How to protect the thermal printhead of your label printer

Protecting the printhead of your direct thermal or thermal transfer label printer is very important. That is because the print head is perhaps the most important, expensive and fragile part of your device. With time, the printhead wears out which leads to poor print quality, lower production volume and increased repair or replacement costs.

 

The good news is that there are easy steps you can take to protect and prolong the life of the printhead. These steps do not require you to alter your production process and volume. 

 

• Make certain that you use high-quality consumables and label materials. This rule is important whichever thermal printing method you are using for the production of labels and tags. The direct thermal labels and thermal transfer ribbons you use come in direct contact with the print head during thermal printing.

For the direct thermal method, we recommend using high-quality thermal labels. If possible, these labels should be with a smooth surface and stored away from dust and other particles.

The labels for direct thermal printing are also sensitive to light and warmth. Thus, you should not expose them to bright light and temperatures higher than 25°C for a long period of time. The shelf life of these labels when in storage is around 6 months.

If you require more information, please read this blog article. The article also includes our advice on the proper storing conditions of all types of non adhesive and adhesive labels. Proper label handling aides supply chain processes.

For optimal productivity and prolonged printhead life of a thermal transfer printer, we recommend using  DNP’s thermal transfer ribbons. Their specially created antistatic and back coat properties protect the thermal head when it applies heat and extend its life.  

 

• If suitable, use thermal transfer printing. With this method, the thermal transfer ribbon passes between the printhead and the label, thus protecting the head further. For this reason, thermal transfer printers have a longer printhead warranty than direct thermal printers. Thermal transfer technology is often recommended by our specialists for printing adhesive roll labels.

 

• Regularly clean the thermal head – built-up contaminants such as paper and other particles accelerate wearing out. In addition to scratching the printhead, they might lower the quality of the printed image and damage the thermal transfer ribbon and media. Carefully read your user guide for proper cleaning materials and procedures. 

 

• Avoid directly touching the printhead – this may lead to damage, greasing or scratching. If you feel it is necessary to do so, always follow cleaning procedures afterwards. The solvents and cleaning materials you use should be approved by the manufacturer. 

 

• Print at the lowest possible temperature. Depending on the method, printer and consumables, the thermal label printing process requires different amounts of heating. Because higher temperatures might damage the printhead, it is advisable that you set your printer at the lowest possible temperature. This temperature varies according to the specific application and the label printer you are using.

 

If you follow these steps correctly, you will be able to protect and extend the shelf life of your thermal printhead. For more advice or a free consultation, please contact Dilcom’s specialists at sales@dilcom.com. .