Primera LX900e User manual

User's Manual
© 2013 All rights reserved
For the most recent version of this manual please visit
http://primeralabel.eu/europe/manuals.html
111113-511271

ii
Notices: The information in this document is subject to change without notice. NO WARRANTY OF ANY
KIND IS MADE WITH REGARD TO THIS MATERIAL, INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, THE IMPLIED
WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR
PURPOSE. No liability is assumed for errors contained herein or for incidental or consequential
damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material. This document
contains proprietary information that is protected by copyright. All rights are reserved. No part of
this document may be photocopied, reproduced, or translated into another language without prior written
consent.
Trademark Acknowledgments: Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation.
All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Printing History
Edition 7.0, #111113, Copyright 2013, All rights reserved.
FCC Compliance Statement: 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.
For Users in the United States: This product is intended to be supplied by a UL listed Direct Plug-In Power
Supply marked "Class 2"or a UL listed ITE Power Supply marked "LPS" with output rated 12VDC, 4.5A or
higher. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a
Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. In a domestic environment this product may
cause radio interference, in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the
instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that
interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to
radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is
encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
• Re-orient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver
is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Use of shielded cables is required to comply with the Class B limits of Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
You are cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved in this manual could
void your authority to operate and/or obtain warranty service for this equipment.
For Users in Canada: This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise for
digital apparatus set out on the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of
Communications. Le present appareil numerique n'emet pas de bruits radioelectriques depassant
les limites applicables aux appareils numeriques de la class B prescrites dans le Reglement sur le brouillage
radioelectrique edicte par le ministere des Communications du Canada.
Product Disposal
Do not dispose of the printer or supplies in the same manner as normal household waste. Consult your local
authorities for disposal and recycling options.
Battery Notice
This product contains Perchlorate material. Special handling may apply.
For more information, go to http://www.dtsc.ca.gov/hazardouswaste/perchlorate/
WARNING
THE PRINT AREA CONTAINS HAZARDOUS MOVING PARTS. KEEP FINGERS AND OTHER BODY
PARTS AWAY.
CAUTION!
TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THE UNIT TO RAIN OR
MOISTURE. TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE EXTERIOR PANELS.
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED
SERVICE PERSONNEL. OPERATE THE UNIT WITH ONLY THE PROPER ELECTRICAL
SPECIFICATIONS AS LABELED ON THE PRINTER AND AC ADAPTER.
CAUTION!
USE OF CONTROLS OR ADJUSTMENTS OR PERFORMANCE OF PROCEDURES OTHER THAN
THOSE SPECIFIED HEREIN MAY RESULT IN HAZARDOUS RADIATION.
CAUTION!
RISK OF EXPLOSION IF BATTERY IS REPLACED BY AN INCORRECT TYPE.
DISPOSE OF USED BATTERIES ACCORDING TO THE INSTRUCTIONS.

iii
Table of Contents
Section 1: Getting Started ......................................................................................1
A. Choosing a Good Location .......................................................................1
B. Unpacking and Inspection .......................................................................2
C. Identifying the Parts ..................................................................................3
D. Computer Specifications ...........................................................................4
Section 2: Label Stock ............................................................................................5
A. Label and Roll Specifications ...................................................................5
B. Installing Label Stock ................................................................................8
C. Adjusting the Label Stock TOF (Top of Form) Sensor ......................11
D. Set the Stock Sensor Mode .....................................................................12
E. Set the Output Mode ...............................................................................14
Section 3: Status Monitor (PTStatus) ................................................................16
A. Monitoring Ink Levels ............................................................................17
B. Print Head Life Gauge ............................................................................18
C. Using the Cost Estimator ........................................................................18
D. Replacing Ink Cartridges/Low Ink Warning......................................19
Section 4: Printing from a PC .............................................................................22
A. Using BarTender .....................................................................................22
B. Add Text, Barcodes and Graphics to a BarTender Label ..................27
C. Printing from BarTender ........................................................................28
D. Printing from Other Programs ..............................................................29
E. Adjusting Print Alignment ....................................................................30
F. Creating a Full Bleed Print .....................................................................32
G. Printer Driver Settings ............................................................................33
Section 5: Printing from a Mac ...........................................................................38
A. Printer Utility Settings (Color Label 900 Utility) ................................38
B. Printing from Swift Publisher ................................................................44
C. Printing from Adobe Illustrator ............................................................46
D. Printing from Adobe Acrobat Reader ..................................................50
E. Create a Custom Label Size ...................................................................52
F. Adjusting Print Alignment ....................................................................53
G. Creating a Full Bleed Print .....................................................................56

