There are
several component parts to a printer but the essentials common to all printers
are:
• Paper feed
• Ink toner replacement
• Control panel
• Memory card reader
• Paper output tray
To ensure
that you prolong the life of your printer it is worth making sure that you
regularly maintain these parts, checking them regularly and making sure they
remain dirt and dust free.
The Printhead
The ink
that is used in the printer is contained within cartridges. Cartridges are
replaced when the ink has been used up but there are often ways that the
cartridges can be further optimised. The printhead for example, which works
with the cartridges, or can be part of the cartridges, can often affect the
functioning of the cartridge. The purpose of the printhead is to assemble and
hold the characters, and from there images of the characters are transferred to
the printing medium. In order to ensure the maximum use of the printhead there
are simple ways of keeping it clean that can be followed:
•
clean the printhead regularly e.g. after a change every couple
of rolls of media
•
clean the printhead each time you change the ribbon
•
clean the printhead after any event that could cause material to
build up on
the printhead, such as a ribbon melting, incorrect installation
of the ribbon
Even a small amount of dirt and grime can cause wear on the
printhead and affect its lifespan so it is important to keep it clean.
How do you clean the printhead?
There are a number of options for this but it is always best to
read the user guide first to see what is recommended for your printer. Options
include:
•
Self-clean programmes (pc/MAC specific)
•
Manual cleaning- steps should be in the user guide but will
include using hot water or isopropyl alcohol, then run the printer’s own clean programme
•
If the printhead is within the ink cartridge then it can be
soaked in a bowl of hot water and dried thoroughly (or with isopropyl alcohol
if water does not work), the self-cleaning programme should then be used
Another key area to consider for prolonging the life of your
printhead is the setting that you use for darkness. The darkness setting should
be set as low as possible because the higher it is, the more energy is sent to
the printhead and the more energy it receives, the quicker any heating element
is going to wear out and need replacing.
It is certainly worth maintaining your printhead but if a
replacement is needed then one can always be purchased. At Phoenix Supplies we
have a range of printheads to suit your needs.
Contact us on 08454 666655
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: only a member of this blog may post a comment.