28  Chapter 4 – Maintenance Adjustments 
 
4
4
4
.
.
.
2
2
2
 
 
 
C
C
C
l
l
l
e
e
e
a
a
a
n
n
n
i
i
i
n
n
n
g
g
g
 
 
 
t
t
t
h
h
h
e
e
e
 
 
 
P
P
P
r
r
r
i
i
i
n
n
n
t
t
t
h
h
h
e
e
e
a
a
a
d
d
d
 
 
 
Never use a sharp, hard, or abrasive object on the printhead. 
 
If print quality declines (symptoms can include unreadable bar codes or streaks through text and graphics), 
the typical cause is debris buildup on the printhead which, left unattended, can lead to premature dot failure. 
Depending upon the supplies and printing parameters used, different cleaning methods are recommended.  
 
 
 
 
Streaks can indicate a dirty or a faulty printhead. 
 
Proper cleaning is critical. To maintain peak performance of the printer, 
Datamax-O’Neil offers a complete line of cleaning products including 
pens, cards, films and swabs. To learn more visit our website. 
  
 
 
Cotton Swab Procedure  
 
If printing with direct thermal media or thermal transfer media with wax ribbon, clean the printhead as 
follows: 
 
1)  Turn OFF the power switch and unplug the printer. Open the printer. Wait briefly for the 
printhead to cool. 
 
2)  Remove any installed media and ribbon.  Using a Cotton Swab moistened (not soaked) with 
isopropyl alcohol, thoroughly clean the Printhead. 
 
 
312 
 
Cotton Swab with Solvent 
Printhead