Large-Format Printer Maintenance Tips for the Holiday Break
As the festive season draws near, it’s important to prepare your print shop or office equipment for the holiday break—especially if you rely on a wide format printer or large format printer. It’s large-format printer maintenance. We can’t stress that enough, especially if your entire team will go on a holiday break. Whether you use Canon large format printers, Epson large format printers, or even a large format laser printer, a little attention now will prevent headaches when your team returns from the break. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure your large canvas printer, large photo printer, or big format printing setup is ready to get back to work post-holiday.
Key Steps to Keep Your Large-Format Printer Good Over the Holidays
Your large-format printers handle the toughest projects; they deserve some care before you go on your holiday break. Here are some maintenance tips to follow:
1. Clean the Print Heads and Nozzles
Begin with a deep clean. Use the proper cleaning solution for your print heads and nozzles and follow the manual’s specific cleaning instructions. Can’t perform this task on your own? Consider hiring a professional service, like the Printer Repair Centre, which specialises in large format printer maintenance in Sydney.
2. Perform Thorough Test Prints
Test printing a pattern or image before the break is a proactive way to spot and address inconsistencies or clogs. Have you noticed some large-format printing issues? It is best to resolve them before the break to prevent them from worsening over time.
3. Do a Calibration Check
Ensure your prints stay sharp by checking and recalibrating the large printer. This is especially important for industries that rely on large format printer or professional printers for precision.
4. Be Mindful About Media Handling and Storage
Will you leave unused media (paper, canvas, etc.) for the printer? Make sure it’s stored under ideal conditions—cool, dry and away from direct sunlight to prevent damage.
5. Handle Your Ink Cartridges Properly:
Since your large printer will be unused for an extended period, consider removing the ink cartridges and storing them in airtight bags to prevent them from drying out. Follow your manufacturer’s guidelines for this process to the tee.
6. Power Down Properly:
Before you lock up for the holidays, make sure the temperature and humidity in the office remain within the recommended range for your large format printer. This prevents environmental damage to both the machine and the media.
7. Adjust Environmental Conditions
Will your office be vacant during the break? Before clocking out on the last day before the break, consider adjusting the office’s temperature and humidity settings. Ensure they are within the recommended range for the printer’s storage conditions.
8. Unplug or Ensure Surge Protection
Unplug the printer from the power source to prevent any electrical issues that could arise during the holiday break. Is unplugging not an option? The alternative is to connect it to a reliable surge protector.
9. Check Software Updates
Look for any firmware or software updates for your printer, especially for large photo printers or large format laser printers. Installing these updates before your break ensures your equipment will be ready to operate smoothly when you return.
10. Stick to the Maintenance Schedule
Is your large format printer up for ink cartridge replacement or calibration soon? Will the schedule fall on the holiday break? You can perform those maintenance tasks days before the schedule—rather than wait to do it after the festive season—to ensure your printer remains in good condition.
11. Take Advantage of Remote Monitoring
If your wide format printer has remote monitoring capabilities, consider using them to check its status periodically during the break. Some printers allow you to perform maintenance tasks remotely. It’s a smart way to stay ahead while you’re away.
12. Have Service Contacts Handy
Keep a list of service contacts, including the printer manufacturer’s support hotline or local service providers like the Printer Repair Centre. In case of unexpected issues, you’ll have resources to reach out to for urgent assistance.
Printer Repair Centre: Your Go-To Experts
Wide or large format printers are pivotal in delivering impactful visuals and precision in various industries. They enable the production of precise technical drawings, stunning artwork and photography and other high-quality prints on a larger scale. So, it pays to ensure they are well-maintained, even when your whole production goes on a break. You don’t want to return to work with a dysfunctional wide-format printer, right?
Give us a ring if you need servicing for your wide-format printer before or during the holiday break. We are your go-to experts in large-format printer repairs in Sydney. Whether it’s an HP DesignJet or models from brands like Brother, Epson or Canon, you can count on our seasoned technicians at Printer Repair Centre to provide top-notch service. Contact us today and ensure your large format printer is in expert hands.
