CG2 - Bad Print Quality – SATO Help Center

Problem/Question

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

Applicable To

CG208, CG212

Resolution/Answer

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

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. 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.

9. Locate the I-Mark sensor on the left Media guide, and the
Gap sensor in the middle of media path and near the print
head.

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.

03-80146-EN