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Section 6: Troubleshooting and Maintenance ................................................57
A. Solving Print Alignment Problems .......................................................57
B. Solving Print Quality Problems.............................................................59
C. Color Matching and Design Tips ..........................................................61
D. Create a Support Report .........................................................................64
E. Cleaning the Printer ................................................................................64
F. Cleaning the Print Head .........................................................................64
G. Replacing the Print Head .......................................................................68
H. Interpreting the Printer’s Indicator Lights ..........................................71
I. Technical Support ....................................................................................71
Section 7: Technical Specifications ...................................................................72
Index ........................................................................................................................73

Getting Started 1
Section 1: Getting Started
THANK YOU…
...for choosing an LX900e Color Label Printer. The LX900e Printer
will print razor-sharp text and barcodes, vibrant colors, and even
stunning photo-realistic photographs directly onto rolls
of labels, card stock and a variety of other approved media.
This User's Manual is your complete step-by-step guide to quickly
and easily setting up and printing with your new Color Label
Printer!
A. CHOOSING A GOOD LOCATION
• Place the printer on a flat surface in a location with
adequate air circulation to prevent internal heat build up.
• Do not place the printer near heat sources such as radiators or
air ducts, or in a place subject to direct sun light,
excessive dust, mechanical vibration or shock.
• Allow for adequate clearance in front of the printer to
accommodate the printed label stock as it is leaving the printer
to avoid the possibility of binding or jamming of the label stock.
• Allow for adequate overhead and left side clearance for opening
the top cover to allow easy access to the label stock and ink
cartridge. The Printer will require 24 cm (9.5 inches) of
additional space on the left side to completely open the cover
(Total = 68 cm or 26.75"). The Printer will require an additional
40.4 cm (15.9 inches) of overhead space to open the cover (Total
= 63.5 cm or 25").

2 Getting Started
B. UNPACKING AND INSPECTION
While unpacking your printer, inspect the carton to ensure
that no damage has occurred during shipping. Make sure
that all supplied accessories are included with your unit. The
following items are included in the supply box:
• Power Adapter
• Separate Power Cord
• USB Cable
• Software Installer CD
• Cyan, Magenta, Yellow and Black Ink Cartridges
• Warranty Statement and Registration Card
• This Manual and other Printed Information
The following items are inside the printer supply roll area:
• Replaceable Print head
• Starter Roll of High Gloss Label Stock
Save the carton and packing materials. They will come in handy
when transporting the printer.
FRAGILE

C. IDENTIFYING THE PARTS
This illustration shows the front of the printer with its control
buttons and LED indicator lights.
The Pause Button pauses the printer AFTER the printing of the
current label has finished to allow for loading of label stock and ink
cartridge.
The Power LED indicates that the printer is on and ready to receive
print jobs.
The Load/Feed Button is pressed in order to load label stock if the
printer does not automatically detect the stock. When stock is loaded
each press of the button will cause one label to be fed from the
printer.
The Ink Low LED will illuminate when a cartridge has 10% or less
of its ink remaining.
The Unload Button will unload the installed label stock by reversing
it through the printer. Make sure to tear off the
printed labels before pressing the Unload Button.
The Label Tear Bar is a serrated edge for conveniently tearing your
finished labels from the printer. The printer comes with a white tear
bar guard. For smoother label feeding, leave the guard in place
during printing. When you are ready to tear off a label, remove the
guard, tear off the label and replace it.
Getting Started 3
Unload Button
Pause Button
Pause LED
Power LED
Load/Feed
Button
Ink Low LED
Label Tear Bar
Top Cover

