Brother Printer PT 2040 Manual

The Brother PT-2040 is a compact, portable label printer designed for home, office, and light commercial use. It features a full keyboard, LCD display, multiple tape cassettes, various fonts and symbols, and the ability to print labels for organization, mailing, crafts, and more. Below are key sections covering safety, features, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Unpacking and Setup 3. First-Time Operation 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Functions 6. Loading Tape Cassettes 7. Creating and Printing Labels 8. Advanced Functions 9. Care & Maintenance 10. Regulatory Information 11. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Full keyboard, LCD display, Tape cassette compartment, Cutter, Power adapter port, AC adapter, Starter tape cassette.

Feature	Description
LCD Display	2-line, 16-character display for previewing labels
Keyboard	Full QWERTY layout with special function keys
Tape Cassettes	Supports multiple tape widths (3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm)
Print Resolution	High-resolution printing for clear text and symbols
Fonts & Styles	Multiple fonts, sizes, and text styles (bold, underline, frame)
Symbols & Frames	Built-in symbols and decorative frames
Auto Cutter	Automatic or manual cutting of labels
Power Source	AC adapter or optional battery pack for portability
Memory Function	Store frequently used labels for quick recall
PC Connectivity	Optional cable for connecting to a computer (varies by model)

Unpacking and Setup

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on a clean, stable, flat surface.

Remove all packaging materials from the printer and tape cassettes.
Connect the AC adapter: Plug the adapter into the power port on the side of the printer, then plug into a standard 120V AC outlet.
Load the tape cassette: Open the cassette compartment, insert the starter tape, and close securely.
Power on: Press the POWER button. The LCD should illuminate.

WARNING! Keep small parts away from children. Do not place heavy objects on the printer.

First-Time Operation

After powering on, follow these steps to create your first label.

Select language: Use the FUNCTION key to access settings, then select your language.
Set tape width: The printer will automatically detect the installed tape width.
Type text: Use the keyboard to type your desired label text. It will appear on the LCD.
Format text: Use the FONT, SIZE, and STYLE keys to adjust appearance.
Print: Press the PRINT key. The label will print and advance for cutting.
Cut: Press the CUT button (or it will cut automatically if Auto-Cut is enabled).

CAUTION! Keep fingers away from the cutter mechanism during operation.

Specifications

Model: Brother PT-2040.
Tape Widths Supported: 3.5mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm.
Tape Types: Laminated, non-laminated, fluorescent, reflective.
Print Speed: Approx. 10mm per second.
LCD Display: 2 lines x 16 characters.
Power Requirements: AC adapter (120V, 60Hz) or 6 AA batteries (optional).
Dimensions (WxDxH): Approx. 6.3" x 7.1" x 2.4".
Weight: Approx. 1.8 lbs (without batteries/tape).
Operating Environment: 50°F to 104°F (10°C to 40°C), 20% to 80% humidity (non-condensing).

Controls and Functions

Access functions via the keyboard and LCD menu. Front Panel: POWER, FUNCTION, FONT, SIZE, STYLE, PRINT, CUT.

Key Functions: POWER (On/Off), FUNCTION (access settings/memory), FONT (cycle fonts), SIZE (cycle sizes), STYLE (bold, underline, frame), PRINT (print label), CUT (cut tape), ARROW keys (navigation), DEL (delete), SHIFT (alternate characters).

Settings Menu (via FUNCTION key): Language, Auto-Cut (On/Off), Mirror printing, Length settings, Memory recall, Factory reset.

Loading Tape Cassettes

Ensure the printer is powered off before changing tape.

Open the cassette cover by pressing the release button and lifting the lid.
Remove any existing cassette by lifting it out.
Insert the new tape cassette, aligning the notches. The printing side should face down.
Close the cover firmly until it clicks.
Power on. The LCD will show the detected tape width.

Tip: Use only Brother-approved TZe tape cassettes. Do not force a cassette that does not fit.

Creating and Printing Labels

Supports text, symbols, sequential numbering, and decorative frames.

Type text: Use the keyboard. Press SHIFT for symbols and special characters.
Format: Use FONT, SIZE, and STYLE keys to customize.
Preview: The LCD shows a preview of the label.
Print: Press PRINT. The label prints and feeds out.
Cut: If Auto-Cut is off, press CUT to cut the label.
Sequential Numbering: Use the NUMBER function (under FUNCTION key) to create numbered labels.
Frames: Access frames via the FUNCTION > FRAME menu.

WARNING! Do not pull the tape during printing. Allow the cutter to operate fully.

Advanced Functions

Memory: Store up to 9 labels in memory for quick recall (FUNCTION > MEMORY). Mirror Printing: Print reversed text for application on glass or windows. Length Setting: Manually set a fixed label length. Factory Reset: Restore all settings to default (FUNCTION > SETTINGS > RESET).

Care & Maintenance

Unplug power before cleaning. Use a soft, dry cloth to wipe the exterior. For the cutter blade, use a dry cotton swab to gently remove any adhesive residue. Do not use liquids, aerosols, or abrasive cleaners.

CAUTION! Never insert objects into the tape slot or cutter. Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class B digital device; complies with interference limits for residential use. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit www.brother-usa.com or contact Brother Customer Service at 1-877-276-8437. This product uses thermal printing technology; no ink or toner is required.

Troubleshooting

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Power connection/batteries	Ensure AC adapter is plugged in securely or install fresh batteries.
Nothing prints	Tape cassette/cover	Ensure tape cassette is installed correctly and cover is fully closed.
Print is faint or missing	Tape type/print head	Use correct tape; clean print head with dry cotton swab (power off).
Tape jams or doesn't feed	Misaligned cassette	Power off, open cover, remove and reinsert tape cassette.
Cutter doesn't cut	Auto-Cut setting/obstruction	Check Auto-Cut setting; ensure no tape debris is blocking the blade.
LCD is blank	Power/contrast	Check power; adjust LCD contrast in SETTINGS menu.

Reset: FUNCTION > SETTINGS > RESET ALL to restore factory defaults.

Service: 1-877-276-8437; www.brother-usa.com