SX™
Service and Maintenance Manual A-5
960714-02B © 2007 I2407
APPENDIX
PROTECTING YOUR PRINTHEAD
performance backcoat designed to protect the printhead from abrasion, prevent hard residue deposits
from building up on the printhead surface, and provide intimate contact with the printhead to improve heat
transfer efficiency (see Graph 1).
Q:
What is printhead "build-up?"
A:
Build-up of deposits on print heads over time is a normal occurrence and is not a cause for concern.
Build-up may be caused by several sources including small amounts of ink and backcoat from the ribbon,
dust and dirt from the near-by environment, paper dust and particles on the media created during the
label conversion and slitting process, and/or excessive adhesive applied during the laminating process.
Q:
When does printhead build-up become a problem?
A:
Build-up becomes a problem when maintenance guidelines are not followed. Any deposit on the
printhead, if not removed regularly, can insulate the heating elements from the ribbon and lead to having
to print at higher energy settings. Using a "bargain" ribbon that can leave build-up on the printhead, which
is virtually impossible to remove even with alcohol cleaning pads, increases the problem. To compensate
for the resulting deterioration of the image, operators gradually increase energy settings on the printer,
which can ultimately shorten printhead life. Burned out pixels in the printhead result in unscanable images
and returned merchandise. Some retailers, such as K-Mart and Wal-Mart, will even fine companies who
provide merchandise with unscanable tags and labels.
Q:
How do I prevent build-up from becoming a problem?
A:
Purchase a good quality ribbon and printing substrate. Minimize the accumulation of dust by keeping
the printer cover closed. Follow the OEM's recommended operating, maintenance and printhead cleaning
schedule.
Q:
Is it a good idea to use a ribbon that will clean the printhead?
A:
No. This type of backcoat formulation is not needed when good quality ribbons are used and the
printer manufacturer's operating and maintenance schedules are followed. In fact, test results indicate
that use of this type of ribbon may actually cause abrasive wear and premature failure of the printhead.
(Note: Ribbons with backcoats formulated to clean the printhead should not be confused with ribbons that
have a leader to clean the head.)
Q:
Do I have to sacrifice printer performance or print quality to optimize printhead life?
A:
No. Quality printers, ribbons and substrates are designed to provide a million or more linear inches of
printhead usage without damaging the printhead due to build-up or abrasive wear.
Q:
How long will a printhead last if I use the best possible ribbon?
A:
Actually, that depends on the printhead design and such additional factors as printer speed, energy
settings, static, substrate and ribbon quality. A good ribbon should be guaranteed not to cause significant
degradation due to build-up or abrasion throughout the print head’s rated life. Generally, the industry
standard is that the printhead should last for one million linear inches of use. Sony's TR4085plus™
resin/enhanced wax thermal transfer ribbon is guaranteed to permit normal printhead functioning for up to
three million linear inches. Print heads will eventually degrade from normal wear and tear, but they should
not fail prematurely due to the adverse effects of inappropriate ribbon selection.