Niimbot K3/K3W Smart Label Printer User Manual

1. Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the NIIMBOT K3/K3_W Smart Label Printer. This thermal printer produces images by heating the label paper and does not require ink or carbon powder. Our label printers are designed to last and come with an after-sales service guarantee. Before use, please take a few minutes to read the operating and care instructions.

1.1 Package Contents

The package for your Niimbot K3/K3W Smart Label Printer includes the following items:

• Smart Label Printer x1
• Label Paper Roll x1
• Product Manual x1
• USB Data Cable x1
• Power Cord x1
• Power Supply Unit x1

Figure 1: Package Contents

2. Safety Notice and Precautions

Before using the printer, read the following precautions to avoid personal injury or damage to the device.

2.1 Precautions

• Place this product on a flat, stable surface.
• If you notice any unusual odors, heat, smoke, changes in color, deformation, or any other issues while using this product, immediately unplug the power cord and discontinue use.
• Do not disassemble this product. For inspections or repairs, please contact the official customer service.
• Do not drop, throw, hit, or handle this product improperly.
• Do not allow the printer to come into contact with water.
• Before cleaning this product, make sure the power is off and remove the power cord from the socket to avoid electric shock or fire.
• Do not use paint thinner, benzene, alcohol, or any other organic solvents to clean this product as it may damage the surface. Use a soft, dry cloth instead.
• Always use official, genuine NIIMBOT labels. This product warranty does not cover any malfunctions or damage caused by third-party labels.
• Do not expose label rolls to direct sunlight, high temperatures, high humidity or dust. Store them in a cool, dark place.

2.2 Safety Warnings

• The printhead generates heat. To avoid the risk of burns, do not touch the printhead or the surrounding components during or immediately after printing.
• Do not touch the printhead and connectors, as this may generate static electricity and damage the printhead.
• The tearing device has a sharp edge. To avoid injury, do not touch the tearing device with your fingers or other body parts.

3. Product Overview

3.1 Product Functions

Figure 2: External Components

Figure 3: Internal Components

3.2 Button Functions

3.3 Indicator Light

4. Installation and Use

4.1 Connecting the Power Supply

1. Confirm that the printer power switch is in the off (O) position.
2. Connect the power cord to the printer's DC power socket.
3. Plug the other end of the power cord into a suitable AC power outlet.
4. If the AC power outlet is switched on, the power indicator light will turn blue.

Figure 4: Power Connection

Note:

• Please use the official power adapter included with the printer to avoid damaging the product or causing other hazards.
• If you do not plan to use the printer for an extended period, disconnect the power cord.

4.2 Loading Label Paper

1. Facing the front of the device, press the compartment release button to lift the paper compartment cover.
   

   Note: Do not touch the cutting blade with your finger - risk of injury!

2. Adjust the label roll so that the printing surface will face up when passing through the print (drive) roller. Pull the guides open with your free hand, then place the label roll on the roll holder and release the guides. Make sure the label roll can rotate freely.
   

   Note: Do not place the label roll at the bottom of the paper compartment.

   

   Figure 5: Reel-less Paper Bin Design

   

   Figure 6: Label Paper Placement Options

3. Thread the label paper through the guides.
4. Close the paper compartment cover and press down until it clicks into place.

Note:

• If the label paper does not pass through the guides, the printed text will be offset.
• If you do not pull the label paper out of the printer, this will result in a paper output error and you will not be able to print.

4.3 Software Downloads

To use this product, you will need to download the appropriate software.

4.3.1 Download Computer Version

Visit the software downloads page on NIIMBOT's official website (www.niimbot.com) to download and install the computer version of "NIIMBOT."

4.3.2 Download Mobile App

The NIIMBOT app is available from Google Play and the App Store on Apple devices.

Figure 7: NIIMBOT App Features and Download Options

More instructions can be viewed in the NIIMBOT app under: Sign in to NIIMBOT > Me > Help Center > Hardware.

4.4 Connecting External Devices

4.4.1 USB Connection

This printer can be connected to an external device with a USB Type-B cable.

Installation steps:

1. Turn off the printer (O).
2. Connect the USB data cable to the USB port on the back of the printer, then connect the printer.
3. Turn on the printer.

4.4.2 Bluetooth Connection

1. Press the power switch to turn on the printer.
2. Open the "NIIMBOT" app.
3. Select the printer and follow the onscreen prompts to pair the printer with your device.

4.4.3 Wi-Fi Connection (K3_W only)

To connect from the mobile app:

1. Turn on the printer.
2. Open the "NIIMBOT" app.
3. Follow the onscreen prompts to establish a connection.

To connect from a computer:

1. Turn on the printer.
2. Connect the printer to your computer using a USB data cable.
3. Open the "NIIMBOT" computer app.
4. Follow the onscreen prompts to establish a connection.

4.5 Installing the Windows Driver

4.5.1 Downloading the Driver

Navigate to the official NIIMBOT website (www.niimbot.com), and select Download Center - Third-Party Driver Downloads to obtain the driver for installation.

