* will match any character
*800* will match all products numbers that have a 800 in it
100* will match all product numbers that start with 100
*100 will match all product numbers that end with 100
you do not need to use any special characters such as - or . that may appear in a product number.
Print head Maintenance
PROPER PRINTHEAD CLEANING
from Paragon Print Systems, Inc., the Barcodefactory, www.BarcodeFactory.com Our Resources. Your Solution.®
The residue/build-up that can accumulate through usage on the printhead and bake on the surface will create a barrier to the heat transformation required in producing high quality images. The residue buildup occurs gradually and results in poor print quality that may look like faded print or failed print element(s). This build up is very resistant to cleaning with the cleaning pen, swabs or cloth and is difficult to remove and can cause overdriving, abrasion, and ESD failure modes with the printhead.
One of the most important steps that the user can do to lengthen the printhead life is to properly clean the printhead. The printer needs to be cleaned properly and regularly to extend the printhead life and the process is simple for the user to perform.
Proper Printer Cleaning-
The printer needs to be cleaned properly and regularly (After each ribbon/roll of media is recommended). Please follow the owner'
s manual for the correct cleaning techniques for the printer being used. Depending upon the type of printer you'
ll typically either use a cleaning card, alcohol cleaning swab and/or cleaning pen or cleaning swabs for cleaning the printhead and platen. If using lint free cloth/cleaning swabs and isopropyl alcohol use only 99% purity or greater. To properly remove a stuck label from a label printer please follow the owner'
s manual. The printhead elements are fragile and delicate and must not be put in contact with hard or sharp objects/instruments.
Cleaning requirements: Take care when handling or cleaning the printhead by removing any jewelry that may scratch the printhead and use a grounding strap or anti-static mat (ESD protection) to discharge static electricity that could damage the printhead.
To start, use the cleaning pen or cleaning swab or cloth using isopropyl alcohol 99% or greater.
First, turn off the printer and open the printhead mechanism. Lightly blow or brush away any loose dust and lint particles within the print mechanism (i.e. Platen rollers, and printhead). NEVER use any hard, metallic, or abrasive objects,such as a screwdriver,to remove adhesives or other contaminants that may have built up on the printhead.
Next, press the cleaning pen or swab tip against the printhead and swipe the print elements from end to end. Then, turn the platen rollers (if possible) while wiping them from side to side. Repeat this step until the swab no longer shows dirt.
The cleaning pens must to be replaced when there is evidence of a dirt build-up on the cleaning pen surface (the cleaning pen is typically good for about 10 cleanings). The cleaning swabs, cleaning cloth, and cleaning cards are typically only good for one use to prevent the dirt from these surfaces contacting a printhead, and should be discarded after each use.
Using the Cleaning Film:
The BarcodeFactory.com sells cleaning pads and cleaning cards with the proper level of isopropyl alcohol. This can remove buildup without damaging the printhead. All of the thermal ribbons we sell containing a cleaning card in the beginning of the leader strip with instructions on its use.
What are the benefits of BarcodFactory's cleaning films?
Extends the life of your printhead.
Reduces maintenance downtime and the cost of replacing a printhead.
An inexpensive, easy and quick way to remove contaminants without having to remove the printhead.
HOW OFTEN SHOULD YOU CLEAN THE PRINTHEAD
We recommend between each ribbon change. Paragon Print Systems, Inc., the BarcodeFactory.com sells ribbons containing a cleaning card in the beginning of the leader strip with instructions on its use.
How to Use Cleaning Cards and Cleaning Pads
1. Turn Printer off.
2. Open the printhead; remove media and ribbon from the print mechanism.
3. Swipe the cleaning card over the printhead gently. Do not let your skin come in contact with the head, (oils from the skin can damage the head).
4. Close and latch the printhead.
5. Reload media and ribbon, close and latch the printhead.
If you have any questions contact a technician at Paragon Print Systems, Inc., at 888.237.8525
