Top 5 ways to Prolong your ID Card Printer Life
How to Take Care of Your ID Card Printer and Prolong the Printer Lifespan
Having a well-maintained ID card printer is crucial for any organisation that relies on secure identification systems. Regular care and maintenance not only extend the lifespan of your printer but also ensure consistent print quality and reduce downtime. In this blog post, we will explore some essential tips for taking care of your ID card printer to maximize its performance and longevity.
1. Regular Cleaning:
Regular cleaning is fundamental to keeping your ID card printer in optimal condition. Dust, debris, and ink residue can accumulate over time, leading to print quality issues and mechanical problems.
When you should clean:
- When swapping printer ribbons.
- If you notice a decrease in print quality.
- After extended periods of inactivity.
- Routinely. As a rule of thumb, after every 500 cards printed, you should have a standard clean, and an advanced clean for every 1000 cards.
Some key cleaning steps to follow:
- Clean the printer's exterior using a soft, lint-free cloth and a mild detergent solution.
- Use a cleaning card or cleaning pen recommended by the manufacturer to clean the printer's card transport rollers and printhead.
- Remove any debris or dust from the card hopper and input/output rollers.
- Clean the card path and printer internals using compressed air to blow away any loose particles.
- Ensure you follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning intervals and procedures.
2. Use Genuine Supplies:
Using genuine supplies, such as printer ribbons, cleaning kits, and ID cards, is crucial for the optimal performance and reliability of your ID card printer. Genuine supplies are specifically designed for your printer model and offer superior quality and compatibility, reducing the risk of damage or malfunction. They also help maintain consistent print quality and minimize the need for frequent printhead cleaning.
You can call us on 0333 7000 123 if you're unsure and our expert team will let you know which ribbon is best suited to your needs!
3. Service Your Printer:
Regular servicing by a qualified technician is an essential aspect of ID card printer maintenance. While routine cleaning can be done in-house, professional servicing ensures that internal components are thoroughly inspected, cleaned, and calibrated. It is recommended to schedule service sessions at regular intervals, as specified by the manufacturer, to identify and address potential issues before they escalate into major problems.
If you're cleaning in-house, we would reccomend incorporating the following:
- Annual servicing, including an in depth clean
- Check your software and firmware
- Check your stock levels
- Ensure ribbons are correctly disposed of and shredded with a ribbon shredder
- Properly train staff on how to use the printer & software
4. Store Properly:
When not in use, it is important to store your ID card printer in a suitable environment. Here are a few guidelines to follow:
- Keep the printer in a clean and dust-free area, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures.
- Ensure the printer is stored in a level position to avoid any potential damage.
- Cover the printer with a dust cover or use a protective case, if available, to prevent dust accumulation and physical damage.
5. Update Firmware and Software:
Manufacturers often release firmware and software updates for their printers to enhance performance, fix bugs, and introduce new features. Regularly check for updates on the manufacturer's website and follow their instructions for safely updating your printer's firmware and software. Keeping your printer up to date ensures optimal functionality and compatibility with the latest technologies.
By following these key maintenance practices, including regular cleaning, using genuine supplies, scheduling professional servicing, and storing the printer properly, you can ensure that your ID card printer performs reliably and produces high-quality identification cards. Taking care of your printer not only extends its lifespan but also enhances the efficiency and security of your organisation's identification systems.