LABEL PRINTER MAINTENANCE
Zephyr-Label
Flexo/digital label printer | thermal transfer printers | colour label printers | full label supply & equipment services
Depending on the technology, range, and brands, the life span of a printer can more than double with the time and attention it deserves.
In the case of a color label printers, it is recommended that the following be used:
- Physical cleaning of loose items and particles in the print area, label chips an other contaminants that naturally accumulate over time.
- They usually have internal cleaning stations, where the waste ink ends up. If the distributor has not explicitly shown this to the user, it is unlikely that the user will be aware of it. The replacement of this module is usually done according to the distance recommended by the manufacture: we recommended to follow this measure for the firts two years, and then at least once a year.
- The printheads are usually sensitive to wear and tear, it is recommended to replace them at least once every two years or when a reduction in print quality is detected on the labels.
For the themal label printers, both direct themal and thermal transfer:
- Physical cleaning of the print area for particles and contaminants is also recommended. In fact, for frequent use, it is recommended to incorporate a weekly inspection routine by the user.
- Replacement of the printhead: especially when considering the purchase of a new printer, since a printhead represents a low cost compared to a new unit, yet easily prolongs the life of the current printer by 2-3 years.
- Replacement of worn parts: due to mechanical use or daily operations, certain parts can be affected and have a significant impact on the printer’s performance. For example, in the absence of a guillotine in the printer, operators often use a cutter to cut the labels at the machine exit, on the dirve rollers, which alters the traction.
Finally, we recommend working with structures that are not limited to the sale of equipment, because they usually do not know the material. A structure that offers maintenance is an indication that it knows the material it distributes, has the necessary contacts to solve any inciden even.