If you own or work with a wide format printer, you already know what it’s capable of. From running posters to building banners to creating wall-sized murals, wide format printers offer a world of creative possibilities for your business, associations, or your own creative work. But wide format printers, like any machine, are only as good as the care put into them. To keep yours happily running and printing, we provide a few tips for maintaining your wide format printer.
Keep It Clean
Cleanliness is always a plus when it comes to machines. That means cleaning your wide format printer inside and out. Certainly, it’s always good to give the device a quick wipe down with a microfiber cloth (no need for cleaning sprays unless there’s a stain) to keep the dust off, but don’t neglect the interior. Ink, paper, dust, and other materials build up in and around the printer. Gently vacuum the vents to prevent dust from building up. Read the manual or consult the manufacturer about cleaning the interior components. You may want to leave that part to a technician, however. Print heads and nozzles are often easy to relieve of built-up ink and more by running a cleaning cycle through the settings.
Use the Right Materials
Cheap, off-brand ink cartridges and shoddy paper may save you a little money, but they’re not doing you, your printer, or your work any favors. Low-quality materials create low-quality projects. They might also cause your printer to jam and become damaged. Use the inks and media the manufacturer suggests, and consider sustainability when large format printing. You’ll keep your printer working while helping preserve the ecosystem!
Update the Software
Don’t neglect your printer’s soul—it’s the software that runs everything. Ensure it’s up to date to prevent any glitches or bugs that might affect your machine’s performance. Consult the printer’s manufacturer or your supplier. They’ll know if it’s time to upgrade and arrange to alert you to future updates as well. Call in the technician if you’re a bit boggled by it all. They’ll let you know what’s happening and handle it. Your tech may also recommend an annual maintenance check as well. They’ll clean it up and repair anything that needs repairing.
Put It in the Proper Place
Your printer’s surroundings affect its performance as well. If you want it to last longer, give it a room worthy of it. Keep things clean, dry, and cool, and install a dehumidifier to ensure paper and other media don’t become sticky and jam up the works. A bad environment wears out a wide format printer. For added measure, keep it covered and protected between projects. This will cut down on the need to clean as well.
Those are just a few tips for maintaining your wide format printer. Ensure a long life and years of bright and beautiful printouts by following them!
