Clean Start® : A Game Changer for Thermal Transfer Printers ? 

In the fast-paced world of manufacturing, the demand for efficient and reliable printing solutions has never been higher. In response to these needs, ARMOR-IIMAK, a global leader in thermal transfer ribbons, has enriched their offer with an innovative solution — Clean Start — that NOW comes with all inkanto ribbons. Making Clean Start available on a worldwide basis puts a bigger focus on the importance of cleaning the printhead. It is a specifically designed and patented material attached between the leader tape and the inked film that will help remove debris and residues before starting the next print batch.

How does a printhead get dirty?

Dust and particles are inevitably building up on the printhead over time. This is linked to several factors.

• As the ribbon runs in direct contact with the printhead, the continuous mechanical friction naturally generates a deposit on the printhead.
• The substrate material is also a source of particles, especially paper-based materials that are made of fibers.

Optimized Printer Performance

One of the major advantages of Clean Start is its ability to maintain the performance of thermal transfer printers. Over time, residue from regular printing can build up on the printhead, causing degradation in print quality and eventually leading to hardware failure. Clean Start is designed to combat this problem by providing an efficient and easy-to-use cleaning system that keeps your printhead in top condition.

Since every inkanto ribbon now comes with Clean Start, every time a new ribbon is installed, automatic cleaning of the printhead is done. This simple, yet effective, approach helps maintain the printer’s optimal performance, reducing downtime and increasing productivity.

Extended Printhead Life

Regular cleaning of your printer’s printhead not only ensures high-quality prints but also extends the life of your hardware. The printhead being the most expensive part of the printer, preventive and regular cleaning will expand the printhead’s lifetime and reduce costs. A clean printhead experiences less wear and tear, reducing the frequency of costly printhead replacements.

Ease of Use

Reduced Electronic Waste

Clean Start aligns perfectly with ARMOR-IIMAK’s commitment to sustainability. By extending the lifespan of printheads and reducing the need for replacements, this product contributes to waste reduction.

Additional Cost-savings

While the direct costs of a dirty, damaged printhead are obvious, other hidden costs are attributed to this problem:

• If the elements of traceability are not perfectly readable, it can stop a production line or result in the loss of a product/parcel which costs money. The regular cleaning effect of Clean Start ensures consistent print quality and operational traceability.
• When dust and particles build up on the printhead, it will require a progressive increase in the printhead energy to ensure a good ink transfer. Higher solicitation of the printhead will speed its aging and replacement.
• Residues on the printhead attract more of the energy delivered by the printhead. This extra energy will progressively damage the heating dots and accelerate the printhead replacement.

Compliment to inkanto Cleaning Wipe

The cleaning wipe that comes in every box of inkanto ribbons completes the total cleaning solution. Each product of this power duo has its own functions. Clean Start ensures regular maintenance, while the cleaning wipe operates as a deeper clean-up.

• Clean Start cleans the surface covered by the ribbon width. The cleaning wipe can clean the entire width of the printhead, not just the printing width.
• Clean Start cleans the line of heating dots that are in contact with the ribbon. The cleaning wipe will clean all the printhead ceramic, including the heating dots.
• Clean Start ensures a regular cleaning with every ribbon change. The cleaning wipe complements with a deeper cleaning method for every new box of ribbons

ARMOR-IIMAK’s innovation with Clean Start underscores its commitment to providing products that offer superior value to its customers. Experience the power of Clean Start with every inkanto ribbon today and elevate your printing tasks to a new level of efficiency and cost-savings.