User guide

Routine Maintenance
Cleaning Schedule and Procedures
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11342L-003 Rev. A 105SL User Guide 7/10/07
Clean the Printhead and Platen Roller
After every roll of ribbon, clean the printhead. Clean the printhead more often if you see
inconsistent print quality, such as voids in the bar code or graphics.
To clean the printhead and platen roller, complete these steps:
1. Open the printhead assembly by rotating the printhead-open lever counterclockwise.
2. Remove the media and ribbon.
3. See Figure 23. Using the swab from the Preventive Maintenance Kit (part number 47362),
wipe along the brown strip on the printhead assembly from end to end. In place of the
Preventive Maintenance Kit, you may use a clean swab dipped in a solution of isopropyl
alcohol (minimum 90%) and deionized water (maximum 10%). Allow the solvent to
evaporate.
Note • If print quality does not improve after you perform this procedure, clean the printhead
with Save-a-Printhead cleaning film. This specially coated material removes contamination
buildup without damaging the printhead. Call your authorized Zebra reseller or distributor
for more information.
Caution • The printhead is hot and can cause severe burns. Allow the printhead to cool.
Caution • Before touching the printhead assembly, discharge any built-up static electricity
by touching the metal printer frame or by using an anti-static wriststrap and mat.
Caution • While performing any tasks near an open printhead, remove all rings, watches,
hanging necklaces, identification badges, or other metallic objects that could touch the
printhead. You are not required to turn off the printer power when working near an open
printhead, but Zebra recommends it as a precaution. If you turn off the power, you will lose
all temporary settings, such as label formats, and you must reload them before you resume
printing.