Tag Archives: Printhead Cleaning

Video: Zebra Tabletop and Print Engine Printhead Cleaning Procedure

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Video: Zebra Tabletop and Print Engine Printhead Cleaning Procedure

A dirty print head can result in poor heat transfer and a poorly printed image. White streaks can appear if elements are dirty as a result of residue or other buildup on the printhead elements. These deposits could allow heat buildup on the elements and result in premature element failure.
issue / question
This procedure details methods used for • Cleaning the printhead on a Zebra Tabletop or Pax printer • Printhead maintenance and care
applicable to
Zebra Tabletop and Print Engine printers
resolution / answer

Cleaning The Zebra Printhead


Inconsistent print quality such as voids in the bar codes or graphics may indicate a dirty Printhead. For optimum performance, the printhead should be cleaned regularly. Zebra Technologies Corporation recommends performing the cleaning procedure when installing a new Roll of Ribbon or after 3 rolls of label stock.

Note: You are not required to turn off the printer power for this procedure.   Remove all rings, watches, hanging necklaces, identification badges, or other jewelry that could touch the print head or get caught in the printer.  If you turn off the power, you will lose all temporary settings, such as label formats, and you must reload them before you resume printing.
Click here for information on extending the life of your printhead.

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Zebra Tabletop and Print Engine Printhead Cleaning Procedure

Printhead Cleaning Procedure:

1. Open the Printhead by moving the Printhead Lever to the OPEN position.
2. Remove the media and ribbon (if present).
3. Use a cleaning swab (99.7% isopropyl alcohol) and wipe the print elements from end to end. (The print elements are the grayish/ black strip just behind the chrome strip on the underside of the Printhead.) Allow a few seconds for the solvent to evaporate.
4. Rotate the Platen Roller and clean thoroughly with a cleaning swab.
5. Brush or vacuum any accumulated paper lint and dust away from the Rollers
and the Media and Ribbon Sensors.
6. Reload ribbon and/ or media, close and latch the Printhead, restore power
(if necessary) and run the PAUSE Key self test to check print quality.
Click here for Pens and Kits information

Note: Silverline RFID printer printheads must only be cleaned using Save-A-Printhead Cleaning Film shown below.

Helpful Information

Extending the life of your printhead Read More>>

Tough or hardened printhead buildup can be removed using “Save A Printhead” Cleaning Strips  Read More>>
Part Numbers for Save-A-Printhead Cleaning Film Kits. Order kit number: For Printers with Print Widths:

  • 46902  3.0″ – 4.0″  (76 mm–102 mm)
  • 44902  4.0″ – 5.0″ (102 mm – 127 mm)
  • 48902  5.0″ – 6.0″ (127 mm – 152 mm)
  • 38902  6.0″ – 7.0″ (152 mm – 178 mm)
  • 22902  8.0″ – 9.0″ (178 mm – 229 mm)

Cleaning the Printhead

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Cleaning the Printhead

Always use a new cleaning pen on the printhead. (An old pen carries contaminants from its previous uses that may damage the printhead.)
The printhead becomes hot while printing. To protect from damaging the printhead and risk of personal injury, avoid touching the printhead. Use only the cleaning pen to perform maintenance.
When you load new media, you can also clean the printhead.
  • Rub the cleaning pen across the dark area of the printhead. Clean from the middle to the outside. This will move adhesive transferred from the edges of the media to the printhead outside of the media path.
  • Wait one minute before closing the printer.
    When you clean the printer, use one of the following supplies that best suits your needs:
    Cleaning Supplies
    Cleaning Supplies
    Order Quantity
    Intended Purpose
    Cleaning pens (105950-035)
    Set of 12
    Clean printhead
    Cleaning swabs (105909-057)
    Set of 25
    Clean media path, guides and sensors
    You can obtain cleaning supplies at zebra.com/supplies.
    The cleaning process takes just a couple of minutes using the steps outlined below.
    Cleaning Process
    Printer Part
    Method
    Interval
    Printhead
    Allow the printhead to  cool for a minute, then use a new cleaning pen to swab the dark line on the printhead cleaning from the center to the outside edges of the printhead. See Cleaning the Printhead.
    After every roll of media.
    Platen roller
    Remove the platen roller to clean. Clean the roller thoroughly with 90% medical-grade alcohol and a cleaning swab or lint-free cloth. See Platen Cleaning and Replacement.
    As needed.
    Peel bar
    Clean it thoroughly with 90% medical-grade alcohol and a fiber-free cleaning swab. Let alcohol dissipate and the printer dries completely.
    Media path
    Exterior
    Use a water-dampened cloth.
    Interior
    Gently brush out the printer.
    Adhesives and media material can over time transfer onto the printer components along the media path including the platen and printhead. This build-up can accumulate dust and debris. Failure to clean the printhead, media path, and platen roller could result in inadvertent loss of labels, label jams, and possible damage to the printer.
    Using too much alcohol can result in contamination of the electronic components requiring a much longer drying time before the printer will function properly.
Cleaning and Maintenance of Financial Equipment

Maintenance Guide for Printers and Scanners

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Professional Cleaning Solutions: Maintenance for Printers and Scanners

1. Printer Cleaning Paper

Use: Printer cleaning paper is primarily used for the regular maintenance of laser printers and inkjet printers. This cleaning paper can remove dust, toner residue, and paper debris from inside the printer, preventing issues like reduced print quality and paper jams.

Application: Simply place the cleaning paper in the printer’s paper tray and run it through the printer like a normal print job. The cleaning paper will pass through the printer’s rollers and printhead, removing accumulated dirt.

2. Cleaning Cards

Use: Cleaning cards are commonly used to clean magnetic card readers, POS machines, ATMs, and certain types of printers. They can clean the internal magnetic heads and rollers of devices, removing dust and other contaminants.

Application: Insert the cleaning card into the device and follow the device’s operating instructions for cleaning. Cleaning cards typically come pre-moistened with a cleaning solution that effectively dissolves and removes stubborn residues.

3. Cleaning Pens

Use: Cleaning pens are used for precise cleaning of critical areas in printers and scanners, especially the printheads and scan heads. These areas often accumulate fine dust and dirt that can affect print or scan quality if not cleaned regularly.

Application: Use the cleaning pen to gently wipe the surface of the printhead or scan head. Cleaning pens usually have a soft tip with cleaning solution that safely removes dirt from sensitive areas without damaging the equipment.

4. Thermal Printhead Cleaning Products

Use: Thermal printheads are commonly found in thermal printers, such as receipt printers and label printers. These printheads are particularly sensitive to dirt and grease, and if not cleaned regularly, can lead to decreased print quality or even damage the printhead.

Application: Use dedicated thermal printhead cleaning cards, cleaning paper, or cleaning solution to gently wipe the surface of the printhead. These cleaning products are specifically designed to remove residues and grease from thermal printheads, extending their lifespan.

Summary

Professional cleaning solutions for printers and scanners can effectively maintain optimal performance, reduce the likelihood of malfunctions, and extend the equipment’s lifespan. It is recommended to regularly use the above cleaning products according to the device’s usage frequency to ensure consistent print and scan quality.