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Media Edge Protectors

Introduction

Some media tend to have dust and fibre that clings to the edge of the media roll. When released near the RMO (Roll Media Option) unit platen, these particles can find their way into the printhead nozzles and cause dropouts that reduce image quality and produce banding.

About this task

When you use roll media that has fibres on the edge of the roll, use the media edge protectors to stop this material from entering the active print area where the carriage moves across the platen. The edge protectors are disposable and are intended to extend the time between printhead cleaning when fibrous media is used.

NOTE

If you use media that is known to have to have "fuzzy" edges you can sometimes minimize the problem by cutting or burning the debris off.

Required tools

A package of edge detectors is included in the Accessory kit that ships with the RMO unit. If you run out, you can purchase it as a consumable item (see local sales representative).

Procedure

  1. NOTE

    There are both left and right edge protectors and they are both labelled (a left protector has the height adjuster, the arc and the indent on the right side, while the right protector is reversed).

    Bend the bottom edge of the protector along the first crease (located above the label with the part number) to approximately 90 degrees.
  2. Bend the other two creases slightly so that they have a V shape when viewed, as illustrated in the side view figure below.
    Side View of Media Protector
  3. Bend the height adjuster (small triangle in the top corner of the edge protector) slightly and then straighten it again. This results in a slight bend (no more than a media thickness), that allows the media edge to move more freely under the protector.
    Media Edge Protector Height Adjuster
  4. IMPORTANT

    If the height adjuster area is higher than 1 mm from the platen, there is a possibility that the carriage may hit the edge of the protector and thus damage printhead nozzles.

    Peel the backing layer from the double-sided tape on the back of the protector.
  5. Place the bent edge of the protector into the media cut guide, but do not press down on the tape yet.
  6. Slide the protector towards the media edge until the inside edge of the height adjuster is positioned over the media edge (see figure below).
  7. NOTE

    Do not let the plastic edge near the arc butt up against the media edge or the device may not let the media pass smoothly.

    The vacuum in the platen will hold the main part of the protector in place while the image is printed.

    Press down on the tape to fasten the protector in this position.
    Edge Protector in Position
    1. Height adjuster

    2. Media edge

    3. Cut guide

    NOTE

    The adhesive on the edge protector can be re-used approximately ten times. If you find that it is not holding the protector in place, then use a new one.

Results

The media edge protectors will reduce the amount of fibre and other debris. However, it is important to keep the platen and cutting guide areas clean as indicated in the Roll Media maintenance section.

How to Deal with Wide Media

If you use media of the maximum width for the RMO (2.2m or 7.2 feet) that requires media edge protection, you can cut the protectors in half in order for them to fit.