Rollback Technology

Rollback technology allows a Dye Sub Printer to print smaller images on larger media without wasting unused media. This is usually a benefit when printing 6×4 images on 6×8 media.

What is Rollback Technology

When a photo printer prints a smaller image than the media is designed for the unused media is wasted. This usually happens when 6×4 prints are being printed using 6×8 media. Rollback (or rewind) Technology rewinds the ribbon to reuse the unused ink ribbon.

This Technology isn’t available on all printers or with all media.

Dye Sub Print Media

Dye Sublimation Photo Print Media is available in variety of print sizes, it is easy to load into your Photo Printer and the cost per print… [Read More]

The Rollback (or rewind) feature works by remembering which parts of the ribbon were only partly used when you print different image sizes (using 6×4 photos on a 6×8 ribbon.)

When you then print another 6×4 print, the printer will rewind the ribbon until the unused part is located and use that part of the ribbon, so avoiding wastage.

Rollback Technology uses the same Dye Sublimation Media as the rollback functionality is built into the printer and not the media.

Note: Some Print Modes may disable the Rollback feature and Rollback does not work if the media is changed. Rollback will typically rollback one 6×8 print to use an existing unused 6×4 print.

Mitsubishi was the first company to use this technology in a compact Dye Sublimation Photo Printer.

Video showing how Rollback works.