3.7 - Inkjet Printer Maintenance

Question 1

Cleaning print heads

Answer 1

• Small droplets of ink - And small holes in a print head
• Clogged heads is a big issue
  – Many printers automatically clean every day
  – Output has streaks or sections of missing color
• Cleaning process can be started manually
  – Only takes a few minutes
• Some print heads/cartridges can be removed
  – Manually cleaning may help

Question 2

Replacing inkjet cartridges

Answer 2

• Usually separate colors
  – Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Key (CMYK)
  – Some cartridges will combine these
• Takes seconds to replace
  – Takes a few minutes to calibrate and
  prepare the cartridge
• Recycle the empty cartridge - All plastic

Question 3

Inkjet printer calibration

Answer 3

• Align nozzles to the paper
  – Lines should be crisp
  – Colors should not overlap
• Printer includes a calibration option
  – May need to make minor adjustments

Question 4

Clearing jams

Answer 4

• Lots of turns and twists
  – A jam is inevitable
• Remove tray paper
  – Any loose paper
• Remove paper from the path
  – Firm pressure, don’t rip
• Check for any scraps of paper
• Remove all loose paper