M.printer.write(s)

Description: Sends data to the printer. Returns true if successful, false on error.

Syntax: local ok = M.printer.write(s)

Input:  s (string)
Returns: boolean

Supported in MASSO software v5.13 & API Version: 1.0.0

Formats & Protocols: 

• You can send raw data in the printer's native language.
• **ZPL** (Zebra Programming Language) — common on Zebra thermal label printers.
• **PCL / PCL5 / PCL XL (PCL6)** — common on HP LaserJet and many office printers.
• Others, if your device supports them (e.g., ESC/POS, PDF direct, HP?GL/2 within PCL).

ZPL Example — 4x6" label with Title, QR Code, and Fields: 

-- Build a simple 4x6 inch label
local job_id  = "JOB-12345"
local customer = "ACME Pty Ltd"
local part   = "Panel A - Ø6.35"
local url   = "https://docs.masso.com.au/job/JOB-12345"

-- ZPL notes:
-- ^XA ... ^XZ : start/end label
-- ^PW : label width in dots (e.g., 4" at 203dpi = 812)
-- ^LH : label home (origin)
-- ^FOx,y : field origin
-- ^A0 : font A
-- ^FD : field data
-- ^FS : end of field
-- ^BQN,2,10 : QR code, Model 2, mag 10 (tune to printer)
-- ^FDLA,<data> : QR data (LA = Automatic input mode)

local zpl = table.concat({
 "^XA",
 "^PW812",       -- 4" @ 203dpi
 "^LH0,0",

 -- Title
 "^FO50,40^A0N,60,60^FDMASSO Label^FS",

 -- QR Code block
 "^FO520,40",
 "^BQN,2,8",      -- QR: model 2, magnification 8
 "^FDLA,"..job_id.."|"..url.."^FS",

 -- Fields
 "^FO50,140^A0N,40,40^FDJob:^FS",
 "^FO180,140^A0N,40,40^FD"..job_id.."^FS",

 "^FO50,200^A0N,40,40^FDCustomer:^FS",
 "^FO250,200^A0N,40,40^FD"..customer.."^FS",

 "^FO50,260^A0N,40,40^FDPart:^FS",
 "^FO180,260^A0N,40,40^FD"..part.."^FS",

 -- Footer timestamp (from system clock if desired)
 -- e.g., pre-generate with M.sys.get_clock_time()
 "^FO50,340^A0N,30,30^FDRuntime:^FS",
 "^FO200,340^A0N,30,30^FD"..string.format("%02d:%02d:%02d", 0, 12, 33).."^FS",

 "^XZ"
}, "
")

local ok = M.printer.write(zpl)
if not ok then
 M.gui.show_message("Printer", "ZPL send failed")
end

PCL Example

PCL devices (e.g., HP LaserJet) accept escape sequences. Below is a minimal PCL5 text example. Note that QR codes are not native to PCL5; for 2D codes you can either: (a) render a raster image and embed it, (b) use PCL XL (PCL6) with suitable soft fonts, or (c) print via ZPL on a Zebra. 

M.gui.show_message(“Hello, World!”,”Welcome to MASSO Custom Scripts”)


M.printer.write(“\027%-12345X@PJL ENTER LANGUAGE=PCL \027E \ 027&l26A \027&a15H\027(s1p37v0s0b4099T”)
M.printer.write(“\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nHello, World!\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\nWelcome to “)
M.printer.write(“\027(s3BMASSO\027(s0B”)
M.printer.write(“ Custom Scripts”)
M.printer.write(“\027%-12345X”)