Specifications

Cleaning the Printhead, Platen Roller, Media Sensors, and Media Damper
177
NOTE: Even after a thorough cleaning with a Printhead Cleaning Pen or
Alcohol Wipe, you may still see printouts with voids or streaks. This
may be the result of baked-on ribbon resin that can be hard to remove
when normal cleaning cycles are not maintained. Try using a Thermal
Printer Cleaning Card or Sheet. When using a cleaning card or sheet,
follow the directions on the packaging.
Thermal printer cleaning cards and sheets are available on the
internet.
Platen Roller Cleaning
Label parts, media dust, and adhesive residue on the platen can degrade
print quality and cause voids in your label image.
• Cleaning Agent - Use an isopropyl alcohol wipe or a small amount of
isopropyl alcohol on a clean cloth to clean the platen roller.
• Schedule - Clean the platen roller each time you clean the printhead.
3. Clean the platen roller by first manually removing any label parts from its
surface. Then use an isopropyl alcohol wipe or clean cloth moistened with
isopropyl alcohol to remove any remaining paper dust, debris, or label
adhesive. The platen roller can be manually rotated forward to access
and clean its entire surface area.
NOTE: Even though power is removed from the platen motor, some drag will
be felt as you rotate the platen.
4. Check the platen roller for razor cuts, nicks, and gouges that may cause
voids in the printed image. This type of damage usually requires platen
roller replacement.
Media Sensor Cleaning
The upper and lower media sensors should be cleaned to ensure reliable Top
of Form and Paper Out sensing.
CAUTION Do not use isopropyl alcohol, solvents, or abrasive agents to clean the
media sensors as they can damage sensor lens covers.
• Cleaning Agent - No cleaning agent should be used. Use a brush with
soft non-metallic bristles or a vacuum cleaner, described on
page 175, to
remove paper dust.
• Schedule - Clean the media sensors each time you clean the printhead.
5. Brush away or vacuum any dust or debris from the upper and lower
media sensors.