................................................43
3.1.1 Panel Buttons ..............................................................................................................44
3.1.2 Status Indicator ...........................................................................................................44
3.1.3 LCD Touchscreen........................................................................................................45
3.2 Settings.................................................................................................................................46
3.2.1 General Settings ..........................................................................................................46
3.2.2 Communication...........................................................................................................55
3.2.3 RFID ...........................................................................................................................59
3.2.4 Management................................................................................................................63
3.2.5 Advanced.....................................................................................................................65
3.3 Mechanical Adjustments......................................................................................................84
3.3.1 Adjusting the Media Sensor ........................................................................................84
3.3.2 Adjusting the Printhead Pressure ................................................................................86
3.3.3 Adjusting the Ribbon Tension.....................................................................................88
Chapter 4: Maintenance ........................................................................................... 89
4.1 Cleaning the Printhead.........................................................................................................89
4.2 Cleaning the Platen Roller ...................................................................................................89
4.3 Cleaning the Printer Interior ................................................................................................89
4.4 Cleaning the Sensors............................................................................................................90
Chapter 5: Troubleshooting...................................................................................... 91
5.1 Error Messages.....................................................................................................................91
5.2 Miscellaneous Issues............................................................................................................99
MX Series Industrial Print Engine User’s Manual Preface
1
Preface
This manual explains how to set up and begin using your printer. It also provides detailed information
on configuring your printer, basic operations, care, and troubleshooting.
Please read this manual carefully before using the POSTEK printer.
Symbol Conventions
The symbols that may be found in this document are defined as follows.
Symbol
Description
Alerts you to a medium or low risk hazard that could, if not avoided, result
in moderate or minor injury.
Alerts you to a potentially hazardous situation that could, if not avoided,
result in equipment damage, data loss, performance deterioration, or
unanticipated results.
Provides additional information to emphasize or supplement important
points in the main text.
Version
Version 1.0, published in January, 2023.
MX Series Industrial Print Engine User’s Manual Important Notes
2
Important Notes
Please read the following passages thoroughly before proceeding.
Printhead
The thermal printhead can be easily damaged due to its precision construction. A printhead damaged
by misuse is not covered under the terms of the warranty. To ensure longevity of the printhead, please
note the following:
•DO NOT scrape or use tools that might damage the printhead surface.
•To protect from corroding the printhead, DO NOT touch the printhead with bare hands.
•DO NOT use thermal paper or thermal transfer ribbons which contain Na, K or Cl elements.
•Keep the printhead from any form of liquid or dampness.
•Only use a cotton swab dipped in anhydrous isopropyl alcohol to clean the printhead.
•Always use high-quality consumables:
When the printhead module is closed, pressure is placed directly onto the printhead; dirt such
as paper scraps, sand, dust and glue can scrape or damage the printhead.
The printhead is also easily damaged by static electricity, which may be generated by poor
quality ribbons.
•Always inspect consumables for high quality before purchasing.
The printer functions under Direct Thermal or Thermal Transfer print modes. Thermal Transfer
is set as the factory default (requires ribbon for printing). However, if you need to print on Direct
Thermal materials (ribbon is not required), please contact your printer supplier or service provider
to reduce the printhead pressure. This can protect your printhead from early performance
deterioration due to direct contact with the thermal media. Any physical printhead damage caused
by direct thermal printing is not covered under warranty.
MX Series Industrial Print Engine User’s Manual Important Notes
3
Cutter (Optional)
The printer equipped with a cutter can automatically cut the label after printing. However, automatic
cutters pose a safety hazard since the blades are very sharp. To prevent injuries and cutter failures
while using one of the many types of automatic cutters, please follow the safety and maintenance
rules listed below:
•Before using the cutter, be sure you have been trained by a qualified individual. A written
procedure covering the cutter's use is recommended.
•It is very important to choose the right cutter model for the application to ensure personal safety
and prevent damage to the cutter caused by cutting wrong types of media.
•Keep loose items such as long hair, clothing, jewelry, away from the cutter.
•Don't put anything except print media inside the cutter.
•Turn off power of printer if you notice abnormality with the cutting process and alert a qualified
technician to resolve the issue.
•Never cut a print media which exceeds the maximum operating conditions of the cutter.
