Poor barcode imaging: troubleshooting tips will help you learn how to get the most mileage from your printhead. Our most frequent “HELP!” calls are related to poor imaging. Call Barcode Southwest at 1(888) 764-9965 to discuss these and other troubleshooting tips.
Trouble Shooting Tips for Poor Barcode Imaging
Keep the Printhead Clean
Poor barcode imaging can generally be traced to a dirty printhead on your thermal printer. The print head is a very sensitive component of your barcode printer. It is also the most expensive consumable component of any barcode label printer.
The function of the printhead is to transfer information from your label design to the actual label material. The “lightbulbs” on the printhead must be kept clear of environmental dust and debris from the ribbon.
There are two reasons why you are experiencing poor imaging in thermal printers. Let’s start with the two easiest solutions for poor imaging in thermal printers.
Issue # 1: Faint or Missing Image
Poor barcode imaging in thermal printers can result faint, smudged, or missing images. Typically, these issues are the due to a dirty printhead.
There is constant contact between the print ribbon and media. As a result, the printhead collects dust, ribbon particles and label adhesive.
Solution: Clean the Printhead
Use 99% Isopropyl Alcohol or acetone and a cloth to clean the dirty printhead. Proper maintenance will help prevent faint or missing images.
Getting the best imaging from your thermal printer requires a regular cleaning. Barcode Southwest recommends a weekly cleaning.
Issue # 2: Printer Speed
A second poor imaging solution involves correct printer speed. Printer speed, a clean printhead, and compatible ribbon /label formulation relate directly to imaging quality.
Solution: Find the Best Printer Speed
Printer manufacturers (available within specifications) show the maximum speed of each printer. You must determine the correct speed for your specific label printing application.
Keep in mind, the correct print head heat or density setting along with printer speed will result in the highest quality barcode printer imaging. The lowest print head heat setting will usually give you the longest life span of the print head.
These Poor Barcode Imaging: Troubleshooting Tips should help give you a place to start in solving your imaging problems.
Call Barcode Southwest at 1-888-764-9965 to discuss troubleshooting your printer problems. Or complete our contact form!
Barcode Southwest is a premier supplier of barcode printers and labels for a wide range of industry applications. We supply to clients all over the Southwest region of the U.S., including, but not limited to, Houston, TX, Austin, Dallas and San Antonio.
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Posted March 08, 2021 By Lucy
Poor Barcoding Imaging Solutions for Houston, Austin, Dallas and San Antonio
