Microcom 428LT, Operator'S Manual

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Printer Maintenance Chapter 10
10-2 428LT Operator’s Manual- 880040-0200
10.2 Thermal Printer Cleaning Card
Any decline in print quality, voids or dropout areas in bar codes and/or graphics may
indicate that the print head is dirty and needs to be cleaned. The necessary cleaning
materials may be purchased through Microcom Corporation by contacting your sales
representative and ordering the
Cleaning Kit, part # 040005-0000 . Also, ask your Sales
Representative about Thermal cleaning pens or the many types of pre-moistened cleaning
swabs available.
The print head should be cleaned after every roll of media or after every 512 feet of fanfold
media (a typical stack of tag or fanfold media is approximately 3,200 tags).
A thermal printer card is the quickest and easiest way to clean the print head, drive roller,
and peel edge all at the same time. Follow the steps below for the proper cleaning
procedure.
1. Remove any installed media.
2. Dampen both sides, on one end, of the cleaning card with isopropyl alcohol.
3. Open the printhead assembly and insert the cleaning card into the paper path so that
the cleaning card exits the front of the printer.
Figure 10-1 Inserting Cleaning Card
4. Close the print head assembly and hold the printer. Slowly pull the cleaning card (you
will feel resistance) out of the printer.
5. Reinstall the media and check print quality.
6. Repeat cleaning steps if necessary.
Thermal cleaning cards should not be used more than three times each. Extremely dirty
cards should be disposed of immediately.