Why?
A dirty interior can cause various problems with the output quality of a printer, as well as media-related errors. To troubleshoot a printer that’s not working properly and showing these issues, start by cleaning its interior and properly reloading the ribbon and print media.
Preparing the Printer for Cleaning
Please open each step below...
First, turn off the power to the printer and unplug it.
Next, remove both the ribbon and print media.
For PC23d and PC43 desktop printers, open the Clamshell cover.
For the PD43 industrial printer, open the Media Bay Door and press the blue plastic Printhead Release button located at the front-right corner of the Print Mechanism.
Re-roll the paper or print media so that it is wound back onto the roll, being mindful to not let it catch or peel off onto the Label Guides.
Once the paper or print media is fully rolled back onto its roll, take it out of the Paper hanger and set it aside.
If printing with ribbon, remove the Ribbon Take-up roll and the Ribbon Feed roll from the printer and set them aside in the same position they were in when they were mounted in the printer.
Leave the cover open. The printer is now ready to be cleaned.
Cleaning procedure
By now, the Printhead and Clamshell or Media Bay should already be open.
Please open each step below...
If there are any stuck labels or adhesive residue, remove as much as possible by hand.
Gently moisten a cotton swab with isopropyl alcohol. The swab should not be too wet to the point where it drips.
Use the alcohol on the swab to clean off any remaining labels, adhesive residue, etc. on the Printhead, the plastic body of the LSS, and the Paper Track. Use a new, moistened swab as necessary.
Use the alcohol swab to clean the plastic body of the LSS, the Paper Track, the plastic Printable Stock holder, and the plastic Edge Guides. Use a new, moistened swab as necessary.
Use the alcohol swab to clean the Printhead. Use a new, moistened swab as necessary.
Use the alcohol swab to clean the Rollers. Use a new, moistened swab as necessary.
Inspect the Rollers for damage. If any is found, report it to the manufacturer’s technical support.
Store the Isopropyl Alcohol and the cotton swabs properly. After cleaning the printer, it’s important to leave it open, unplugged, and unloaded for at least five minutes to give it time to dry completely.
Click the videos below (Honeywell’s YouTube channel) to get an idea on how to:
Even if the models in the videos is not your specific one, these four videos will give you an idea about the process on how to properly reload the media and properly adjusting the LSS and printhead pressure arm.
- Loading ribbon (if using ribbon for printing)
- Loading media
- Adjusting the Pressure Arm
- Adjusting the Label Stop Sensor