Panasonic UF-E1 Service Manual page 192

UF-E1
6.7.3. Causes for Short Print Cartridge Life
There are several causes for short print cartridge life, which are discussed in this section.
1. Printed pages may have a higher percentage of ink coverage than specified for average print cartridge
life.
The percentage of ink coverage on printed pages has a significant impact on the number of pages per
print cartridge. Generally, graphics and images use ink at a higher percentage of coverage. Heavy
concentrations of ink reduce the number of pages per print cartridge.
2. The tape covering the bubble generator may not have been removed from the bottom of the print car-
tridge.
Removing the nozzle tape from the nozzles during installation, without removing tape from the bubble
generator, results in short print cartridge life. After the print cartridge has been used, removing the
tape will not restore print cartridge life.
3. The print cartridge may be past its expiration date.
4. The printing device may have been turned off with the print cartridge out of the service station and the
nozzles uncapped, leaving them exposed to the atmosphere. This could lead to crusted ink on or in
the nozzles may lead to a shorter print life (see section 2.1.2.2 for removing crusted ink).
5. The original print cartridge package may have been opened. Print cartridges have a longer life sealed
in their original package.
6. The print cartridge may be faulty. However, frequent occurrences of faulty print cartridges may indicate
problems with service station mechanism.
7. The service station may be faulty, which can lead to several types of problems including ink crusting,
plugging of nozzles, or air forced into the nozzles. Replace the wiper/cap assembly (see section
6.12.3).
If replacing the cap and wiper do not resolve the cartridge problem, replace the entire service station
assembly.
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