Printing method including a print head mounted on a structure by a coupling fastener wherein a resilient spacer is placed between the structure and the head

A printing apparatus (10,Fig.1) includes a printing station (11), a print head 12 with an array 13 of heating elements, and a path (16) which feeds thermal carrier ribbon 18 through the station past the head. The apparatus also includes a backing member 22 (e.g. an anvil) and a substrate 20 being positioned in use between the backing member and the ribbon. The head is mounted by a structure 25 for linear movement towards and away from the substrate. One of the structure and the head includes a part (not shown) which projects towards the other and during printing engages with the other of the structure and the head. A resilient spacer 31 is positioned between the structure and the head which allows resiliently resisted movement between the structure and the head with the projecting part engaged with the other of the structure and the head. The structure and the head are coupled together by a fastener(s) 30. Several other inventions are disclosed, including: the backing member being movable with the print head during printing; sensing a thickness of the substrate and moving the print head accordingly; and converting the apparatus to print in an opposite printing direction by replacing the supply and take-up spools with respective take-up and supply spools.