Print Head Wear
The print head has a limited life and is considered a consumable item. The media rubs across the
print elements and wears away the surface. Media material, operational settings, and environment
all affect this process. Printing with worn elements may create illegible images. If the print quality
remains poor after cleaning, you may need to replace the print head. Damage can be caused by
improper cleaning (unapproved fluids or implements), electrostatic discharge (ESD), or touching the
print head (contaminating it with bodily, oily acids). Examples of poor print:
Weak or Damaged Print Elements Weak or Damaged Print Elements or Print Logic
(Full-On Print Pattern) (Rotating Print Element Pattern)
The print head on the left is brand new. The print head in the center has been run over a million
inches and has been cleaned after each media roll (and/or ribbon). The print head on the right has
been run less than a million inches without cleaning and wear is evident.
14 980358-001 Rev. B
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