Printronix SL_T5R Energy Star - Manual (Page 69)

Cleaning the Printhead, Platen Roller, Media Sensors and Media Damper
69
Cleaning the Printhead, Platen Roller, Media Sensors
and Media Damper
NOTE: Even though the printhead, platen roller, media sensors and media
damper are individually listed in these cleaning procedures, debris
and adhesive on these components can ultimately travel to the
printhead area and therefore should be cleaned and examined each
time the printhead is cleaned and in the order shown.
Printhead Cleaning
As you use your printer, the printhead may become dirty with ribbon residue
and label adhesives which can result in poor print quality. Keeping the
printhead clean will help maintain its life.
• Cleaning Agent - Clean the printhead using a Printhead Cleaning Pen,
Printronix PN 203502-002 or an Isopropyl Alcohol Wipe, Printronix PN
254945-901.
• Schedule - Clean the printhead each time you install a new roll of ribbon
(thermal transfer print mode) or when you install a new roll or box of
media (direct thermal print mode).
WARNING If you have just been printing, allow one minute for the printhead to cool
down to avoid burns from accidental printhead contact.
CAUTION • Avoid electrostatic damage to the printhead by first making hand
contact with an unpainted part of the printer frame or by using an
anti-static wrist strap grounded to the printer frame.
• Do not use hard, sharp or abrasive objects to remove residue from
the printhead.
• Do not touch the heating element surface of the printhead with your
hands to avoid printhead corrosion. Any accidental skin contact
with the element surface should be immediately followed by a
thorough cleaning with a Printhead Cleaning Pen or an Isopropyl
Alcohol Wipe.
• The heating element surface should be free from any condensation
to avoid corrosion.
1. Rotate the blue deck lock lever clockwise to open the pivoting deck and
remove the media and ribbon, if installed.
2. Clean the printhead by gently rubbing an Isopropyl Alcohol Wipe or the
felt tip of a Printhead Cleaning Pen across the printheads light brown
heating elements area. Allow the printhead to dry for one minute before
reloading ribbon or media.
NOTE: Even after a thorough cleaning with a Printhead Cleaning Pen or
Alcohol Wipe, you may still see printouts with voids or streaks. This
may be the result of baked-on ribbon resin that can be hard to remove
when normal cleaning cycles are not maintained. Try using a Thermal
Printer Cleaning Card or Sheet. When using a cleaning card or sheet,
follow the directions on the packaging.
Thermal printer cleaning cards and sheets are available on the
internet.