Brother TD-4550DNWB Manual

The Brother TD-4550DNWB is a high-performance direct thermal/thermal transfer desktop label printer designed for business and industrial use. It features wireless and wired network connectivity, fast printing speeds, a large capacity media roll holder, and supports a wide range of label sizes and materials. 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 to Network 7. Printing Labels 8. Maintenance 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Direct Thermal/Thermal Transfer print engine, LCD control panel, Media compartment, Cutter unit, Network interfaces (Ethernet & Wi-Fi), USB and Serial ports.

Feature	Description
Print Method	Direct Thermal / Thermal Transfer
Print Speed	Up to 12 ips (inches per second)
Maximum Print Width	4.6 inches (118 mm)
Connectivity	USB 2.0, Ethernet (10/100BASE-TX), Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n), Serial
Media Types	Die-cut labels, continuous labels, tags, receipt paper
Media Roll Size	Up to 5.9 inches (150 mm) OD, 1-inch (25.4 mm) core
Cutter	Automatic or manual cutting supported
LCD Panel	Backlit display for status and settings
Power Supply	AC 100-240V, 50/60Hz
Dimensions (WxDxH)	11.8 x 14.6 x 9.8 inches (300 x 370 x 250 mm)

Installation

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

Install media: Open media compartment, load roll onto holder, thread through guides.
Connect power: Plug AC adapter into printer and wall outlet.
Connect to computer/network: Use USB cable, Ethernet cable, or configure Wi-Fi.
Install print head and ribbon (for thermal transfer): Follow instructions in Quick Setup Guide.

WARNING! Keep printer away from dust, humidity, and direct sunlight. Ensure proper ventilation.

First-Time Setup

Power on printer; follow LCD prompts and install drivers.

Power on: Press POWER button; LCD will illuminate.
Install software: Insert included CD or download from Brother website; run installer.
Configure network (if used): Use LCD menu or BRAdmin Light utility to set IP address.
Calibrate sensor: Perform media calibration via LCD menu or driver settings.
Test print: Print configuration page to verify operation.

CAUTION! Do not touch print head when hot. Allow to cool before maintenance.

Specifications

Print Resolution: 300 dpi (12 dots/mm).
Memory: 128 MB Flash, 64 MB SDRAM.
Supported Barcodes: Code 39, Code 128, UPC/EAN, PDF417, Data Matrix, QR Code, etc.
Fonts: Internal scalable and bitmap fonts.
Emulations: Brother Raster Command (BRScript), EZPL, ZPL compatible.
Operating Environment: 41°F to 95°F (5°C to 35°C), 20% to 80% RH (non-condensing).
Noise Level: Less than 55 dB(A).
Weight: Approx. 15.4 lbs (7.0 kg).
Compliance: FCC, CE, RoHS, ENERGY STAR®.

Controls and Settings

Access menus via LCD panel buttons. Front Panel: POWER, FEED, PAUSE, CANCEL buttons.

LCD Menu Navigation: Use arrow keys and ENTER to select. Menu includes: Media Settings, Network Setup, Print Density, Sensor Calibration, Information Page, Reset.

Media Settings: Select media type (Continuous, Die-cut, Gap), adjust sensor sensitivity. Network Setup: Configure TCP/IP, Wi-Fi (SSID/security), Bonjour. Print Settings: Darkness level (0-30), print speed, offset adjustment. Maintenance: Print head cleaning, counter reset, firmware update.

Connecting to Network

Ethernet: Use RJ-45 cable to router/switch. Wi-Fi: Configure via LCD or software.

Wired: Connect Ethernet cable; printer auto-obtains IP (DHCP) or set static IP in menu.
Wireless: Select Wi-Fi Setup in menu, choose network, enter password.
Verify connection: Print network configuration page.

Tip: Use BRAdmin Light utility for easy network discovery and configuration.

Printing Labels

Supports label design via P-touch Editor, Bartender, or other labeling software.

Load media: Ensure correct media type selected in printer settings.
Create design: Use software to add text, barcodes, graphics, set dimensions.
Print: Send job to printer; printer feeds and cuts automatically if configured.
Adjust settings: Use driver properties for darkness, speed, offset calibration.
Batch printing: Use serialization for sequential numbers/variable data.

WARNING! Use only recommended media and ribbons to avoid print head damage.

Maintenance

Regular cleaning extends print head life and ensures print quality.

Cleaning print head: Power off, cool, use alcohol swab gently across head surface.
Cleaning rollers: Use lint-free cloth with water or mild cleaner.
Replacing ribbon: Open cover, remove empty spool, insert new ribbon cartridge.
Replacing print head: Remove cover, disconnect cable, replace head (after approx. 150 km of printing).

CAUTION! Unplug printer before cleaning. Do not use abrasive materials.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class A digital device; may cause interference in residential areas. CE marked for European compliance. RoHS compliant. ENERGY STAR qualified. 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
No power	Power cord, outlet	Ensure cord plugged in securely; try different outlet; check power switch.
No communication	Cables, network settings	Check USB/Ethernet connection; verify IP settings; restart printer and computer.
Poor print quality	Dirty head, media, darkness	Clean print head; ensure correct media type; increase darkness setting.
Media jam	Misaligned media, sensor	Open cover, remove jammed media; recalibrate sensor; reload properly.
Cutter not working	Blunt blade, setting	Check cutter setting in driver/menu; replace cutter blade if worn.
Wi-Fi not connecting	Signal, password, settings	Move closer to router; re-enter password; reset network settings.

Reset: Menu > Maintenance > Reset to default settings if needed.

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