Hallo all,

we use an network Zebra 170 Xiii Plus for label printing.

Labels are developed with EFSTech LaserNet v6 application, which uses Zebra Windows drivers for print processing.
The forms aren't ZPL coded - the applications handles it in own way using emf files for overlays, all other data (form objects, fonts, positioning, etc.) is stored in XML format.
It uses Windows True Type fonts for defining all label descriptions and an ActiveX components for barcodes (instead of barcode fonts).

The application generates separate spool output files for every single label pages.
At the end the print output of the application is probably stored as image/picture data and sended to printer (spool file size range is 40kb-180kb, content depending).

Now we have a hugh problem with the print speed of our Zebra.
When we send a batch of label spools to the printer, the processing takes much longer as using ZPL (which was the case in the v5 if LaserNet application).
Our printer needs about 3-5 seconds to start printing the 1st label and there is also a delay of 5-6 seconds between following labels.

Actually I've consulted the Zebra knowledge base and they recommend several solutions, but they mainly talk about using ZPL.
We're not able to handle it with the LaserNet application.

Downloading fonts to the printer (either as True Type or Bitmat font) causes repositioning and resizing of text objects, the printing speed decreases also.

For the network connection we use an simple HP JetDirect 170X printbox, but there is no issue with that - the network troughoutput is excellent.

Since our printer uses only the standard 2MB flash memory with an additional 12MB SDRAM, the next idea is to upgrade the memory.
But we are not sure if it will bring the desired speed up fo the printer (it's a budget issue - Zebra maintenance and additonal hardware is expensive enough ;D).

So my question is - does anybody here has similar experiences as we have and can recommend some solutions (i.e. concerning the memory upgrade) ?

Thank you very much in andvance !!

 

stage 1
Connect the printer directly to a pc, and eliminate the network as an issue. If the problem persists, you can rule out the network.

Stage 2 ...........