Figure 2-22.—Using the ribbon shield for alignment

Aligning Forms.— Most high-speed impact printers are designed with a ribbon shield. This ribbon shield protects the form from coming into contact with the printer ribbon, thus eliminating ink smears. It also serves as a print line indicator, which we use to align the form. The ribbon shield swings in front of the form (figure 2-22, frame A). Once the ribbon shield is in position, it can be used as illustrated in figure 2-22, frame B, to help in the adjustment of the form. Use the horizontal adjustment control shown in figure 2-23, to slide the entire print mechanism to the left or right. When the left margin of the form is even with the first ruled line on the ribbon shield print line indicator (figure 2-22, frame B), release the horizontal adjustment button. At this point, the horizontal printing is accurate to within one print position. Use the horizontal adjustment button (figure 2-23) for any additional fine horizontal adjustments that may be necessary. This Figure 2-22.—Using the ribbon shield for alignment. control is especially useful when working with preprinted forms, such as your LES statement. Now that the form is positioned horizontally, you can make the necessary vertical adjustments. Again, using the ribbon shield print line indicator as a guide, you can move the form up or down one line at a time until the form is vertically aligned by pushing the line feed button. Use the vertical print adjustment button (figure 2-23) for any additional fine vertical adjustments to align the print line to its proper position. Now that the form is vertically adjusted, close the print mechanism and lock it into place with the print-unit release lever. Print forms not only vary in size but in thickness as well. For this reason, you will have to adjust the printer to accommodate for thickness differences. To do this, you move the form thickness control knob (figure 2-23) either left or right. This will move the print unit mechanism closer to or farther away from the print hammers, thereby giving the forms sufficient clearance to pass between these two components. The paper Figure 2-23.—Vertical and horizontal alignment controls used to adjust printer paper. 2-33