4 Getting Started
This illustration shows the input ports and power switch found on
the rear panel of the printer.
This illustration shows the interior of the printer.
D. COMPUTER SPECIFICATIONS
Recommended PC Specifications
For optimal printing speed you must have a PC with the
following recommended specifications:
• Pentium Dual Core Processor
• 2 GB of RAM
• 10 GB of Free Hard Drive Space
Power Input Port
USB Port
Auxilary Port Power Switch
Sensor Position Adjustment
Roll Arm
Fixed Throat
Guide
Roll Guide
Movable
Throat Guide
Roll Stop

Label Stock 5
Section 2: Label Stock
A. LABEL AND ROLL SPECIFICATIONS
A wide variety of label stock can be used in the Printer. Refer to the
specifications and settings in the following sections before ordering
custom stock from Primera or any stock from another company.
Important! Test all custom made label stock with the intended printer before
ordering large quantities! Primera will only assume responsibility for custom label
stock ordered from Primera.
Label Width
Liner Width
Distance from
edge of Media
to edge of Label
Width of Opening
Black Mark
Width
Gap Between
Labels
Label Height
Distance from
edge of Media
Label Sensing Methods
Method 1: Label
Gap Sensing
Method 2: Thru-Hole
Sensing
Method 3: Reflective/Black
Mark Sensing
(Black Mark must be printed
on back side of label stock)
Note: See table below for Max and Min values in inches and mm..

6 Label Stock
Max Min
Label width 209mm (8.25") 19mm (0.75")
Liner/media width 212mm (8.375") 38mm (1.5")
Label height/length 431mm (17") 13mm (0.5")
Gap between labels 253mm (10") 2.5mm (0.10)
Width of thru-hole 12.65mm (0.5") 6.325mm (0.25")
opening
Distance from edge of 57mm (2.25") 5.06mm (0.20")
media to edge of
thru-hole
Reflective/Black N/A 2.54mm 0.1")
Mark Width*
Max Outer Diameter (OD) 152.4mm (6.0") N/A
Inner Core Diameter (ID) 3.0" (76.2mm) 76.2mm (3.0")
Total Thickness 10 mil (.0010”) N/A
(Liner + Label)**)
Distance from edge of Printer driver assumes 2 mm gap.
media to edge of label However, this is adjustable via the
left margin offset.
* The Reflective/Black Mark should be opaque to infrared light. The mark
should be between the labels. The end of the mark should
correspond with the beginning of the label.
** This is the recommended maximum. There are two factors that
determine whether the printer will accept any particular stock thickness.
1. The ability for the printer to pull the paper through the print area.
2. The ability for the sensor to read through the backing if the
sensor is set to die-cut.
If you are printing in continuous or reflective label sensing mode number 2
does not apply. The fact that the printer must read through the backing in
die-cut mode will limit the thickness much more than the printers ability to
pull the paper through the print area. However, if you adjust opacity level
of the liner enough to allow the label to be seen by the stock sensor, the
thickness will only be limited by the printers ability to pull it through the
printer area. For these reasons the weight or thickness of the liner is a
variable that can not easily be defined. Primera recommends and uses 40#
liner with all label stock. It is important to test all label stock with the
intended printer before ordering large quantities!

Label Stock 7
Roll Specifications
Note on Label Orientation: If you are using an applicator
to apply your labels, be sure to order label stock with the correct
orientation for your applicator. For example most applicators will apply the
side of the label first, so you will want to print the labels sideways.
Label Side Out
Core I.D.
Core O.D.
Roll O.D.
3” 6”
Label Stock

8 Label Stock
B. INSTALLING LABEL STOCK
The following steps will guide you through loading label stock in
your printer:
Make sure power is connected and printer is on.
1. Open the Top Cover.
2. Lower the Roll Guide and pull it outward to make room for your
label stock.
Lift Here

