Q: How easy is it to use an color-on-demand label printer?

A: Extremely easy. VIPColor continue to develop simpler ways of being able to produce high quality high impact color labels. The new VP485 has been designed specifically with this in mind so make sure you ask your VIPColor representative this exciting new product. However if you have any questions about the operation of any VIPColor product talk to our customer service or technical support.

Q: Can I use any label stock in printer?

A: This depends on the particular printer that you have purchased. All our printers handle roll and fan fold (z-fold) label stock. There are media specification sheets that define the mechanical specifics of media for each printer. On a general note there are many types of media available on the market and many vendors that offer it, however you will find that the quality and ultimate durability of the label greatly depends on the stock used and qualities vary. We suggest testing some material from a proposed vendor prior to purchasing. Alternatively contact VIPColor customer service or sales for advice.

Q: Is the label water fast?

A: This depends on the equipment and the type of stock that is being used. The new VP485 digital color label printer produced highly water resistance labels on many stocks. However it is important to select the correct stock for optimum operation. Our other inkjet products will vary also depending on stock. Our laser based products produce images that are water proof, though please bare in mind that paper based products will not be as pervious to water as plastic.

Q: Can I run pre-printed stock through the printer?

A: It is not recommended that you run pre-printed stock through our inkjet products as the materials are specially treated to accept the ink. Generally a preprint will negatively affect this ability. With our laser based products preprint is not generally an issue, though be aware that you should talk with our vendor about the type of ink they use for the preprint to make sure it matches the application. We recommend that any preprint should be printed using heat resistant inks for best result.

Q: What label sizes are available?

A: There are many label sizes available. Normally vendors offer many standard sizes and will also make custom sizes at en extra cost for a custom die tool. Contact your VIPColor reseller and ask what sizes they have available to match your exact labeling needs. Alternatively ask VIPColor customer service for recommendations

Q: What types of adhesives are available?

A: Your VIPColor reseller has access to many adhesives ask for recommendations.

Q: Can I print full bleed with my printer?

A: The VP485, VP10X and VP8020 support full bleed printing, but the VP2020 does not.

Q: How can I forcast the VP2020's usage?

A: Each VP2020 has a web server that contains an advanced label ink-drop calculating algorithm which can provide estimates of usage for each and every print-job.

Q: Can I e-mail the printer my label designs?

A: The printer has several commands that can be sent by e-mail, however, print jobs are not supported in this manner. It is recommended to e-mail a PC connected to the VP2020 label designs, and printing directly from that PC.

Q: What does the web server do?

A: The web server is a standard feature of every printer. It is accessed via any web browser when th printer is using the Ethernet connection to a network. It allows a user to remotely carry out diagnostics and aquire statistical data specific to the printer being queried. This is very useful in technical support activities and as a purchasing tool to help forcast supply usage , checking the staus of various consumables, and ensuring printer funtionality. 

Q: What is the resolution of the printer?

A: The printer can run in several print modes, which allows it to either print 600x600 dpi or 600x300 dpi.

Q: How fast can the printer run?

A: The printer's throughout speed depends on several factors: the width that is printed, the resolution that is printed, if the label is color or black and white, and to some extent, what the contents of the label are. The VP2020 considers all f these factors and will optimize print speeds accordingly. For a 6x4" label, the average full-color throughput will be 2900 labels per hour, and for a 4x6" label throughput will be 1000 labels per hour.

Q: What is the maximum width that the unit can print?

A: The printer can print up to 6.15" wide labels.

Q: What is the longest label I can print?

A: This depends on several parameters: how much memory is used, whether you are using color or black and white, if you are using the foreground and backround option, and which print mode you are running (i.e. economy fast, fast, of normal). A VP2020 with full memeory in color has been tested to print up to 22" in all print modes and up to 52" in economy mode.

Q: Which interfaces does the printer support?

A: The printer comes with an Ethernet 10BaseT and a USB conncetion as a standard. There is an optional wireless Ethernet supported by a PCMCIA port. This option is a Cisco Aironet wireless system running at 802. 11b.

Q: How is label sensed?

A: The printer can run either continuous stock, stock with gaps between labels/tag, or labels/ tags with black registration marks on the back. These registration marks are typically referred to as I-marks.

Q: Is the VP2020 Microsoft Windows Compatible?

A: The VP2020 can be driven by a Macintosh using a Windows emulator and through it's Ethernet interface.

Q: What is a color profile?

A: The color profile is what the printer uses to make sure the printer colors are best thay can be. Because print quality is media dependent, each media type may have its own unique color profile. The Vp2020 comes with several standard profiles. New profiles can be managed using the Windows driver and selected for Specific media types.

Q: What needs to be done to maintain the VP2020?

A: The VP2020 is a self-maintaining printer. It was designed with very little user intervention in mind. Self-Maintanence features include automatic alignments and calibrations, automatic print-head maintenance through the use of a service station, and automatic via e-mail of printer alerts.