Thermal inkjet printers are a valuable resource to many businesses and can greatly increase efficiency. However, they require regular maintenance to run smoothly. In this article, we will discuss some of the most important maintenance tips to help you keep your industrial thermal printer in optimal condition for maximum performance and longevity. Taking the time to follow these steps will ensure that your printer continues to provide reliable results.
Place in a Temperature-Controlled Area
To ensure peak performance, keep your thermal inkjet printer in a temperature- and humidity-controlled area. Temperatures above 80 degrees Fahrenheit can cause the ink to dry too quickly and clog the print head. On the other hand, temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit can cause components to become brittle and lose their flexibility. Humidity levels should remain between 40 and 60 percent, as too much or too little can result in clogging, ink that’s too wet or dry, and general unreliability.
Properly Store & Clean Your Ink Cartridges
The next crucial maintenance tip for thermal inkjet printers is to properly store and maintain the ink cartridges. You should store your cartridges nozzle up in a sealed bag or closed box along with a damp cloth to prevent the ink from drying out. Place these containers in a dark, dry environment with a stable temperature between 50 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit (10 and 25 degrees Celsius).
You’ll also need to occasionally clean your cartridges to maintain print quality. If you notice a decrease in print quality, start by checking your printer’s ink levels. If the ink level is sufficient, your next step should be performing a cleaning and purging procedure.
Start by using the printer’s purge function. If that doesn’t solve the issue, you’ll need to clean the cartridge manually. Grab a lint-free cloth. If your cartridges are water based, dampen the cloth with water. If your cartridges are solvent based, dampen the cloth with ethanol >98 percent. Take your cartridge and gently rub it on the cloth from top to bottom until lines of ink start appearing on the cloth. Then, let the cartridge dry before giving printing another go.
Clean the Exterior
For exterior cleaning, you should use a lint-free cloth dampened with water or an alcohol-based cleaner approved for use with inkjet printers. Do not attempt to use solvents such as gasoline, acetone, or thinner on your industrial inkjet printer; these can be hazardous and may damage the printhead and other components.
Regularly Inspect the Printer
Take the time to regularly inspect your industrial printer for any signs of irregularity. Keep an eye out for changes in the quality of the prints, any abnormal noises or smells coming from the printer, and any other unusual signs. Additionally, ensure that no dust has accumulated on the exterior or interior surfaces of the printer. Check for any loose wires and connections that may have come undone due to vibration or other environmental factors. If you encounter any of these issues, clean your printer or consult a qualified technician to repair it.
Using the tips above, you can keep your thermal printer in top shape.
If you need a new coding and marking printer or maintenance assistance for your current one, please reach out to Tourmaline Enterprises at 951-674-0051 or [email protected]. Our product specialists can help you with any questions you may have about our systems.