•Not every cutter model is designed to be able to cut through adhesive. Use only the dedicated
cutters to cut through adhesive materials. Even so, regular cleaning is required to remove the
adhesive built up on the blades over time to prevent cutter jam.
•Routine inspection and maintenance are required to be performed by a qualified technician to
keep the cutter in good working conditions.
MX Series Industrial Print Engine User’s Manual Chapter 1: Introduction
4
Chapter 1: Introduction
1.1 Specifications
Model
MX2/MX2 Pro
MX3/MX3 Pro
MX6/MX6 Pro
Model with RFID
MX2r/MX2r Pro
MX3r/MX3r Pro
MX6r/MX6r Pro
Printing Mode Direct Thermal Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfer
Max Print Speed 18 ips (457.2 mm/s) 14 ips (355.6 mm/s) 6 ips (152.4 mm/s)
Max Media Width 4.72″ (120 mm)
Max Print Width 4.09″ (104 mm) 4.16″ (105.7 mm) 4.16″ (105.6 mm)
Max Print Length 196″ (5000 mm)
MPU 64-bit, quad Arm® Cortex®-A53 core, maximum operating frequency 1.8
GHz
GPU GC NanoUltra 3D (1 shader) &GC320 2D OpenGL ES 2.0
Memory 2GB DDR4 RAM, 8GB managed NAND flash
HEATTM Level①I
RFID Encoder
Supports UHF EPC Gen 2, ISO 18000-6C protocols
(Only available for RFID models)
Media Roll
Maximum Media Width: 4.72″ (120 mm)
Minimum Media Width: 0.39″ (10 mm)
Maximum Outer Diameter: 12″ (304.8 mm)
Inner Diameter: 1.5″(38mm) / 3″(76.2mm)
(Only the Pro models are equipped with media supply mechanism)
Liner Rewind Maximum Outer Diameter: 7.87″ (200 mm)
(Only the Pro models are equipped with liner rewinder)
Minimum Label
Length
Tear-off: 0.2″ (5 mm)
Peel-off: 0.47″ (12 mm)
Media Thickness
Regular Barcode Label Printer and Regular RFID Label Printer: 0.0024″ ~
0.012″ (0.06 ~ 0.305 mm), including liner
Mount-on-Metal RFID Label Printer
②
: 0.063″ (1.6 mm) max., including
liner
Ribbon N/A
Maximum Ribbon Length: 1968' (600 m)
Maximum Outer Diameter: 3.38″ (86 mm)
Inner Diameter: 1″ (25.4 mm)
Ink side: both In and Out
N/A Width: 0.79″ to 4.33″ (20 mm to 110 mm)
Media Sensor
Upper reflective: detects black marks on print side
Lower reflective: detects black marks on back side
Transmissive: detects gaps, notches, holes
MX Series Industrial Print Engine User’s Manual Chapter 1: Introduction
5
Model
MX2/MX2 Pro
MX3/MX3 Pro
MX6/MX6 Pro
Model with RFID
MX2r/MX2r Pro
MX3r/MX3r Pro
MX6r/MX6r Pro
Fonts
Five built-in dot matrix fonts, which include Basic Latin and Latin-1
Supplement character sets.
Two built-in scalable fonts. One supports Latin, Greek and Cyrillic scripts,
and the other is a GB2312 Chinese character set specifically.
User downloadable TrueType fonts.
Barcode Types
1D Barcode
s: Code 39, Code 93, Code 128/subset A,B,C, Codabar,
Interleave 2 of 5, UPC A/E 2 and 5 add-on, EAN-13/8/128, UCC-128,
GS1-128, etc.
2D Barcodes: MaxiCode, PDF417, Data Matrix, QR Code, GS1
DataMatrix, GS1 QR Code, CS Code, etc.
