Printing apparatus and a control method therefor

Abstract

A printing apparatus capable of using recording media of different widths expands the range of print head movement while limiting the movement of the mask plate, which press the recording media against a platen, to within the area of the recording media, thereby preventing interference between the mask plate and the recording media, as a means of assuring the minimum print head travel required to sufficiently advance the ink ribbon or prevent overheating of the print head. Said printing apparatus comprises an insertion opening to which the recording media is inserted with one side guided by one predetermined side of the insertion opening; a print head for printing on the recording media by means of an ink ribbon disposed between the print head and recording media while moving across the recording media; a masking means moving with the print head between the ink ribbon and recording media across the recording media; a movement range determination means for determining the range of print head movement for printing based on the print data input from a host system; a range limit storing means for storing the limit of print head movement referenced to the one side of the insertion opening within which the mask plate moves within the recording media; and a movement range expansion means for setting an expanded range of print head movement that is greater than the print head movement for printing and within the limit of print head movement.