4.3 Cleaning the Thermal Print Head
You will need the following materials:
•
Several cotton swabs
•
Isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol)
•
Compressed air (optional)
Follow these steps to clean the DuraLabel 4’s thermal print head:
1. Turn off and unplug the printer. Make sure you unplug the power and computer
connections.
2. Remove all supplies (tape and ribbon) from the printer. (Optional: If you work in an
environment with excess dust or airborne particles you may want to clean your
DuraLabel 4 periodically with compressed air. Do this now.)
3. Open the Ribbon Mechanism (see graphic below). The print head is located underneath
the front edge of the Ribbon Mechanism; it is a light brown strip with white triangles
located just behind the metal guard.
4. Dip a clean cotton swab in the alcohol and gently wipe down the print head. You may
also use a foam-tipped swab that comes with alchohol in the stem. Squeeze the stem to
release the alcohol.
5. Repeat the process 2 to 3 times. When you’re done dry the print head with a clean, dry
cotton swab.
6. Repeat step 4 for the metal guard (see graphic above).
7. Let the unit dry for 5 minutes.
You can now reload your supplies and reconnect your cables.
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