Interfaces
RS-232 Serial, 10/100/1000Mbps Ethernet, USB DEVICE 2.0, USB HOST,
General I/O Signal Interface, Logic Control I/O Signal Wiring Terminal
Block
LCD Display 4.5″ LCD Capacitive Touchscreen
Power Source 100 ~ 240 V AC, 50/60 Hz
Weight
MX2 & MX2r:
26.46 lbs (12 kgs)
MX2 Pro & MX2r Pro:
36.38 lbs (16.5 kgs)
MX3 & MX3r:
29.76 lbs (13.5 kgs)
MX3 Pro & MX3r Pro:
39.68 lbs (18 kgs)
MX6 & MX6r:
30.86 lbs (14 kgs)
MX6 Pro & MX6r Pro:
40.79 lbs (18.5 kgs)
Dimensions
MX & MXr: W 9.6″ (245 mm) x D 16.0″ (405.8 mm) x H 12.1″ (306.7 mm)
MX Pro & MXr Pro: W 20.3″ (515 mm) x D 16.0″ (405.8 mm) x H 14.4″
(366 mm)
Operating
Environment
Temperature: 32°F ~ +104°F (0°C ~ 40°C)
Relative humidity: 5% ~90% non condensing
Maximum Altitude: 5000 m
Storage Environment
Temperature: -40°F ~ +140°F (-40°C ~ 60°C)
Relative humidity: 5% ~90% non condensing
①:HEATTM, or Heating Equilibrium Adaptive Tuning, is a POSTEK designed and developed
cutting-edge technology that sets the benchmark for heat management in thermal printing. Printers
equipped with HEATTM have significant improvements in their printout clarity and print speed. The
HEATTM level represents the fineness of the heating uniformity with level I being the finest.
②
:For Mount-on-Metal RFID tags, the flexibility of the tag and whether or not to use fillings to
bridge the gaps between tags can affect print quality and even encoding success rate. It is strongly
recommended to test the tags on this POSTEK printer before purchasing.
MX Series Industrial Print Engine User’s Manual Chapter 1: Introduction
6
Optional Features
RFID Verifier*
External-mount module (Only available for RFID models)
Visual Verifier*
There are three software packages listed below for the visual verifier, and
users can choose one from them based on needs and budget:
1. Verifies 1D & 2D barcode data.
2. Verifies 1D & 2D barcode data and evaluates printed barcode
symbologies.
3. Verifies 1D & 2D barcode data, evaluates printed barcode symbologies,
and inspects print defects.
(An internal or external rewinder is required to keep the media flat without
bending or buckling when passing through the visual scanning area.)
Ribbon Saving Kit*
Including the following items:
1. The ribbon take-up clutch.
2. The automatic printhead open/close module.
3. The media tension mechanism for a MX Pro model printer.
(For standard models, the media supply system must take measures to
prevent the media from being loose while backfeeding.)
Wireless Module* WIFI IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax, 2.4/5GHz, Bluetooth 5.0
*Factory dependent.
1.2 Contents in the Box
Inspect the shipping carton(s) for possible shipping damage, if damage is discovered, notify the
shipping company to report the nature and extent of the damage.
Please check the items according to the Quick Start Guide. If there are any items missing, notify your
authorized reseller.
MX Series Industrial Print Engine User’s Manual Chapter 2: Setup and Use
7
Chapter 2: Setup and Use
2.1 Main Parts and Structures
The MX series comprises two types of printer models, the Standard MX and the MX Pro. In addition
to the features of the Standard MX model, the MX Pro model offers a much larger main frame that
incorporates the media supply and liner rewinding mechanism.
2.1.1 Front View
Figure 2-1 shows the front view of the Standard MX.
Figure 2-1 Front View (Standard MX)
Table 2-1 Front View Description
Number
Description
1
Power Switch
2
LCD Touchscreen
3
Observation Window Pane
4
[FEED/Calibration] Button
5
[PAUSE/Self Test] Button
6
[CANCEL/Reset] Button
7
Status Indicator
MX Series Industrial Print Engine User’s Manual Chapter 2: Setup and Use
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Figure 2-2 shows the front view of the MX Pro.
Figure 2-2 Front View (MX Pro)
Table 2-2 Front View Description
Number
Description
1
Media Spindle
2
Stop Plate_Media Spindle
3
Power Switch
4
Stop Plate_Rewind Spindle
5
LCD Touchscreen
6
Rewind Spindle
7
[FEED/Calibration] Button
8
[PAUSE/Self Test] Button
9
Liner Guide Rod
10
Status Indicator
11
[CANCEL/Reset] Button
12
Observation Window Pane
MX Series Industrial Print Engine User’s Manual Chapter 2: Setup and Use
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2.1.2 Interior View
Figure 2-3 shows the interior view of the Standard MX.
