Brother TD-Series Manual

The Brother TD-Series is a line of high-performance thermal label printers designed for industrial, logistics, and retail applications. Featuring fast print speeds, durable construction, multiple connectivity options, and compatibility with various label sizes and materials, these printers offer reliable barcode, text, and graphics printing. Below are key sections covering 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 Operations 8. Maintenance & Cleaning 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Thermal print head, Media roll holder, Control panel with LCD display, USB/Serial/Ethernet ports, Cutter module (optional), Peeler module (optional).

Feature	Description
Print Method	Direct Thermal / Thermal Transfer
Print Speed	Up to 12 inches per second
Resolution	203 dpi / 300 dpi (model dependent)
Max Print Width	4.1 inches (104 mm)
Connectivity	USB 2.0, Serial RS-232, Ethernet, Parallel
Media Types	Paper, Synthetic, Tag, Continuous labels
Media Sensor	Reflective/Transmissive auto-detection
Memory	Flash memory for fonts and graphics
Emulations	Brother, EPL, ZPL compatible
Power Supply	100-240V AC, 50/60Hz

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable, level surface.

Install media: Open media cover, load roll onto holder, thread through guides.
Install ribbon (thermal transfer): Insert ribbon cartridge, thread between print head and platen.
Connect interface cable: Use USB, Ethernet, or serial cable to connect to host computer.
Connect power cord: Plug into AC outlet.

WARNING! Ensure power is off during installation. Do not touch print head; it becomes hot during operation.

First-Time Setup

Power on printer; follow LCD prompts.

Calibrate media: Press FEED to calibrate label gap/size.
Set communication: Configure interface (USB, Ethernet IP) via control panel menu.
Adjust print darkness: Use menu to set thermal head energy (1-30).
Install drivers: Install Brother printer driver and utilities on connected PC.

CAUTION! Use correct media type to avoid print head damage. Ensure proper ventilation.

Specifications

Model Series: TD-2000, TD-4000, TD-4500.
Print Speed: 5-12 ips (inches per second).
Memory: 8 MB Flash, 64 MB SDRAM (TD-4500).
Media Width: 0.4" to 4.1" (10 mm to 104 mm).
Media Thickness: 0.0023" to 0.008" (0.06 mm to 0.2 mm).
Roll OD: Up to 5.9" (150 mm).
Interface: USB, Serial, Ethernet, Parallel, Wireless (optional).
Operating Temp: 41°F to 95°F (5°C to 35°C).
Dimensions: Varies by model (approx 9.8" W x 13.4" D x 11.8" H).
Weight: Approx 15.4 lbs (7 kg).

Controls and Settings

Access menu via control panel buttons. Front Panel: POWER, FEED, PAUSE, CANCEL, MENU, Arrow keys, ENTER.

LCD Display: Shows status, menu options, error messages.

Settings: Media calibration, print darkness, sensor type, communication setup, language, reset to defaults. Advanced: Barcode settings, font management, cutter/peeler options, network configuration.

Connecting Devices

Host Computer: USB, Ethernet, Serial. Network: Connect via Ethernet for shared printing.

Turn off printer before connecting cables.
Use recommended cables (shielded USB, Cat5e Ethernet).
Configure IP address via control panel if using Ethernet.
Install driver software on host computer.

Tip: For network setup, assign static IP or use DHCP per your network policy.

Printing Operations

Supports barcodes (Code 39, 128, QR, etc.), text, graphics, sequential numbering.

Create label format: Use Brother P-touch Editor or other labeling software.
Send print job: From application to printer.
Monitor status: Check LCD for errors or completion.
Adjust on-the-fly: Use FEED to advance, PAUSE to halt.
Use cutter: If equipped, cutter automatically severs label (set in menu).
Use peeler: If equipped, peeler separates liner after print.

WARNING! Do not open covers during printing. Allow print head to cool before maintenance.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Power off and unplug before cleaning. Clean print head regularly with isopropyl alcohol and lint-free swab. Clean rollers with dry cloth. Replace ribbon and media as needed.

CAUTION! Never use abrasive cleaners. Ensure printer is completely dry before powering on.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class A digital device; complies with limits for commercial environments. CE, RoHS, REACH compliant. Copyright © 2025 Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit www.brother.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-476-6824.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Power cord/outlet	Check connections; try different outlet; ensure power switch on.
No communication	Cable/driver	Check cable connection; reinstall driver; verify port settings.
Poor print quality	Print head/darkness	Clean print head; adjust darkness setting; check media type.
Media jam	Misaligned media	Open cover, remove jammed media; reload correctly.
Sensor error	Dirty sensor/media	Clean sensor window; recalibrate media.
Cutter not working	Blunt blade/setting	Replace cutter blade; verify cutter enabled in menu.

Reset: Menu > Maintenance > Reset All Settings.

Service: 1-877-476-6824; www.brother.com