Label Stock 9
3. Remove any shipping tape from your label stock roll to ensure
that it can unroll freely, making certain that no adhesive portion
is exposed. It is important to note that any exposed adhesive
surface can attach itself the inner workings of the print
mechanism and cause a media jam.
4. Place your roll of label stock on the Roll Arm and push it inward
until it touches the Roll Stop.
5. Flip up the Roll Guide and slide it inward until it touches the
label stock. The Roll Guide will automatically pull back slightly
to the correct position. There should be approximately a 1mm
gap between the roll guide and the roll.
Important Note: Be aware that some label stock may have a core that
is slightly too large for the roll or the labels may have wrapped unevenly
causing some to stick out beyond the edge of the core.
Both of these issues can cause feeding problems.
DO NOT PINCH
Roll Guide
Roll Arm
Roll Stop

10 Label Stock
6. Pull the Movable Throat Guide outward to make room for the
label stock.
7. Place the leading edge of the label stock under the
"label stock" symbols on the Throat Guides. The label
stock should be placed far enough into the throat of the printer
to correctly position the Movable Throat Guide but not yet into
the printer itself.
8. Slide the Movable Throat Guide inward until it almost touches
the label stock.
Important Note: The label stock should be close enough to the Fixed and
Movable Thoat Guides to provide proper guidance but not close enough to
pinch the label stock. (0-1 mm gap on either side)
If the label stock is pinched by the guides, poor print quality or
feeding problems could result.
9. Feed the label stock further into the printer until it senses the
label and automatically feeds it through the printer. If the
printer fails to feed the label stock, press the Load/Feed button
on the front panel while continuing to guide the label stock into
the printer. If the printer does not automatically grab and feed
the stock or continues to feed the stock without stopping check
the Stock Sensor position or mode (Section 2C or 2D).
DO NOT PINCH
Fixed Throat Guide
Movable Throat Guide
Label Stock

Label Stock 11
C. ADJUSTING THE LABEL STOCK TOF (TOP OF FORM)
SENSOR
If you are using label stock other than standard square /
rectangular diecut labels such as circular die-cut labels or through-
hole stock use the instructions below to adjust the position of the
label stock sensor. The sensor can be adjusted using the slide bar on
the inside of the printer. Below the slide bar is a measurement
which represents the distance between the edge of the label stock
and the sensor. Measure the
distance from the edge of the label stock to the correct position on
the stock. Set the sensor to this measurement.
Important Note: You must adjust the Stock Sensor before loading nonstandard
label stock.
Circular Labels
If you are using Circular Labels you must adjust the Stock
sensor to correspond with the very top of the label where the circles
are closest together. If the sensor is too far to the right or the left the
printer will still sense the label but the image may be offset
downward because the printer will start printing at the wrong
position. If you are using stock that has multiple labels across make
sure the sensor corresponds to a place on the stock that has a label
and not a vertical gap.
0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0
12.7 25.4 38.1 50.8
mm
in.
Label Stock Sensor Slide

12 Label Stock
The sensor can only be moved a maximum of 58.42mm (2.3 inches)
from the left side of the printable area. This means that the
maximum diameter circular label that can be printed is 116.84mm
(4.6 inches). For circular labels larger than 116.84mm (4.6 inches) in
diameter, you must have a black mark printed on the back of the
label stock. This means that you must change the Stock Sensor Mode
to Reflective. The printer will now look for the black mark
representing the beginning of the next label instead of the
diecut. For more information on changing the Stock Sensor Mode
see Section 2D.
Through-Hole Labels
If you are using card stock or label stock that has a hole punch or a
notch to identify a transition from backing to label, you can adjust
the Stock Sensor to position it over the identifying mark.
D. SET THE STOCK SENSOR MODE
The stock sensor mode refers to the method the printer will use to
detect the print starting position for each label. To adjust the stock
sensor mode, open the PTStatus program. PTStatus automatically
installs with your printer driver and can be accessed through the
printer driver or as program that is
accessible in the same manner as all other programs.
Important Note: Set the Stock Sensor Mode BEFORE loading label stock!
Center
of Circle
1 1/8”
1/2”
Center
of Hole
Through-Hole Labels Circular Labels
Set Sensor Bar to 1 1/8" for 2" circular label (1/8" liner edge gap).

