Quick Answer
Loading paper in the Sony UP-D897MD takes under a minute: press the OPEN button to release the door, remove the label from the leading edge of the roll, pull out about 15–20 cm (6–8 in) of paper, set the roll in the tray, and push the door closed. The same procedure works with Durico 1100HD and the other Durico grades — drop-in 110mm replacements for Sony UPP-110 paper at roughly 25–30% lower cost.
Before You Start: Which Paper Belongs in a UP-D897MD?
The Sony UP-D897MD is a direct thermal printer — no ink, no toner. The image is formed by the thermal head heating the coated surface of the paper, so the media you load matters as much as any setting. Sony specifies three 110mm paper types for the UP-895/897/898 family, and each has a Durico-compatible equivalent built to the same specification:
| Sony OEM paper | Type | Compatible Durico equivalent | Spec |
|---|---|---|---|
| UPP-110S (standard/matte) | Type I | Durico 1100S | 110mm × 20m |
| UPP-110HD (high-density) | Type II | Durico 1100HD | 110mm × 20m |
| UPP-110HG (high-gloss) | Type V | Durico 1100HG | 110mm × 18m |
OEM — original equipment manufacturer, meaning Sony-branded — paper and the Durico equivalents load exactly the same way, because Durico rolls share the same 110mm width, core, and thermal sensitivity class. Durico media is manufactured in South Korea in an FDA-registered, ISO 13485-certified facility. Unsure which finish fits your clinic? The breakdown of UPP-110HG vs. 110HD vs. 110S walks through the choice.
Step-by-Step: Loading Paper in the Sony UP-D897MD
These steps follow Sony's Instructions for Use for the UP-D897. Once you've done it twice, it takes well under a minute.
Step 1 — Press the OPEN button
With the printer powered on, press the OPEN button. The door releases and swings open to expose the paper tray. If the unit was out of paper, the display will indicate an empty state — that's expected.
Step 2 — Prep the new roll
Remove the sealing label from the leading edge of the roll, then pull out about 15–20 cm (6–8 in) of paper before seating it. Removing the label first matters: leftover adhesive on the leading edge can transfer into the paper path and streak your prints.
Step 3 — Set the roll in the tray
Place the roll into the tray so the paper feeds from the correct side with the printing (thermal-coated) surface positioned toward the head, as shown by the diagram inside the unit. Thermal paper only images on one side — if prints come out blank, the roll is in backwards. Keep the leading edge fed out over the roller.
Step 4 — Close the door
Push the door closed until it latches. The printer grips the leading edge automatically. That's it — the unit is ready to print.
If a Print Comes Out Blank or Streaky
- Blank prints: the roll is loaded upside down. Thermal paper images on one side only — flip the roll so the coated surface faces the head.
- Streaks or marks down the print: check that no label adhesive was left on the leading edge, and that the thermal head is clean.
- Paper jams or misfeeds: confirm you're running true 110mm media. Off-spec width or the wrong core can misfeed — Durico rolls match Sony's 110mm spec exactly.
A Note on Paper Quality
Sony's manual advises using only paper designed for the unit, and there's a real reason: low-grade thermal stock can leave residue on the thermal head and fade over time. Durico is engineered to the same specification as Sony UPP-110 media — a built-in anti-electrostatic layer helps protect the head, a five-layer construction holds consistent black density, and every roll is individually foil-sealed. You get OEM-equivalent results without the OEM price.
Order Compatible Paper for Your Sony UP-D897MD
Match your grade and check out online — no procurement calls:
- \U0001F6D2 Durico 1100HD (High-Density) — everyday high-density prints
- \U0001F6D2 Durico 1100S (Standard) — most economical
- \U0001F6D2 Durico 1100HG (High-Gloss) — highest contrast, also fits Mitsubishi P93/P95
All three are FDA-registered, ISO 13485 certified, and 25–30% less per roll than Sony OEM, with an extra 10% off on Subscribe & Save.
Need to confirm your model first? Use the Compatibility Guide, or see What Thermal Paper Works with the Sony UP-D897MD for the full compatibility rundown.
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.
Related guide: How to load paper in the Sony UP-D898MD — same 110mm UP-895/897/898 paper family.