Proper printer and card maintenance is important to ensure printers are consistently printing high quality ID Cards. Below are best practices to follow to ensure high quality ID cards.

Adjust the Card Gauge

We recommend adjusting the gauge between 30-35 mil to prevent card jams.

1. Open the top cover of the printer

2. Slide the card gauge to set between 30-35 mil

Cleaning Rollers

Ensure rollers are regularly cleaned and free of any contaminants. By cleaning rollers, you are preventing the roller from being contaminated, losing grip and any timing issues relating to the timing belt. 

Cleaning Printer every 1000 prints

Every 1000 prints, you should run cleaning on your printer.

Click here to learn more about cleaning your printer.

Proper Handling of Cards

Ensure your hand is always holding new cards on the side and never directly on the surface of the card. Improper card handling can result in poor print quality and create mechanical printer issues

Protect ID Cards

RFID cards can be physically or magnetically damaged if not properly protected. For best practices, avoid crushing, bending, or puncturing holes in cards because it will damage the RFID chip antenna in the cards. In addition, avoid placing cards near high magnetic areas like microwaves and speakers because it will demagnetize the RFID chip antennas.

It is recommended to use card holders to properly secure cards from any physical and magnetic damages. The ID cards can withstand more physical and magnetic pressure by having another layer of protection.

Printhead and Ribbon Cartridge

When handling the ribbon cartridges, be mindful of the delicate printhead. Any damage on the printhead and ribbon cartridge will result in failure to print. The process to replace printheads and ribbon cartridges will cause a delay in printing IDs. 

Preventing Ribbon Tears

Prevent the ribbon cartridge from tearing by ensuring printer, rollers and cards are clean. By running regular cleaning on the printer, rollers are free of any contaminants.

O-Ring is properly configured and is not worn out

If you are receiving No Ribbon error, ensure the black o-ring is properly secured in the printer. When we print all towards the end of the ribbon, the black o-ring and stud will jump out of the spool.

Open the left side of the printer and ensure the black o-ring and stud are properly secure.