Have you ever experienced a broken printhead pin in your barcode printer? Actually, there are some reasons behind this that you might not know.
🔍 First, the construction of the barcode printhead is crucial. It consists of a row of tiny, heated pins. The higher the density, the finer the pins, and naturally, the easier they are to break.
👀 When you find a straight blank line on the printed label, it means the printhead pin has broken. At this point, replacing the printhead becomes the only option, and it’s quite expensive!
🌫️ So, what are the main causes of printhead pin breakage? Let’s take a look:
- Dust on the paper surface: Like a large rock, it relentlessly scrapes the thin pins.
- Uneven surface of cheap labels: This is also a major cause of pin breakage.
- High-temperature printing: When using cheap ribbons and labels, the printhead temperature has to be increased to achieve clearer prints, but high temperatures are the culprit behind pin breakage and shortened printhead lifespan.
Labels lying on the floor: already covered in dust, yet rolled back for use, is undoubtedly a disaster for the print head.
Improper ribbon use: The ribbon should be wider than the label, as the edges of the label are very sharp and can cut hands and the print head.
Dirty rollers under the print head: Many protruding hard rubber pieces cause wear.
🛠️ To avoid these situations, we need to take good care of our printing equipment, choose high-quality ribbons and labels, and clean the print head and rollers regularly. Only in this way can we extend the life of the print head and reduce the risk of needle breakage.
💡 Remember these tips to make your barcode printer run more smoothly!