Intermec EasyCoder 501 XP & 601 XP – Service Manual
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Chapter 8 Print Unit
8.7 Printhead, cont.
Precautions (EasyCoder 501 XP and 601 XP)
Some simple measures can be taken by the user to prevent prema-
ture wear-out:
• Clean the printhead regularly, as described in the Installation &
Operation manual. Not only will a dirty printhead produce an
inferior printout, but any residue on the dots will prevent heat to
dissipate through the transfer ribbon and media.
• Use original Intermec transfer ribbons only. These are opti-
mized specifi cally for your printer. Inferior back coating on
a non-approved transfer ribbon may cause residue which can
completely destroy the printhead.
• Follow the recommendations regarding Paper Type setup in the
User’s Guides. Too much energy to the printhead will wear it
out rapidly.
• Do not use higher Print Speed setting than necessary, especially
not at low ambient temperatures.
• Do not use a higher Contrast setting than necessary, especially
not in combination with high Paper Type Constant settings.
• Do not use a higher printhead pressure than necessary.
• Never print outside the media. Dots not in contact with the
media will not be cooled properly.
• Use transfer ribbons wider than the media (if available.)
• When using media with less than full width, be careful to adjust
the printhead lift arm so there is an even pressure across the
media path. Not only will an uneven pressure impair the print-
out quality, but it may also prevent the dots from being properly
cooled. Moreover, a sharp outer media edge in direct contact
with the printhead may cause excessive mechanical wear on
some dots, which may be visible reverting to wider media.
• When using preprinted labels or labels with some type of var-
nish or non-standard top coating for direct thermal printing,
use original Intermec labels or inks recommended by leading
manufacturer’s of direct thermal media. The labels should not
contain any aggressive substances such as chloride or grinding
substances such as titanium dioxide.
