Determining Printhead Wear - Printronix SL5000E series User Manual

Determining Printhead Wear

The most common signs of a worn printhead are fixed vertical streaks that are
always the same size and in the same place on the printout. To determine if
vertical streaks are caused by a worn printhead, follow these methods:
1. Clean the printhead thoroughly with the printhead cleaning pen. Test
again for vertical streaks.
2. Remove the printhead (see page 312) and examine it for contamination
or damage such as scratches, dents, or other marks on the light brown
area containing the heating elements. Clean and install it, then test again
for vertical streaks.
3. Load an alternate roll of media. Test again for vertical streaks.
4. Load an alternate roll of ribbon. Test again for vertical streaks.
If after performing all these tests you still see fixed vertical streaks, you must
replace the printhead.
Determining Printhead Wear
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