Zebra Printer ZD621

CAUTION: Cleaning the roller with solutions or rubbing the delicate surface of this type of roller will permanently damage or shorten the usable life of the linerless platen.

Check for build-up of particles on the platen roller

If there is a build-up of particles, proceed to the next step. If not, skip to step 5.

Use the adhesive side of a piece of linerless media to gently press and remove the particles from the platen roller

Check if the linerless media is sticking and binding in the printer

If the linerless media is sticking and binding in the printer, the silicon non-stick coating may have been used up. In this case, the linerless platen normally needs to be replaced.

Select the color of the linerless platen roller

Sign off on the cleaning of the linerless platen (drive) roller

Clean as needed using a soft cloth, brush, or compressed air to wipe or blow dust and particles out of the printer.

The exterior of the printer can be cleaned using plain soap and water solutions to moisten the cloth. Only use the minimum amount of cleaning solution to avoid getting solution in the printer or other areas. Do NOT clean connectors or interior of the printer with this method.

The latest healthcare printer models now include ultraviolet (UV) and disinfectant-ready plastics for hospital and other similar environments.

The printer user interface controls are sealed so they can be cleaned with the rest of the printer’s exterior. See the Guide To Disinfecting and Cleaning Zebra Healthcare Printers on the Zebra website at zebra.com/support for the latest information on tested and approved cleaning materials and cleaning methods.

Dust can accumulate on the media sensors and must be cleaned periodically.

NOTE: Do NOT use an air compressor to remove dust. The action of air compressors tends to add moisture, fine grit, and lubricant which can contaminate your printer.

Cleaning the Sensor – Lower Half of the ZD421/ZD621 Printers

The lower half of all ZD621/ZD421 model printers are all cleaned the same way. Use this procedure to clean the sensor window.

1. Clean the window of the movable sensor by gently brushing away dust or using a can of compressed air. If necessary, use a dry swab to brush away dust.

2. If adhesives or other contaminants remain, use a swab moistened with 99.7% pure isopropyl alcohol to break them up. Discard the used swab(s).

3. Use a dry swab to remove any residue that may be left from the first cleaning.

4. Repeat the preceding steps as required until all residue and streaks are removed from the sensor.

Clean thoroughly as needed with fiber-free cleaning swabs and cloths moistened with 99.7% pure isopropyl alcohol. Let the alcohol evaporate completely.

Use a cleaning swab and or a lint-free cloth to remove debris, dust or crust that has built-up on the holders, guides, and the media path surfaces.

Lightly moisten the swab or cloth with 99.7% pure medical-grade alcohol.

For hard-to-clean areas, use extra alcohol on a cleaning swab to soak the debris to break up any adhesive that may have accumulated on surfaces in the media compartment.

IMPORTANT: Do NOT clean the printhead, movable sensor, or platen as part of this process.

Cleaning the Media Path – Lower Half of ZD421/ZD621 Printers

The lower half of all printer models covered in this guide get cleaned the same way, as described in this procedure.

IMPORTANT: Do NOT clean the printhead, sensors, or platen as part of this process.

1. Wipe the inside surfaces of the roll holders and the underside of the media guides with either wipes or cleaning swabs lightly moistened with 99.7% pure isopropyl alcohol. Use extra alcohol if necessary to soak accumulated debris for removal.

Clean the printhead after printing every five rolls of media printed.

For optimal print operations, clean the printhead each time you load a new roll of media.

Always use a new cleaning pen on the printhead. Old, used cleaning pens carry contaminants from previous use that may damage the printhead.

CAUTION: The printhead becomes hot while printing. To protect from damaging the printhead and risk of personal injury, avoid touching the printhead. Only use the cleaning pen to perform printhead maintenance.

CAUTION—ESD: Observe static-safe procedures when working with the printhead or the electronic components under the top cover. The discharge of electrostatic energy that accumulates on the surface of the human body or other surfaces can damage or destroy the printhead and other electronic components used in this device.

Cleaning the Printhead – ZD421/ZD621 Direct Thermal Printers

Zebra recommends that you clean the printhead when you load a new roll of media.

1. Rub the cleaning pen across the dark area of the printhead. Clean from the middle to the outside, to move adhesive transferred from the edges of media out and away from the media path.

2. Wait one minute before you close the printer to allow the wet areas to dry fully.