Brother P-touch QL-550 Manual

The Brother P-touch QL-550 is a high-speed, direct thermal label printer designed for professional and office use. It supports a wide range of label sizes, features a built-in cutter, USB connectivity, and P-touch Editor software compatibility. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation & Setup 3. Specifications 4. Controls and Indicators 5. Loading Labels & Tapes 6. Connecting to Computer 7. Printing Labels 8. Using P-touch Editor 9. Maintenance & Cleaning 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Direct thermal print mechanism, Built-in automatic cutter, USB 2.0 port, Power connector, Front panel controls, LED status indicators.

Feature	Description
Print Method	Direct thermal
Print Speed	Up to 150mm/sec
Max Print Width	62mm (2.4 inches)
Label Sizes	3.5mm to 62mm width, continuous length
Cutter	Built-in automatic cutter
Connectivity	USB 2.0 (Hi-Speed)
Compatibility	P-touch Editor, Windows, Mac
Media Types	Die-cut labels, continuous tape
Power Supply	AC adapter (included)
Display	LED status indicators (Power, Error, Data)

Installation & Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable, flat surface near power outlet.

Connect power: Plug AC adapter into printer and wall outlet.
Install labels: Open cover, insert label roll, close cover securely.
Connect to computer: Use USB cable to connect printer to PC or Mac.
Install software: Insert CD or download P-touch Editor from Brother website.
Power on: Press POWER button; LEDs will illuminate.

WARNING! Use only Brother-approved AC adapter and label rolls. Ensure proper ventilation.

Specifications

Model: Brother P-touch QL-550.
Print Resolution: 300 dpi.
Interface: USB 2.0 Hi-Speed.
Supported OS: Windows XP/Vista/7/8/10, Mac OS X 10.6.8 or later.
Memory: 8MB Flash, 4MB RAM.
Dimensions (WxDxH): 140mm x 179mm x 146mm.
Weight: Approximately 1.7 kg.
Power Consumption: 24V DC, 1.5A.
Operating Environment: 5°C to 35°C, 20% to 80% humidity.

Controls and Indicators

Front Panel: POWER button, FEED button, LED indicators (Power, Error, Data).

LED Indicators: - Power (Green): Steady = On; Blinking = Sleep mode. - Error (Red): Steady = Error; Blinking = Out of labels/cover open. - Data (Orange): Blinking = Receiving data; Steady = Buffer full.

Buttons: - POWER: Turns printer on/off. - FEED: Feeds label; also used for self-test (hold while powering on).

Loading Labels & Tapes

Turn off printer and open cover.
Insert label roll with adhesive side facing print head.
Thread label under guide and through exit slot.
Close cover firmly until it clicks.
Press FEED button to advance label to cutting position.

CAUTION! Do not touch print head. Use only Brother genuine labels. Ensure label width matches printer support.

Connecting to Computer

USB Connection: Use included USB cable.

Ensure printer is off.
Connect USB cable to printer and computer.
Power on printer; computer should detect new hardware.
Install drivers from CD or Brother website if prompted.
Verify connection in OS printer settings.

Tip: For first-time setup, install P-touch Editor software before connecting printer.

Printing Labels

Using P-touch Editor or other supported software.

Open design software and create label layout.
Select QL-550 as printer in print dialog.
Set label size and print options.
Click Print; printer will automatically cut after printing.
Use FEED button to advance label if needed.

Note: For continuous printing, ensure "Chain Printing" is enabled in software settings.

Using P-touch Editor

P-touch Editor provides advanced label design capabilities.

Create text, barcodes, graphics, and sequential numbering.
Import data from Excel, Access, or text files.
Use templates for common label sizes.
Adjust print settings: density, speed, mirror printing.
Save designs for future use.

Access: Download latest version from support.brother.com.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures optimal print quality.

Unplug printer before cleaning.
Clean print head with cotton swab and isopropyl alcohol.
Clean roller and interior with dry, lint-free cloth.
Check cutter blade for adhesive buildup; clean carefully.
Replace label rolls before completely empty to avoid jams.

CAUTION! Do not use abrasive cleaners or solvents. Allow printer to cool before cleaning.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits. CE marked for European compliance. RoHS compliant. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit support.brother.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-276-8437.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
Printer not powering on	Power connection	Check AC adapter connection; try different outlet.
No print output	Label loading/software	Reload labels; check software print settings; update drivers.
Poor print quality	Dirty print head/labels	Clean print head; use genuine Brother labels; adjust print density.
Cutter not working	Blade obstruction	Turn off, open cover, clear any jammed labels; check cutter setting.
Computer not detecting printer	USB cable/drivers	Try different USB cable/port; reinstall drivers; restart computer.
Error LED blinking	Out of labels/cover open	Replace label roll; ensure cover is fully closed.

Reset: Turn off, hold FEED button, turn on while holding for 5 seconds to reset settings.

Service: 1-877-276-8437; support.brother.com