Phomemo PM-246 Thermal Label Printer User Manual

1. Product Overview

The Phomemo PM-246 is a high-speed thermal label printer designed for efficient printing of shipping labels and other thermal labels. It offers reliable performance and is compatible with various e-commerce platforms and operating systems, making it an ideal solution for small businesses and individuals requiring fast and clear label output.

Image: Phomemo PM-246 Thermal Label Printer in operation.

This printer is widely used with popular shipping and selling platforms such as UPS WorldShip, Amazon, eBay, Etsy, and Shopify. It also supports creating custom label designs using various software applications.

Image: Printer compatibility with various platforms and design software.

2. Setup Guide

2.1 Unboxing and Components

Before you begin, ensure all components are present in the box:

• Phomemo PM-246 Thermal Label Printer
• Power Adapter
• USB Cable
• USB Flash Drive (with drivers and usage guide)
• 10 extra 4x6 inch test labels

Image: All components included in the Phomemo PM-246 package.

2.2 Physical Connection

Connect the power adapter to the printer and then plug it into a power outlet. Connect the USB cable from the printer to your computer. Ensure the printer is turned on using the power switch.

2.3 Driver Installation

It is crucial to install the correct printer drivers for your operating system. The drivers are provided on the included USB flash drive or can be downloaded from the official Phomemo website.

For Mac Users:

Follow the on-screen instructions to install the Mac driver. You may need to adjust security settings to allow installation from unidentified developers. After installation, add the printer in System Preferences and set up custom paper sizes if needed.

For Windows Users:

Ensure the printer is connected and turned on. Double-click the installer from the USB drive or downloaded file. Follow the installation steps until you receive a success message. After installation, go to 'Devices and Printers' and set 'Label Printer' as the default printer.

2.4 Loading Labels

Open the top cover of the printer. Adjust the paper guides to match the width of your labels. Insert the labels, ensuring they are straight and smooth, with the print side facing up. The printer will automatically catch the label and position it correctly.

Image: Proper setup for both stack and roll type labels with the printer.

2.5 Paper Size Settings

For optimal printing, ensure your label size is correctly configured in your printer settings. The Phomemo PM-246 is compatible with multiple label sizes, ranging from 1.49"-4.72" in width and 1.18"-9.84" in height. The most common size for shipping labels is 4" x 6".

Image: Visual representation of compatible label sizes.

If your required size is not listed, you can create a custom paper size within the printer preferences. Input the exact width and height of your labels.

3. Operating Instructions

3.1 Printing a Label

Once the printer is set up and labels are loaded, you can print directly from your computer. Open the document or label file you wish to print, select the Phomemo Label Printer from your printer options, and click print. Ensure the print preview matches your desired output.

Image: Phomemo PM-246 printer connected to a laptop, ready for printing.

3.2 Label Calibration

To ensure accurate label detection and prevent misprints, calibrate the printer when changing label types or if you experience feeding issues. Press and hold the Feed Button on the printer for 3 seconds, then release. The printer will move the label back and forth to determine the gap size and other properties of your label. Once the label is positioned at the tear-off point, printing can begin.

3.3 Adjusting Print Speed and Density

You can adjust the print speed and density (darkness) through the printer preferences on your computer. The print speed can range from 1-6 inches per second, with a factory default of 5 in/sec. The print density can be set from 0-15, with a factory default of 7 or 8. Adjust these settings to achieve the desired print quality for your labels.

4. Maintenance

4.1 Cleaning the Print Head

Regularly clean the print head to maintain print quality. Turn off the printer and allow the print head to cool. Use an alcohol swab or a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol to gently wipe the print head surface. Allow it to dry completely before closing the cover.

4.2 Cleaning the Platen Roller

The platen roller can accumulate dust or adhesive residue, affecting label feeding. Turn off the printer. Use an alcohol swab or a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with isopropyl alcohol to clean the platen roller. Rotate the roller manually to clean the entire surface. Allow it to dry completely before use.

5. Troubleshooting

5.1 Blank Labels

If the printer is producing blank labels, check the following:

• Ensure the thermal labels are loaded correctly with the print side facing up.
• Verify that the label type setting in your printer preferences (Media Tracking) is set to 'Gap' for gap labels.
• Perform a label calibration as described in Section 3.2.

5.2 Print Quality Issues

If prints are faint, streaky, or unclear:

• Adjust the print density setting to a higher value in printer preferences.
• Clean the print head and platen roller as described in the Maintenance section.
• Ensure you are using high-quality thermal labels.

5.3 Connectivity Problems

If the printer is not responding or connecting to your computer:

• Check that the USB cable is securely connected to both the printer and the computer.
• Try a different USB port on your computer.
• Restart both the printer and your computer.
• Reinstall the printer drivers if necessary.

6. Technical Specifications

7. Warranty and Support

Phomemo products typically come with a standard manufacturer's warranty. Please refer to your purchase documentation or contact Phomemo customer support for specific warranty terms and conditions.

7.1 Additional Resources

For more detailed information, including comprehensive troubleshooting guides and software updates, please refer to the official PDF manuals:

• User Manual (PDF)
• Installation Manual (PDF)
• User Guide (PDF)