Label Stock 13
1. Connect the printer via USB and turn on the power. The Stock
Sensor Mode setting is stored on printer main board so you will
not be able to access it unless the printer is turned on and
properly communicating with the computer.
2. Go to Start - Programs - Primera Technology - PTStatus.
3. Click on the Alignment Tab (3rd tab from top).
4. Click on the Stock Sensor Mode button.
5. Select the Stock Sensor Mode by clicking on the graphic that
most closely corresponds to the stock you intend to install.
There are three sensor modes:
Die Cut (Default). If you are using standard die-cut labels that look
similar to the graphic use this setting regardless of the size of the
label. Also, use this setting for Through-hole label material where a
hole is punched through each label or a notch is cut in the side.
Reflective. Use Reflective for label material where a black
pre-printed line (black mark) on the back of the label stock indicates
the break between labels. Black marks are required on clear label
stock rolls, or label where the label waste matrix (waste) is left on
the liner. Black marks can also be used for irregular shaped labels,
circles larger than 4.6 inches or on any stock where the print starting
position can not be sensed using the label itself.

14 Label Stock
Continuous. (Sensor off) If you have continuous stock with no die-
cut, reflective mark or holes, set the sensor type to Continuous. This
will turn off the stock sensor. In this mode there is no way to set the
print starting position. The printer will simply start printing the first
label and print each subsequent label immediately after that
previous one. To produce a gap between prints simply add the
desired amount of white space to the end of the label being printed.
Important Note: You must also set the Stock Sensor Position (Section 2C) so that
the sensor is sensing the correct point on the label stock.
E: SET THE OUTPUT MODE
Toggle the Output Mode to set whether or not the last label printed
will be presented or left inside the printer. To adjust
the output mode, open the PTStatus program. PTStatus
automatically installs with your printer driver and can be accessed
through the printer driver or as program that is accessible in the
same manner as all other programs.
1. Connect the printer via USB and turn on the power. The Output
Mode Setting is stored on printer main board so you will not be
able to access it unless the printer is turned on and properly
communicating with the computer.
2. Go to Start - Programs - Primera Technology - PTStatus.
3. Click on the Alignment Tab (3rd tab from top).
4. Click on the Output Mode button.
5. Select the Output Mode by clicking on the corresponding
graphic.

Label Stock 15
There are two different output modes:
Present labels - Yes (Default). This setting will cause the printer to
feed the last label printed forward so that it and the previously
printed labels can be torn off using the tear bar. If no other jobs are
sent to the printer within one second after the last label has printed,
the last printed label will present for tear off.
Present labels - No (Use with Rewinder). In this mode the label
stock does not move after the last label is printed. This means that
part of the last label printed is still in the printer. This should be
used only if you have a label rewinder attached. To retrieve the final
label you must press the Load/Feed button on the printer control
panel.

16 Status Monitor (PTStatus)
Section 3: Status Monitor (PTStatus)
PTStatus or Status Monitor is used to interact with the printer for
gathering ink levels, maintenance, alignment, cost calculation and
several other functions.
PTStatus automatically installs with your printer driver and can be
accessed through the printer driver preferences or as a program on
your Windows start menu.
1. Connect the printer via USB and turn on the power. The Status
Monitor accesses most of the information it uses from the
printer itself so the printer must be turned on and
communicating for the program to open.
2. Go to Start - Programs - Primera Technology - PTPStatus Once
open, the Status Monitor consist of four tabs that are arranged
on the left side of the window. Each tab opens a screen that has
various similar functions. The tabs will only be displayed if the
printer is idle (not printing).
• Ink Tab (First Tab). Displays ink levels, Print head life, pauses
or cancels a job, displays print counter.
• Cartridge Utilities Tab (Second Tab). Aligns Print Head, Cleans
Print Head and Changes the Cartridges.
• Alignment Tab (Third Tab). Adjust vertical and
horizontal print alignment, Changes the Stock Sensor Mode
and toggles the Output Mode.
• Cost Tab (Fourth Tab). Calculates cost per label based on last
label printed.
In addition to these functions you can also click the "i" icon
to access the Primera Knowledgebase, contact tech support,
gather version information or set applications options.