CompTIA A+ 220-1201 (3.8 - Inkjet Printer Maintenance)

Cleaning print heads

• 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

Replacing inkjet cartridges

• 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

Inkjet printer calibration

• Align nozzles to the paper

- Lines should be crisp

- Colors should not overlap

• Printer includes a calibration option

- May need to make minor adjustments

Clearing jams

• 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