Brother TD-4520DN Manual

The Brother TD-4520DN is a high-speed direct thermal/thermal transfer desktop label printer designed for professional and industrial use. It features a USB 2.0 and Ethernet interface, supports a wide range of label sizes and materials, includes P-touch Editor and Printer Driver software, and offers a compact, durable design for reliable performance in office and warehouse environments. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting Devices 7. Printing Labels 8. Software Features 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Direct Thermal/Thermal Transfer print mechanism, Control Panel with LCD display, USB and Ethernet ports, Media compartment, Power switch, and Cutter unit.

FeatureDescription
Print MethodDirect Thermal / Thermal Transfer
Print SpeedUp to 5 inches per second
Maximum Print Width4.1 inches (104 mm)
Resolution300 dpi
InterfacesUSB 2.0, Ethernet 10/100BASE-TX
Media TypesDie-cut labels, continuous labels, tags
Media Width0.47" to 4.33" (12 mm to 110 mm)
CutterAutomatic or manual cutting option
LCD Display2-line, backlit for settings and status
Power SourceAC 100-240V, 50/60Hz

Installation

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

  1. Connect power: Plug the AC adapter into the printer and then into a wall outlet.
  2. Load media: Open the media compartment, insert the label roll, and thread it through the guide.
  3. Connect to computer: Use the provided USB cable to connect to your PC or Mac.
  4. Connect to network: Plug an Ethernet cable into the port for network printing.
  5. Install software: Insert the included CD or download drivers from the Brother website.

WARNING! Do not place the printer near heat sources or in direct sunlight. Ensure proper ventilation.

First-Time Setup

Power on the printer; follow on-screen prompts on the LCD display.

  1. Set language: Use the control panel buttons to select your preferred language.
  2. Calibrate media: The printer will automatically detect and calibrate the loaded media.
  3. Install drivers: On your computer, run the installer and follow the setup wizard.
  4. Configure network (optional): Use the control panel to set an IP address or use DHCP.
  5. Test print: Print a configuration page to verify installation.

CAUTION! Handle media with clean hands to avoid contamination. Ensure the cutter blade is clear of obstructions.

Specifications

Controls and Settings

Access settings via the front Control Panel and LCD display. Buttons: POWER, FEED, PAUSE, CANCEL, and Navigation arrows.

LCD Menu: Setup (Language, Network, Calibration), Media Settings (Type, Width, Sensor), Print Settings ( Darkness, Speed, Tear-off), Information (Status, Configuration Page).

Print Darkness: Adjust for different media types (1-30). Print Speed: Select based on application (1-5 ips). Sensor Type: Choose reflective or transmissive based on media. Network: Configure IP, subnet, gateway. Calibration: Perform auto or manual media calibration.

Connecting Devices

USB: For direct connection to a single computer. Ethernet: For network sharing among multiple users.

  1. Turn off the printer before making connections.
  2. Use the provided USB cable for a direct link to your PC.
  3. For network use, connect an Ethernet cable from the printer to your router/switch.
  4. Power on the printer and install the network driver if prompted.

Tip: For stable network printing, assign a static IP address to the printer.

Printing Labels

Supports printing from various software including P-touch Editor, Bartender, and custom applications.

  1. Design label: Use P-touch Editor or other label design software.
  2. Select printer: Choose "Brother TD-4520DN" as the target printer.
  3. Set properties: Adjust media size, print darkness, and speed in the printer driver.
  4. Print: Send the job; the printer will feed, print, and cut automatically (if enabled).
  5. Manual feed: Press the FEED button to advance media without printing.
  6. Pause/Resume: Use the PAUSE button to temporarily halt printing.
  7. Cancel job: Press CANCEL to stop the current print job.

WARNING! Do not touch the print head when it is hot. Use genuine Brother supplies for optimal performance.

Software Features

P-touch Editor: Design labels with text, graphics, barcodes, and sequential numbering. Printer Driver: Configure media settings, create custom sizes, and manage print queues. Brother Utilities: Monitor printer status, update firmware, and run diagnostics.

Care & Maintenance

Unplug the printer before cleaning. Regularly clean the print head, roller, and sensor with a soft, lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol.

CAUTION! Never use abrasive cleaners or solvents. Replace the cutter blade if it becomes dull. Keep the interior free of dust and debris.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class A digital device; complies with limits for commercial environments. CE, RoHS, and REACH compliant. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit support.brother.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-552-6255.

Troubleshooting

SymptomPossible CauseCorrective Action
Printer not powering onPower connectionCheck power cable and outlet; ensure the power switch is ON.
No communicationDriver/cable issueReinstall printer driver; try a different USB cable or port.
Poor print qualityDirty head/mediaClean the print head; use recommended media; adjust print darkness.
Media jamMisaligned mediaOpen cover, remove jammed label, reload media correctly.
Network not foundIP configurationPrint configuration page to verify IP; check network cables and settings.
Cutter not workingBlade obstructionCheck for label adhesive buildup; clean cutter mechanism.

Reset: Hold PAUSE and CANCEL while powering on to restore factory defaults.

Service: 1-877-552-6255; support.brother.com

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