Cleaning the Printhead. Datamax h-class h-8308p

5.2.1 Cleaning the Printhead

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 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. Visit our website at http://www.datamax-oneil.com

to learn more.

Certified Datamax-O’Neil – The worry free choice

for optimal printer performance.

Cotton Swab Procedure

(for users of direct thermal media, or thermal transfer media with wax ribbon):

Turn OFF the Power Switch and unplug the printer. Raise the cover, then raise the

Printhead Assembly and wait briefly for the printhead to cool.

B. Remove media and ribbon. Using a Cotton Swab moistened (not soaked) with isopropyl alcohol, thoroughly clean the printhead.

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C. Allow the printhead to dry. Reinstall media (and ribbon, if needed). Plug in the printer and turn ON the Power Switch. Run a few sample labels and examine them. If streaking is still present, use Cleaning Card Procedure, below; otherwise, this completes cleaning.

Cleaning Card Procedure

(for users of direct thermal media, or thermal transfer media

with wax/resin ribbon combinations; also for unsuccessful Cotton Swab cleaning attempts):

A. Raise the cover, then raise the Printhead Assembly and wait briefly for the

printhead to cool.

B. Remove media and ribbon then place a Cleaning Card under the printhead. (Part number 70-2013-01 for 4-inch cards; and, 70-2014-01 for 6-inch cards)

C. Close and lock the Printhead Latch and disengage the Leveling Cam.

D. Close the cover then navigate to Menu>Tools>Maintenance>Cleaning. Then select

“Clean Now”.

E. 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

(for users of thermal transfer media and resin ribbon, when printing with a Heat Value of 22 or higher, or when other methods prove unsuccessful):

A. Raise the cover, then raise the Printhead Assembly and wait briefly for the

printhead to cool.

B. Remove media and ribbon then place a sheet of Cleaning Film under the printhead.

(Part number 70-2087-01 for 4-inch film; 70-2087-02 for 6-inch film; and, 70-2087-

03 for 8-inch film)

C. Close and lock the Printhead Latch and disengage the Leveling Cam.

D. Close the cover then navigate to Menu>Tools>Maintenance>Cleaning. Then select

“Clean Now”.

E. After the cleaning film has been run through the printer, turn OFF the Power Switch and unplug the printer. Open the cover then raise the Printhead Assembly 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.

F. 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 5.3.

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