The ticket printers need cleaned every now and then especially when you are having issues. Here is how you can clean the Thermal Print Head
NOTE: The print head should be cleaned periodically to prevent debris from building up on the print element. The required cleaning interval varies greatly depending on the quality of the ticket stock and the amount of dust entering the print area. Excessive dirt build up on the print head will result in reduced quality. Continuing to run the print head in a dirty condition will reduce its life expectancy, as it is unable to diffuse its heat properly.
Below are the steps to remove the thermal print head for cleaning
- Make sure power is off and the AC cord is disconnected from the printer.
- DO NOT UNPLUG CABLE FROM PRINT HEAD.
- Lift up on the cam lock assembly (located above the head mounting block or plate) to remove pressure from the thermal head as the images show below.
- Lift up on the head mounting plate/thermal head to remove and set on the side of the printer.
DO NOT DISCONNECT ANY CABLES
- Clean the thermal print head surface (the side that makes contact with the paper) with isopropyl alcohol.
- Install the head by reversing the above procedures.
- Restore pressure to the head by pushing down on the cam lock assembly.
- The printer in now ready for operation. If the print quality is still poor then the thermal head needs to be replaced.