Zebra Printer 96XiIIIPlus

Warning: Ensure the machine is turned off and unplugged before cleaning.

CLEAN HEAD NOW message appears?

Did you brush or vacuum any accumulated paper lint and dust off the sensors?

Sign off on the sensor cleaning

Perform these procedures at the following times:

• Direct Thermal Print Mode: After every roll of labels or 500 ft (150 m) of fanfold labels.

• Thermal Transfer Print Mode: After every roll (1500 ft or 450 m) of ribbon.

If print quality does not improve after you perform this procedure, clean the printhead with Save-a-Printhead cleaning film. This specially coated material removes contamination buildup without damaging the printhead. Call your authorized Zebra reseller or distributor for more information.

Cleaning intervals are as follows, based on the printhead resolution:

For 203 and 300 dpi printers Clean the printhead after every roll (1500 feet or 450 m) of thermal transfer ribbon or after every roll (500 feet or 150 m) of direct thermal labels or when CLEAN HEAD NOW appears on the LCD. Clean the printhead more often if you see inconsistent print quality, such as voids in the bar code or graphics.

For 600 dpi printers Clean the printhead after each roll (500 feet or 150 m) of labels or when CLEAN HEAD NOW appears on the LCD. Clean the printhead more often if you see inconsistent print quality, such as voids in the bar code or graphics.

Clean the snap plate when label adhesive or a label is stuck to the underside.

The type of snap plate in your printer will depend on whether the printer is standard or RFID-ready/enabled. Figure 27 shows the snap plate in a standard non-RFID printer.

To clean the snap plate in a standard printer, complete these steps:

1. Insert a small-blade screwdriver or similar tool into the loop on the left side of the snap plate.

2. Gently lift the left side of the snap plate.

3. Insert a small-blade screwdriver or similar tool into the loop on the right side of the snap plate.

4. Gently lift the right side of the snap plate.

5. Remove the snap plate from the printer.

Warning: The cutter blade is sharp. Do not touch or rub the blade with your fingers.

Clean the stationary cutter blade with a swab and solvent

Is the cutter clean and free of label fragments and adhesive?

If cleaning does not remove label fragments and adhesive, contact an authorized service technician.

Sign off on the cutter cleaning

Perform these procedures at the following times:

• Direct Thermal Print Mode: After every roll of labels or 500 ft (150 m) of fanfold labels.

• Thermal Transfer Print Mode: After every roll (1500 ft or 450 m) of ribbon.