Specifications

INTERIOR — As required, remove any dirt/lint accumulated in the interior of
the printer using a soft bristle brush and/or vacuum cleaner. It is a good practice
to inspect these areas after every fourth roll of media.
Cleaning the Printhead
Inconsistent print quality such as blank areas in the bar codes or graphics may
indicate a dirty printhead. For optimum performance, the printhead should be
cleaned regularly. When printing in direct thermal mode, perform the following
cleaning procedure after every roll of media (or 500 feet of fanfold media).
When printing in the thermal transfer mode, clean after every roll of ribbon.
NOTE: It is not necessary to turn the printer OFF prior to cleaning. All label
formats, images, and parameter settings stored in the printer’s memory will be
lost if the printer is turned OFF. If the printer is turned OFF, it may be necessary
to reload some items into the printer’s memory.
1. Open the printhead by moving the Latching Lever to the OPEN position.
2. Remove the media and ribbon (if present).
3. Use an applicator moistened with 70% isopropyl alcohol to wipe the print
elements from end to end. (Refer to Figure 4.1. The print elements are the
brown strip just behind the chrome strip.) Allow a few seconds for the
solvent to evaporate.
4. Rotate the Platen Roller and clean thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol.
5. Brush or vacuum any accumulated paper lint and dust away from the rollers
and the Media and Ribbon Sensors.
6. Reload ribbon and/or media, close and latch the printhead, and continue
printing.
Cleaning the Snap Plate
In the event of a label jam, the Media Guide Plate (Snap Plate) can be removed
and cleaned. Refer to Figure 4.2 and follow these steps.
1. Open the Printhead to its fully open position by rotating the Latching Lever
counterclockwise. The Printhead pivots to an almost vertical position.
2. From the front of the printer, pop up the front edge of the Snap Plate using
your fingernail or a flat-blade screwdriver.
3. Lift the front edge of the Snap Plate while pulling it up and out of the print
mechanism.
4. Clean the Snap Plate, including the raised area directly below the ribbon
sensor. Remove any stuck labels and use a citrus-based cleaner to remove
any built-up adhesive.
CAUTION
Incorrect installation of the Snap Plate can disable the
Ribbon Sensor or cause head pressure imbalance.
5. Replace the Snap Plate by placing the back legs in the openings in the Main
Media Guide while sliding it to the rear of the openings and snapping it
down into place. Refer to Figure 4.2.
Preventive Maintenance S -Series Maintenance Manual: Volume 1
Page 4-2 38452L Rev. 3