We are often asked at NORDFOTO Versand are often asked what the “rewind function” is all about, a feature mentioned in connection with some photo printers (such as the CITIZEN CX-02 Compact, DNP DS 620, or MITSUBISHI CP D90 DW-P). So here’s a brief explanation:
With most photo printers that use the dye-sublimation process (often simply referred to as thermal printers ), you have to change the print media depending on the desired image size. This also applies to the 10×15 and 15×20 cm formats—even though the paper rolls are 15 cm wide in both cases and the paper is automatically cut to 10 or 20 cm, depending on the desired image format.
The reason for this is the ink ribbon, on which the three consecutive ink panels are 10 cm long in one instance and 20 cm long in another.
In many photo production settings, changing media isn’t a big deal, but if you have to switch formats frequently (for example, when using an instant print service at a photo shop), it becomes an issue. Clever manufacturers have therefore come up with a solution and offer thermal printers that allow you to print 10×15 and 15×20 photos without having to change the media. This is achieved through the rewind function: You always use ribbon designed for the 15×20 cm format. When printing a 10×15 image, only half of the 15×20 area is used; the ribbon is then rewound, and the second half of the 15×20 area is used for the next 10×15 print.
If you look at the thermal printers that offer this feature, you’ll notice that—despite the rewind function—there are media sets available for 10×15-inch photos. Why is that? Because the advantage of the technology described above can also be a disadvantage. Namely, when you’re printing only 10×15-size photos in a single job. In this case, due to the rewinding process and depending on how the printer operates, the print job takes longer than with comparable devices without a rewinding function that use 10×15-size media.