Quick Answer
The Sony UP-991AD and UP-990AD are large-format (210mm) monochrome thermal printers. Loading paper is quick: press the OPEN/CLOSE button to open the paper door, remove any cleaning sheet, seat the 210mm roll with the printing side toward the head, close the door, and confirm the paper-type setting. For the high-density UPP-210HD media, the drop-in equivalent is Durico 2100HD (210mm × 25m) — built to the same spec at roughly 25–30% less than Sony OEM.
Which Paper These Printers Use
The UP-970 / 971 / 990 / 991AD large-format family runs 210mm-wide thermal paper. For the high-density grade — Sony UPP-210HD — Durico's equivalent is the ULSTAR-2100HD:
| Sony OEM paper | Grade | Compatible Durico equivalent | Spec |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPP-210HD | High-density (Type II) | Durico ULSTAR-2100HD | 210mm × 25m |
Durico 2100HD is the UPP-210HD equivalent for the Sony UP-970 / 971 / 990 / 991AD printers. It's FDA-registered, ISO 13485 certified, and self-manufactured in South Korea. (This grade is Sony-only — there is no Mitsubishi equivalent.)
Step-by-Step: Loading Paper in the UP-991AD / UP-990AD
Step 1 — Open the paper door
With the printer powered on, press the OPEN/CLOSE button. The paper door opens to expose the tray. If a protective cleaning sheet is in the path from a previous roll or first use, remove it.
Step 2 — Prep the 210mm roll
Remove the sealing label from the leading edge and pull out enough paper to reach past the roller. Clearing the label first prevents adhesive from transferring into the paper path and marking prints.
Step 3 — Seat the roll
Set the 210mm roll in the tray so the printing (thermal-coated) side faces the head, following the diagram inside the unit. Thermal paper images on one side only — if prints come out blank, the roll is reversed.
Step 4 — Close and confirm the paper type
Press the door closed until it latches. Then confirm the printer's paper-type setting matches your media: for UPP-210HD (and the Durico 2100HD equivalent), set the paper type to HD (shown as P.TYPE:HD on Sony's menu). Matching the setting to the grade keeps density and contrast correct.
If Prints Look Wrong
- Blank prints: the roll is loaded upside down — thermal paper only images on the coated side. Reload it the other way.
- Density or contrast off: check the paper-type setting is on HD for high-density media.
- Misfeeds: confirm you're running true 210mm media. Durico 2100HD matches Sony's 210mm × 25m spec exactly.
A Note on Paper Quality
Sony's manual advises using only paper designed for the unit — low-grade thermal stock can leave residue on the head and fade over time. Durico is engineered to the same specification as Sony UPP-210HD, with a built-in anti-electrostatic layer to protect the head and foil-sealed rolls for shelf stability. You get OEM-equivalent results at a lower cost per roll.
Order Large-Format Paper for Your Sony Printer
- \U0001F6D2 Durico ULSTAR-2100HD (210mm × 25m, 5-roll box) — the UPP-210HD equivalent for UP-970/971/990/991AD
More on this line: paper for the Sony UP-970/971/990/991AD. Confirm your model in the Compatibility Guide.
About Morgan Hayes
Morgan Hayes is the imaging supply specialist behind Precision Imaging Supply's resource center. With over a decade tracking the medical thermal printing market, Morgan helps imaging departments, OB/GYN clinics, veterinary practices, and independent ultrasound centers navigate the maze of printer-and-paper compatibility — including the Durico drop-in alternatives that save practices 30–50% versus OEM Sony media without compromising print quality.