1. GK420T Desktop Thermal Printer User Guide
  2. Print Operations
  3. Print Media Types
  4. Determining Thermal Media Types
  5. Performing a Media Scratch Test
  • GK420t Desktop Thermal Printer User Guide
Performing a Media Scratch Test

Performing a Media Scratch Test

Use this method to perform the media scratch test and determine if a batch of media is suited for Direct Thermal or Thermal Transfer printing.
  1. Scratch the print surface of the media with a fingernail or pen cap. Press firmly and quickly while dragging it across the media surface. Direct thermal media is chemically treated to print (expose) when heat is applied. This test method uses friction heat to expose the media.
  2. Did a black mark appear on the media?
    If a black mark...
    The media is...
    Appears on the media
    Direct thermal—No ribbon is required to print on this media. Direct thermal printers support this media.
    Does not appear on the media
    Thermal transfer—A ribbon is required to print on this media. Thermal transfer printers support this media.