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Accessing cartridges and the head typically requires removing paper trays and component covers.
The controls and other mechanisms in many computer printers can also be accessed from the back and sides.
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A computer printer is an electronic component that gets data from a computer through a cable and converts the data into a series of small dots that form letters or images on paper.
There are three types of computer printers used by consumers: the older dot-matrix and the newer ink-jet and laser printers. Each prints differently. The dot matrix printer uses a printhead with pins that strike the paper through a replaceable inked ribbon. The ink-jet printer, also known as a bubble-jet printer, contains a print head that moves back and forth across the sheet of paper, then moves the paper up after each pass. The print head fires tiny jets of ink onto the paper to produce rows of dots that build up into images and characters. In laser printers, a laser or light-emitting diode (LED) flashes rows of lights on and off toward the printing drum to make images.
Replace an ink-jet cartridge:
- Release the ink cartridge by pressing down on it, then tipping it back (or forward) and out.
- To replace the cartridge, do the reverse, snapping the new cartridge into the cradle
Clean an ink-jet head:
- Remove the ink-jet head or cartridge following the above instructions.
- Use a dry or alcohol-dampened swab to wipe away ink from each nozzle.
- Reinstall the cartridge head.
Clean and maintain a dot matrix or ink-jet printer:
- Clean the interior of the printer by blowing out dust with a can of compressed air or by vacuuming with a small vacuum cleaner.
- Clean guide rails with a soft lint-free cloth dampened with isopropyl alcohol, then relubricate the rails.
- Lubricate rails with a drop of lightweight household oil. Slide the printhead to distribute the lubricant. Carefully spray silicone on cleaned gears.
- Clean the platen and the rollers by turning the platen while holding a cloth dampened with alcohol against each roller.
Clean a laser printer:
- Let the printer cool completely because it gets hot.
- Blow out dust from around the drum and the corona wire.
- Lightly rub a cotton swab along the corona wire to clean off built-up toner and dust.
Service a dot matrix printer:
- Unplug the printer and slide the printhead to the middle of the platen. Unfasten the head retainer clips and lift the head off the support pins.
- Clean the pins with a dry swab. Replace the head if any pins are missing or if cleaning fails.
- To adjust tension on the printer carriage belt, loosen (do not remove) screws on the gear mounting plate. Rotate the plate to adjust belt tension, then tighten the screws.
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