Getting the best out of your printer
The first, crucial step is choosing the right printer model for the job, based on expected printing volumes and the work environment.
Then, correct printer use, as well as the day-to-day cleaning and maintenance procedures will keep the print crisp and clean and the printer running well.
Finally, just like a car, label printers need to be serviced regularly by an authorised technician to operate efficiently.
“Just like a car, label printers need to be serviced regularly to operate efficiently”
Recommended Printer Model by Use:
| Datamax-O'Neil Printer Model | Market Suitability | Volume, labels per day |
| E-class Mark III | Economy | 0-500 |
| M-Class Mark II | Mid-Industrial | Up to 3000 |
| I-Class Mark II | Industrial | Up to 7000 |
| H- Class | High - Industrial | More than 7000 |
The hidden cost of printer failure
In an effort to reduce the total cost of ownership of label printers, regular maintenance and servicing can be regarded as an ‘optional extra’, or unnecessary expense to the production budget. Although this may provide short-term cost savings, this strategy will cost more long-term.
Beyond user frustration, printer failure has a significant negative impact on many aspects of an organisation - lost productivity, increased cost of repairs, lost opportunities, and even impacting a business’s reputation.
This becomes more obvious when the value of the label is considered within the process or the product’s supply chain, e.g. the value of a rejected shipment if the pallet’s barcode label doesn’t scan or the customer dissatisfaction and cost of goods lost in transit if delivery information is illegible.
Following scheduled maintenance plans will help ensure dependability and output. It is also worth noting that since the cost of label printers has dramatically reduced over the last 3-5 years, upgrading or replacing the printer can be surprisingly cost effective when compared to ongoing repair costs.
Recommended day to day cleaning & maintenance
The table below outlines the recommended maintenance for various printer parts.
| Area | Method | Interval |
| Printhead | Turn off the printer before cleaning the printhead. Use solvent* on a cotton swab to clean the printhead from end to end | After every roll of media |
| Platen Roller | Turn off the power. Rotate the platen roller and clean it thoroughly with solvent* and a cotton swab | After every roll of media |
| Peel-Off Roller | Rotate the peel-off roller and clean it thoroughly with solvennt* and a cotton swab | After every roll of media |
| Media Path | Solvent* | After every roll of media |
| Peel/Tear Bar | Solvent* | As required |
| Media Sensor | Air blow | Monthly |
| Exterior | Mild detergent or desktop cleaner | As required |
| Interior | Brush or vacuum cleaner | As required |
* It is recommended that a solvent containing isopropyl alcohol is used, such as insignia’s Kimberly-Clark Isowipes (Item 2900237).
Symptoms and causes of printer failure
If print quality on the label declines, the typical cause is debris build-up on the printhead. Symptoms to look for include non-compliant barcodes, print drop-outs and streaks. When the build-up is not removed it can lead to element failure, which greatly reduces the service life of the printhead.
The following factors can result in faded printing, ribbon wrinkling, and ribbon and label tracking issues, while also shortening the life of the printhead and
platen roller.
Incorrect media width adjustment: May produce an image that fades across the label, as well as ribbon wrinkling, label tracking, and platen roller and print-head wear.
Incorrect printhead pressure adjustment: Excessive pressure can reduce the service life of the printhead and platen roller, while unequal pressure may cause ribbon and label tracking problems.
Large increases in the ‘Darkness Adjustment’ can also shorten printhead life.
Adjustments to these printer settings are best done by an authorised service technician, to protect the life of your label printer and printhead.
Repair vs Replace
While recognised for their robust construction and reliability, eventually there is a point where the usable life of the label printer comes to an end. The effective lifespan of a thermal printer will depend largely on factors including the type and quantity of images being printed, media used, and the heat settings employed.
Understanding when the right time to ‘pull the plug’ is different for each organisation. Analysis based on the cost of increased downtime, lowered productivity and, of course, the cost of on-going repairs, should all be taken into account.
Fill in your details below to receive a copy of the guide
OUR BRANDS
We distribute leading brands with the best global products
We've partnered with the best global brands in thermal printing to bring you industry-leading technology designed to enhance your productivity and keep up with a fast-paced working environment - while printing clear and high-contrast labels every time.
Label printers have become an integral part of many business processes, identifying products, pallets, documents and even people. Ensuring the right label is printed in the right place, at the right time is critical.
In today’s competitive business environment, company resources are being pushed to their limits in an attempt to maximise effciency and productivity; and label printers too, are pushed to generate more printed labels over increased operating hours with the goal of multiplying production volumes while cutting costs and minimising downtime.
This guide outlines simple processes to maximise both uptime and the service life of your Datamax-O’Neil label printer.