4.5.2 Installing the Driver

1. Select the printer model (K3 or K3_W) from the list.
2. Select the USB option to connect the printer to the computer with a USB cable.
3. Once connected, the computer will automatically display the USB port.
4. The driver is now successfully installed.

5. Printer Maintenance

Regular maintenance is required in order to ensure optimal printing results.

Note:

• Before cleaning the printer, turn off the power and remove the power cord.

5.1 Cleaning the Device Exterior

Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe dust and stains off the device. For stubborn stains, use a slightly damp cloth.

Note:

• Do not use paint thinner, benzene, alcohol or any other organic solvent, as these may cause deformation or damage to the printer housing.

5.2 Cleaning the Printhead

1. Before cleaning the printhead, switch off the printer and disconnect the power supply.
2. Rub a cleaning pen across the dark area of the printhead. Clean from the middle to the outside to move adhesive transferred from the edges of the printhead outside of the label path.
3. Wait one minute to allow the printer to dry, then close the compartment cover.

Note:

• The printhead becomes hot while printing. To avoid damaging the printhead and prevent personal injury, do not touch the printhead.

5.3 Cleaning the Sensor

ESD warning: The discharge of electrostatic energy that accumulates on the surface of the human body can damage the printhead or electronic components used in this device. Always observe static-safe procedures when working with the printhead or the electronic components under the top cover.

1. Dust may accumulate on the sensor. Gently brush away dust; if necessary, use a dry swab. If adhesives or other contaminates remain, remove them using an alcohol moistened swab.
2. Use a dry swab to remove any residue that may be left from the first cleaning.
3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 as required until all residue and streaks are removed from the sensor.
4. Wait one minute to allow the printer to dry, then close the compartment or insert a label roll.

5.4 Cleaning and Replacing the Print Roller

1. Open the compartment cover and remove the label paper.
2. Press the tabs on the left and right sides out, then rotate them up.
3. Lift the print roller out of the printer's bottom frame.
4. Use a cleaning swab dipped in alcohol or a lint free cloth to clean the print roller, cleaning from the center toward the outer edges. Repeat this process until the surface of the print roller is completely clean. If there is heavy adhesive build-up or labels are jammed, repeat with a new swab to remove residual contaminates.
5. Insert the print roller back into the printer's bottom frame.
6. Rotate the tabs back and snap them into place.
7. Wait one minute to allow the printer to dry, then close the compartment or insert a label roll.

6. Troubleshooting

6.1 Solid Red Indicator Light

6.2 Cannot Find Printer with Bluetooth

6.3 Cannot Find Printer with USB Connection

6.4 Cannot Find Printer with Wi-Fi

6.5 Printer Does Not Print or Stops Printing

6.6 Printing Is Not Clear

6.7 No Content Printed on Labels

6.8 Paper Feed Error

7. Specifications

8. Label Paper

For best results, we recommend using official NIIMBOT supplies. Our specially designed label products improve print performance and prevent premature wear of the printhead.

8.1 Verifying Label Compatibility

1. With ordinary thermal label paper, you can scratch the print surface of the medium with a fingernail or pen cap.
2. Official NIIMBOT thermal label paper offers improved thermal-resistant and waterproof performance.
3. Use a lighter to heat up the paper to test whether any black marks appear on the label paper.

Note:

• If a black mark appears on the paper, then the label is made from a thermal material and is supported by this printer.
• If there is no black mark, then the label is a thermal transfer label and requires the use of a carbon ribbon, which is not supported by this printer.

8.2 Label Type

Figure 8: Multiple Label Types/Sizes

9. User Tips

• Label Compatibility: Niimbot K3 printers are only compatible with Niimbot K3 label paper. Using other Niimbot models' labels may lead to printing issues.
• Connectivity: The K3 model supports Bluetooth and USB connections, while the K3_W model additionally supports Wi-Fi for enhanced wireless printing capabilities.
• Versatile Applications: This printer is designed for personal work management and can be used across various industries such as retail, logistics, and jewelry for printing price tags, barcodes, shipping labels, and more.
• Durable Labels: The recommended Niimbot K3 labels are waterproof, oil-proof, anti-scratch, and tear-resistant, ensuring longevity and readability.
• High Speed: Enjoy print speeds of up to 180 mm/sec, capable of producing approximately 20,000 labels per hour, making it significantly faster than portable labelers.

10. Warranty and Support

Wuhan Jingchen Intelligent Identification Technology Co., Ltd.

Support Email: service@niimbot.com

Official Website: www.niimbot.com

Manufacturer's Address: No. 5, Creative Workshop, Creative World, Yezhihu West Road, Hongshan District, Wuhan, China

© 2024 NIIMBOT. All Rights Reserved.

NIIMBOT is a brand under Wuhan Jingchen Intelligent Identification Technology Ltd.

For further assistance, please refer to the User Manual (PDF).