User Manual

Zebra Thermal Printhead Life
2
I. Printhead replacement
•
When replacing your printhead, be sure to follow the directions in the maintenance manual for your printer
model. The following steps can maximize your printhead’s life:
1.)
Return the printer darkness and the printhead pressure back to factory settings if printhead
problems had required compensated settings.
2.)
Be sure that the replacement printhead resistance matches the printer’s printhead resistance setting.
•
Only use a genuine Zebra printhead to ensure that your printer and part warranties remain intact and that the
product performs optimally.
•
Zebra recommends that Zebra’s Depot Centers or a Zebra Authorized Service Provider (ZASP) perform the
installation (
http://www.zebra.com/SS/repair_search.htm
)
.
•
All ESD precautions should be followed when installing or servicing a printhead.
•
Zebra recommends cleaning the printhead with Zebra approved products before printing.
See Section IV & V
for cleaning recommendations and how to buy cleaning products
.
•
Generally speaking, printhead life can be maximized by using a blended combination of darkness settings and
toggle pressure forces to achieve the desired label print quality for your speci c application. You should avoid
using just the darkness settings or just the toggle pressure to achieve your desired print quality. Please see the
maintenance manual for your printer model for more information on this subject.
•
The maintenance manual speci c to the printer model should be consulted when the printer is being serviced
•
Printing in direct thermal mode may contribute to shortened printhead life due to the potential for increased
abrasion.
II. Printhead Terminology
Abrasion
Abrasion—or the process of wearing down by friction—may occur during normal operation of the printer.
However, it can be minimized through proper care and maintenance.
Contamination
When particulate matter—such as dust—damages the printhead, it becomes contaminated.
Corrosion
Gradual deterioration of the printhead may occur because of media, incorrect cleaning agents or the
environment.
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD)
Electrostatic discharge may occur due to improper handling or the environment.
Moisture
If your printer is operating in a humid or damp environment, this moisture may damage the printhead.
Residue
The buildup of residue—or foreign materials—may occur with improper maintenance, incorrect cleaning agents,
inferior media or incorrect application setup. Aggressive cleaning requires the use of Zebra’s specially-formulated
Save-a-Printhead
Cleaning Film (
see Section V for part numbers and ordering instructions
).