Cleaning the Printhead | Datamax 4406, 4212, 4604, 4308, 4208

5.3.1Cleaning the Printhead

If print quality declines (symptoms include non-compliant bar codes, print dropouts, streaks; see Section 4.3.4), the typical cause is debris build-up on the printhead. Furthermore, when the build-up is not removed it may lead to element failure, greatly reducing the life of the printhead. To clean the printhead:

nTurn ‘Off’ and unplug the printer.

oOpen the access cover. Unlock the Printhead Latch and raise the Printhead Assembly. Allow the printhead to cool before proceeding.

pMove media and ribbon away from the printhead as necessary.

qUsing a cotton swab moistened, not soaked, with isopropyl alcohol gently wipe away any build-up on the Printhead surface, paying close attention to the Burn Line. Allow the printhead to dry.

rReplace the ribbon and media. Lower the Printhead Assembly and rotate the Printhead Latch completely back, to the locked position.

sClose the cover. Plug in and turn ‘On’ the printer. Feed several labels to normalize tracking.

NEVER use a sharp object to clean the Printhead.

CAUTION

I-Class

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Datamax 4406, 4212, 4604, 4308, 4208 manual Cleaning the Printhead

Contents

Operator’s Manual Page Firmware Software Agreement Copyright Information Agency Compliance and Approvals Page Important Safety Instructions Contents Using the Front Panel Troubleshooting Appendix E About the Printer Printer Overview Class Standard Features Listing Model Standard Features DMXNet Ilpc CG Times Firmware Present Sensor Ilpc Option Installation Hardware Components Class Unpacking the Printer Getting Started Additional Requirements Inspection Print Quality Controls Media and Ribbon Selection Direct Thermal Media Type Print Speed Print Energy Installation Setting Up the Printer Parallel Port CommunicationsSerial Port NIC Adapter optional Part Number USB Port optional Loading Media Roll Media Fan-Fold Media Media Sensor Selection and Adjustment Media Sensor AdjustmentMedia Type Sensor Eye Mark Position Sensing Required Removal Loading Ribbon Ribbon Routing Diagrams Calibration Hints Quick Media Calibration Rewinding Outputting Labels Removal On-Demand Dispensing Removal Cutting Operation Using the Front Panel Menu Mode Configuration Ready Light ‘Flashing’ Quick Test Mode Print Test Labels 5 LCD Indicator LightsLiquid Crystal Display Soft Reset Resetting the Printer Menu System Entrance and Exit Prompts Menu Mode Media Settings Print Control Custom Adjustments Modules Printer OptionsPresent Sensor Scanner Cutter Used to set the specific number of barcodes Gpio Port System Settings Media Counters Double Byte SymbolsPrint Configuration Time and Date Configuration Level Imaging Mode SET Factory DefaultsFormat Attributes Security Pause ModePeel Mode Input Mode Plus Emulation DPI Emulation Allegro Emulation SOP Emulation Column EmulationBack After Print Menu Language Fault Handling Distance to backup on the defective Serial Port B Serial Port a Parallel Port B Parallel Port aNIC Adapter Specifies the network gateway address Host Settings Allows the user to disable the DPL Heat Print Test Rate DiagnosticsHEX Dump Mode Options Testing Ribbon Sensor Limits Sensor Readings User Prompts and Condition Messages Display Messages Reset in PROGRESS’ Print Quality Label Quick Test Mode Configuration Label Quick Ribbon Test Label Dot Test Pattern Label User Defined Label Validation Label Standard Calibration Media Sensor CalibrationStep Operator Action Displayed Message Comment Standard Calibration Continuous stock go to Notched stock adjustReflective stock Adjust Die-cut stock strip Or, for continuous media Advanced Entry Calibration As a Label Value Value Values Both sensorReadings must Be above Using Key Selection is Select the Gain Number Press Key Selection Leveling Cam Adjustment Printhead Adjustments Burn Line Adjustment Printhead Replacement Recommended Cleaning Schedule Area Method Interval Maintenance Schedule Cleaning the Printhead Cleaning the Platen Roller Cleaning Interior and Exterior Surfaces Application Program Updates Updating from the Ready Mode Updating from the Download Mode Possible Problems during an Update Can be found at ftp//ftp.datamaxcorp.com Boot Loader Program Updates Class Problem Resolution TroubleshootingIf experiencing this problem… Try this solution… If experiencing this problem… Try this solution… If there is no image on the used ribbon If there is an image on the used ribbon I & W Class Programmer’s Manual for Fault Messages Fault and Warning Messages ENB!GBVMU Two possible Depending upon the cause Consistently high Press any key to continue Linear Scanner Operation Instructions, or call for If media is not moving If media is moving DMX Printer has Possible low or fluctuating Hex Dump Mode 102 Class Electrical General SpecificationsBar Codes Fonts Environmental Requirements Printing SpecificationsMechanical Media and Ribbon Requirements Printing Specifications Approved Media Media Dimensions Designator Description Maximum Minimum Appendix a Ascii Control Code Chart Ascii Control Code Chart Available Fonts and Bar Codes Appendix BFont Valid Ascii Characters Font Height Width Spacing Page Page Bar Code Summary Data Symbology Bar Code F EAN-13 Bar Code p Postnet Bar Code O Code Bar Code K Plessey Bar Code T Telepen Inches Millimeters Print Resolutions and Maximum Label WidthsAppendix C Module Assignments Printer Speed Ranges and Defaults Available Speeds and Default SettingsSpeed Range Default Setting Model Gpio Port Connections Gpio Pin Functions Signal Description Name State DirectionAppendix D Gpio Port Description Gpio Port Specifications Gpio Pin ConfigurationExternal Start of Print Control Menu System Multi-Language Support Appendix ERequired Software Comment Page Page Advance File Handling Information Menu Language Error Message DescriptionPage 126 Class Appendix F Saving a Configuration File Step Displayed Message Operator Action Comments Printer Warranty Information Thermal Printhead, Platen Roller, and Belts Warranty Service Procedures Limitation of Liability General Warranty Provisions 132 Class Glossary Page