Figure 2-3 Interior View (Standard MX)
Table 2-3 Interior View Description
Number
Description
1
Stop Plate_Ribbon Supply Spindle
2
Stop Plate_Ribbon Take-up Spindle
3
Ribbon Supply Spindle
4
Ribbon Take-up Spindle
5
Dancer Assembly
6
Media Sensor Assembly
7
Media Guide
8
Hook Handle
9
Ribbon Guide Rod
10
Printhead Handle
11
Printhead Assembly
12
Pressure Bar
13
Pinch Roller Assembly
MX Series Industrial Print Engine User’s Manual Chapter 2: Setup and Use
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Figure 2-4 shows the interior view of the MX Pro.
Figure 2-4 Interior View (MX Pro)
Table 2-4 Interior View Description
Number
Description
1
Stop Plate_Ribbon Supply Spindle
2
Stop Plate_Ribbon Take-up Spindle
3
Ribbon Supply Spindle
4
Ribbon Take-up Spindle
5
Dancer Assembly
6
Media Sensor Assembly
7
Media Roll Guide
8
Hook Handle
9
Ribbon Guide Rod
10
Printhead Handle
11
Printhead Assembly
12
Pressure Bar
13
Pinch Roller Assembly
MX Series Industrial Print Engine User’s Manual Chapter 2: Setup and Use
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2.1.3 Rear View
The printer is equipped with multiple interfaces. Figure 2-5 shows the rear view of the Standard MX.
Figure 2-5 Rear View (Standard MX)
Table 2-5 Rear View Description
Number
Description
1
Ethernet Port
2
USB Host
3
USB Device
4
RS-232 Serial Port
5
Logic Control I/O Signal Wiring Terminal Block
6
General I/O Signal Interface
7
AC Port
MX Series Industrial Print Engine User’s Manual Chapter 2: Setup and Use
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Figure 2-6 shows the rear view of the MX Pro.
Figure 2-6 Rear View (MX Pro)
Table 2-6 Rear View Description
Number
Description
1
RS-232 Serial Port
2
USB Host
3
USB Device
4
Ethernet Port
5
Logic Control I/O Signal Wiring Terminal Block
6
General I/O Signal Interface
7
AC Port
MX Series Industrial Print Engine User’s Manual Chapter 2: Setup and Use
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2.1.4 Consumables Loading Path
Figure 2-7 shows the consumables’ loading paths in Tear-off mode of the Standard MX.
Figure 2-7 Loading Paths in Tear-off Mode (Standard MX)
Table 2-7 Loading Path Description
Number
Description
1
Ribbon Path (Ribbon-ink side: out)
2
Ribbon Path (Ribbon-ink side: in)
3
Ribbon Guide Rod (Ribbon Supply)
4
Dancer Assembly
5
Media Path
6
Media Sensor Assembly
7
Tear-off Bar
8
Printhead Assembly
9
Ribbon Guide Rod (Ribbon Take-up)
MX Series Industrial Print Engine User’s Manual Chapter 2: Setup and Use
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Figure 2-8 shows the consumables’ loading paths in Tear-off mode of the MX Pro.
Figure 2-8 Loading Paths in Tear-off Mode (MX Pro)
Table 2-8 Loading Path Description
Number
Description
1
Media Path
2
Dancer Assembly
3
Ribbon Path (Ribbon-ink side: out)
4
Ribbon Path (Ribbon-ink side: in)
5
Media Sensor Assembly
6
Ribbon Guide Rod (Ribbon Supply)
7
Tear-off Bar
8
Printhead Assembly
9
Ribbon Guide Rod (Ribbon Take-up)
MX Series Industrial Print Engine User’s Manual Chapter 2: Setup and Use
15
Figure 2-9 shows the consumables’ loading paths in Peeler Mode of the Standard MX.
Figure 2-9 Loading Paths in Peeler Mode (Standard MX)
Table 2-9 Loading Path Description
Number
Description
1
Ribbon Path (Ribbon-ink side: out)
2
Ribbon Path (Ribbon-ink side: in)
3
Ribbon Guide Rod (Ribbon Supply)
4
Dancer Assembly
5
Media Path
6
Media Sensor Assembly
7
Liner Path
8
Peeling Roller
9
Pinch Roller Assembly
10
Peel-off Bar
11
Printhead Assembly
12
Ribbon Guide Rod (Ribbon Take-up)
This manual suits for next models
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Table of contents
