Loading Supplies in Your DuraLabel Kodiak

Overview

To load your Kodiak with supplies, raise the hinged lid. The lid will hold at the fully raised position.

Prefer video instructions? You can watch the tutorial here: How to Load Supplies in a DuraLabel Kodiak

Loading Label Stock

The label stock is the base material for your labels or signs, serving as the “paper” for the printing process. Label stock is available in a variety of materials, types, sizes, and colors. Each roll of Kodiak label stock is sold as a roll with geared plastic end caps. Do not remove these end caps, or the supply will not fit properly in your Kodiak.

When loading label stock, make sure that it is not folded, and lies flat and smooth. This will prevent supply jams during printing.

To load label stock, follow these steps:

1. Squeeze the orange tab on the front adjustable supply holder and slide the holder to the position marked for your supply width. (The adjustable supply holders are paired to move together and keep your supply centered properly.)
2. Hold the roll of label stock so that the end cap with a Kodiak label faces you. Then, rest the gears on the supply’s end caps into the slots on the supply holders.
3. Unlatch the feed roller bar and allow it to raise. (This bar is spring-loaded.) Pull the end of your label stock away from the roll, and under this bar.
4. Check that the leading edge of your label stock is clean, straight, and smooth; if not, use scissors to cut it into a straight line.
5. Slide the adjustable supply guides to keep your label stock between them and under the white rollers, so the label stock remains centered. Continue to feed the label stock under the metal guide, immediately to the left of those supply guides.
6. Lower the feed roller bar and latch it down.

When you finish loading supplies and close the printer lid, Kodiak will automatically detect which type of label stock has been loaded.

Loading Printing Ribbons

The printing ribbons provide the “ink” for the printing process. Each new ribbon is sold as a roll, which can be loaded into a ribbon cartridge; the cartridges are then installed into Kodiak by sliding them into place over the print heads. As labels are printed, the used ribbon will be collected on take-up rolls for later disposal.

There are two print heads, marked with the numbers “1” and “2.” Each print head needs a ribbon cartridge loaded with ribbon and installed properly in order for Kodiak to print. To use only one printing ribbon at a time (for labels with only one printed color), you will need to install one cartridge with ribbon loaded normally, and the blank ribbon cartridge, which is marked with an orange faceplate.

LOADING RIBBON INTO A CARTRIDGE

Start with an empty ribbon cartridge. If your cartridges are already loaded into your Kodiak, you can remove them by unlatching each print head and raising it by lifting its orange tab. When the print head is fully raised, it will lock into place, and you can simply slide the cartridge out by pulling its handle.

To load a new ribbon into a ribbon cartridge, follow these steps:

1. Insert an empty ribbon take-up roll into the slots at the top of the cartridge. Press firmly at each end to click the take-up roll into place.
2. Insert a fresh ribbon roll into the side of cartridge. Align the arrow on the ribbon end cap with the arrow on the side of the cartridge; then, press firmly at each end to click the ribbon into place.
3. Check the edge of the ribbon cartridge just below the fresh roll of ribbon, above the honeycomb pattern. If there is visible residue from previous ribbons, remove it with a cleaning swab or a soft cloth moistened with isopropyl alcohol, and let the cartridge dry before continuing.
4. Find the end of the roll of ribbon. Pull it out, and unwind it around the bottom of the cartridge, and up to the take-up roll. Adhere the ribbon to the take-up roll, using a piece of tape, if needed.
5. Take up any slack in the ribbon by turning the take-up roll. Your cartridge is now ready to install into Kodiak.

INSTALLING A RIBBON CARTRIDGE INTO KODIAK

If a print head is in its lowered position, you will need to raise it in order to install a ribbon cartridge there; unlatch the print head and raise it by lifting its orange tab.

To install a loaded ribbon cartridge into your printer, follow these steps:

1. Holding a loaded ribbon cartridge by its handle, slide the cartridge onto the print head. The loose section of ribbon should fit just below the print head, and the cartridge should slide smoothly on its rails.
2. Gently push the cartridge all the way back, so the number on the print head is visible. You may hear the cartridge click into position.
3. Lower the print head by its orange tab and latch it down.

If you are using a black ribbon along with any other ribbon color, we recommend loading the black ribbon in position 2 (which prints last) for the best possible print quality, and to allow overprinting.

If you are using a white ribbon along with any other ribbon color, we recommend loading the white ribbon in position 1 (which prints first) for the best possible print quality, and to allow white base printing.

If you are using one printing ribbon and one blank ribbon cartridge (marked with an orange faceplate), the blank ribbon cartridge must be loaded in position 1.

When you finish loading supplies and close the printer lid, Kodiak will automatically detect which type of ribbon has been loaded at each print head.

More Support Options

If you have any questions about using your DuraLabel Kodiak printer, get help from Graphic Products’ world-class support team by calling 800-788-5572 or visiting GraphicProducts.com. We’re here to help with all your labeling needs!