CG4 - Bad Print Quality

Problem/Question

Printouts are too light, too dark, or have streaks.

Applicable To

CG408TT, CG412TT, CG408DT, CG412DT.

Resolution/Answer

1. Clean the print head, platen roller, sensor and label guide.

It is essential to keep printhead clean if you want the best print quality. We
strongly recommend that you clean the printhead when you load a new
media roll. If the printer is operated in critical environment or the print
quality declines, you will need to clean the printhead more frequently.
Keep in mind these things before you clean:
￭ Keep the water away in case of corrosion on heating elements.
￭ If you just finished printing, wait until the printhead cools down.
￭ Do not touch the printhead with bare hands or hard objects.

Cleaning steps:
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. Remove the media and the ribbon.
Cleaning the Print Head
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.
Cleaning the platen roller, sensor and label guide

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.

03-80141-EN