Overview
The printhead of a thermal printer is its most important and delicate component. Technically a printhead is a consumable, just like thermal labels and ribbons. But if you and your team use it appropriately and take good care of it over time, it should continue to function well with time.
Nearly in every sector the use of thermal transfer and direct thermal printers to print barcodes and labels. However, the printhead is one of the most important and expensive components.
In this article, we will suggest you simple tips and tricks through which you can increase the life of your printhead.
1. Employ Quality Media:
Use the labels that are suitable for your printers. The option will enable you to run the thermal printer at a reduced energy setting, extending the print head’s life and producing superior-quality barcodes. Moreover, low-quality media may leave behind dust and other junk that will erode or harm the coating that protects the heating components. Once the layer is compromised, the heating components quickly die, which leads to poor print quality. In contrast to thermal transfer printing, where the ribbon shields the printhead from direct touch with the label media, direct thermal media creates friction that prematurely damages the printhead heating components.
2. Environmental Factors:
It is mandatory to look into the environmental conditions. In both cases, it’s wise to minimize exposure of thermal label printers and print heads to water, excessive temperatures, and external contaminants. Additionally, the place where label media and printhead are stored shouldn’t be exposed to direct sun or water. You must follow the storage rules given by the manufacturers.
3. Clean It Day-to-day:
Pay attention to the manufacturer’s instructions and routinely clean your print head. As a general guideline, you should clean the print head on your thermal printer each time you replace the thermal transfer ribbon or a roll of labels. To prevent contamination or abrasion, use the manufacturer’s recommended by cleaning agents.
Moreover, dust from the paper can accumulate on the print head as well as the platen. Regularly wipe the platen down with a lint-free cloth that has been treated with isopropyl alcohol.
4. Avoid Touching The Print Head Element Surface:
The print head is highly vulnerable to contamination. Avoid touching the print head’s surface by reaching inside. Follow the manufacturer’s directions while cleaning it, which include taking off any jewelry that can scratch the print head and applying a grounding strap to stop static electricity from coming into touch with the part.
5. Extreme Speed Or Darkness Settings
Lower the setting and set your thermal printer to a fair speed for the media you use if you don’t require it to operate at maximum speed.
Typically, running your printer at a slower pace and using the lowest level of darkness that can provide the color you require is advised. By doing this, you improve print quality while extending the life of your printhead.
Conclusion
Pay particular attention to how you’re taking care of your thermal printhead, and make sure you’re doing it correctly by reviewing and consulting your user manual.
Your printhead will last longer and produce better images if you consider these five elements and our suggestions for avoiding problems caused by them. Additionally, partnering with a dependable, single-source supplier of both printers and media assures compatibility throughout your whole label printing system, optimizing performance and making it easier to identify problems.
