Efficient barcode printing is indispensable for smooth operations on the production line. But maintaining optimal performance from inkjet barcode printers requires strategic upkeep to mitigate unnecessary expenses. Whether you’re a small startup or a large corporation, embracing maintenance practices will prove instrumental in streamlining the printing process while also reducing overhead costs.

With a focus on inkjet barcode printer maintenance, this guide will provide actionable tips designed to prolong printer lifespan and avoid unnecessary costs.

5 Maintenance Tips for Inkjet Barcode Printers to Reduce Costs

1. Regulate Temperature for Production

For optimal functionality, maintain your thermal inkjet printer within a controlled environment. Regulate both temperature and humidity levels. Exceeding 80 degrees °F may lead to premature ink drying and subsequent print head blockages. Temperatures below 60 degrees  °F can render printer components brittle, compromising their flexibility. 

Humidity levels should ideally range between 40 and 60 percent to prevent issues such as clogging and excessively wet or dry ink.

2. Regularly Clean Each Printer

Failure to clean your printer regularly not only affects print quality but also shortens its lifespan. If you’ve noticed flaws on recent printouts, there’s likely no mechanical issue at play. Just like any electronic device, inkjet printers require routine maintenance for peak performance. 

So here is how you clean your inkjet printer in 4 steps:

Step 1: Remove Cartridges – Begin by powering down the printer and carefully removing the ink cartridges from their slots.

Step 2: Clean Cartridges – Utilize a lint-free cloth lightly dampened with distilled water to gently wipe the exterior of each cartridge, removing any dust or residue that may have accumulated.

Step 3: Clean Cartridge Slot – Using a cotton swab or compressed air, clean the cartridge slots within the printer to remove any debris or dried ink buildup.

Step 4: Reassemble Cartridge – Once cleaned, reinsert the cartridges into their respective slots, ensuring they are securely in place.

Consistently integrating these cleaning steps into your printer maintenance schedule will maintain print quality, extend the printer’s longevity, and ultimately lead to lower overhead costs related to printer maintenance.

3. Schedule Repairs with Professionals

Rather than waiting for a breakdown to occur, proactive monitoring and addressing of potential issues can prevent significant problems down the line. An often overlooked but crucial maintenance strategy is scheduling repairs with professionals. Professional maintenance and repair services can prevent small issues from becoming costly problems. 

This can take the form of software updates or check-ups and finding replacement parts for your inkjet barcode printer. They give useful advice in planning out when to use your printer’s power efficiently. Consider enrolling in a regular maintenance plan. These plans ensure your equipment is expertly maintained with minimal effort on your part.

4. Appropriate Usage for Materials

Always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the inkjet barcode label printer’s specific uses. Employ high-quality labels designed for your printer to extend its lifespan and ensure better print results. Low-end labels may deposit dust and cause streaking or a poor finish. 

Most barcode inkjets are either thermal transfer or direct thermal printers:

• Thermal Transfer Printers – Use heat to transfer ink from ribbons to media, requiring regular ribbon changes. However, they produce long-lasting images that resist fading better than direct thermal printers. 

• Direct Thermal Printers – Use heat-activated media to create images, eliminating the need for ribbons, ink, or toner. However, they require specific media that reacts to heat. Though cheaper to operate than thermal transfer, they have more limited media options. 

Browse the Evolabel series of inkjet barcode printers that are designed to be user-friendly and robust.

5. Find a Trusted Supplier 

Finding a trusted supplier for your inkjet barcode printer consumables is essential if you want to reduce overhead costs. Having a reliable supplier can lead to a mutually beneficial partnership that ensures you access to high-quality products that maximize printer performance and minimize the risk of malfunctions.

ALSO READ: A Manufacturer’s Guide to Preventive Maintenance this 2024

By investing in a reputable supplier, businesses can streamline maintenance processes, improve print quality, and achieve long-term cost reductions. Contact us here at Elixir if you’re looking for a highly reliable partner offering state-of-the-art machines for your factory needs.