CG4 - Cleaning The Print Head, Platen Rollers

Problem/Question

How to clean the print head, platen rollers. 

Applicable To

CG408DT, CG412DT, CG408TT, CG412TT

Resolution/Answer

The print head not only generates printouts of barcodes, but also graphics and text. To produce optimal
printing, it must be kept clean in spite of the dirt and adhesive that constantly accumulates on its print surface. Furthermore, dirt can accumulate along the label path, affecting parts like sensors and guides, and reducing their performance.

Therefore, it is important to clean these important components periodically. The printer cleaning kit and
cleaning sheets can be purchased from your authorized SATO representative.

When to clean with a cleaning kit
♦ For the print head, platen roller, paper sensor, and label guide: clean after using up every other roll of
media.
♦ For other parts: clean after finishing every six rolls of media.

When to clean with the cleaning sheet
♦ For print head: clean after using every six rolls of media, or when you find any burned glaze on the surface of the print head.

How to clean the printer

If you are using a carbon ribbon, be sure to remove it before cleaning. Follow the instructions supplied with the cleaning kit. Use the items to clean the following parts.

1. Before starting, get ready an approved cleaning kit from your SATO representative. Make sure the printer is powered off and remove the power cable.
2. Lift the Top Cover.
3. Apply Thermal Print Head Cleaner to a cotton swab.
4. Apply Thermal Print Head Cleaner to a cotton swab.
5. Locate the Print Head Assembly which is mounted under the Top cover. The Print Head faces downward along the front edge of the assembly. Press the end of the dampened swab along the entire width of the Print Head.
6. Check for any black coloring or adhesive on the swab after cleaning. Discard the dirty swabs.
7. Repeat, if necessary, until the swab is clean after it is pressed over the print head.
8. The platen roller is the black rubber roller near the front panel. Wet some cotton swabs or cotton cloth with cleaning solution. While rotating the platen roller with your fingers (see arrow), clean the entire length of the roller using one or more cotton swabs. Wipe any dirt or accumulated adhesive off the platen roller.
9. Locate the I-Mark sensor and Gap sensor on the left Media guide.
10. Dab a cotton cloth with the same cleaning solution. Clean any foreign matter from the exposed surface of the media guides and sensor. Insert the cotton cloth in the slot of the media guide and briskly clean it with a back-and-forth motion.
11. Repeat the whole cleaning process when it is necessary. The platen roller should be cleaned whenever foreign matter, such as dust or adhesive, is present.

How to clean the printer (Cleaning Sheet)

1. Make sure the printer is powered off and remove the power cable.
2. Lift the Top Cover.
3. Remove the media and the ribbon.
4. Place the head cleaning sheet between the print head and the platen roller. The coarse side of the cleaning sheet should face the surface of the print head elements.
5. Close the top cover with approximately 25mm (1 inch) of the cleaning sheet extended out of the printer.
6. Using both hands, slowly pull the exposed cleaning sheet outwards. This will remove any dirt stuck to the print head.
7. When the cleaning sheet has been removed, perform steps 2 to 6 to repeat the cleaning procedure one or two more times.
8. When no more additional dirt appears on the cleaning sheet after it has been pulled out, you can stop cleaning with the sheet.
9. Use the cleaning pen from the cleaning kit or use a cotton swab moistened with head cleaner to gently remove any remaining dirt from the print head.

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