Cleaning the Printhead. Datamax Mark III E-4206L, E-4206L, Mark III E-4305L, Mark III E-4206P, E-4305A, E-Class Mark III Professional+, E-4206P, E-Class Mark III, Mark III E-4305P

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2 C l l l e a n i i i n g t t h e P r r i i i n t t h e a d

Never use a sharp, hard, or abrasive object on the printhead.

If print quality declines (symptoms can include unreadable bar codes or streaks through text and graphics), the typical cause is debris buildup on the printhead which, left unattended, can lead to premature dot failure.

Depending upon the supplies and printing parameters used, different cleaning methods are recommended.

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Streaks can indicate a dirty or a faulty printhead.

Proper cleaning is critical. To maintain peak performance of the printer,

Datamax-O’Neil offers a complete line of cleaning products including pens, cards, films and swabs. To learn more visit our website .

Cotton Swab Procedure

If printing with direct thermal media or thermal transfer media with wax ribbon, clean the printhead as follows:

1) Turn OFF the power switch and unplug the printer. Open the printer. Wait briefly for the

printhead to cool.

2) Remove any installed media and ribbon. Using a Cotton Swab moistened (not soaked) with isopropyl alcohol, thoroughly clean the Printhead.

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 Cotton Swab with Solvent

 Printhead

Chapter 5 – Maintenance Adjustments

Cleaning Card Procedure

If printing with direct thermal media, thermal transfer media with wax/resin ribbon combinations, or if the

Cotton Swab technique was not successful, clean the printhead as follows:

1) Open the printer. Wait briefly for the Printhead to cool.

2) Remove media and ribbon then place a Cleaning Card under the Printhead (part number 70-2013-

01).

3) Close the cover then press the button to initiate cleaning.

4) After the cleaning card has been run through the printer, reinstall media (and ribbon, if needed).

Plug in and turn ON the printer. Run a few sample labels and examine them. If streaking is still present, use the Cleaning Film Procedure, below; otherwise, this completes cleaning.

Cleaning Film Procedure

If printing with thermal transfer media and resin ribbon, when printing with a Heat Value of 22 or higher, or when other methods prove unsuccessful, clean the printhead as follows:

1) Open the printer. Wait briefly for the Printhead to cool..

2) Remove media and ribbon then place a sheet of Cleaning Film under the Printhead (part number

70-2087-01).

3) Close the cover then press button to initiate cleaning.

4) After the cleaning film has been run through the printer, turn OFF the Power Switch and unplug the printer. Open the cover and wait briefly for the Printhead to cool. Using a cotton swab moistened (not soaked) with isopropyl alcohol, clean the Printhead then allow it to dry.

5) Reinstall media (and ribbon, if needed). Plug in and turn ON the printer. Run a few sample labels and examine them. If streaking is still present, the Printhead may need to be replaced; see

Section 5.5

Chapter 5 – Maintenance and Adjustments 55