ID card printers are designed to last for years, but exactly how long yours will last depends on how well your printer is maintained. Not sure where to start? Here are our top 4 tips for long-lasting printers.

1: Clean the Printer Regularly

The number one thing you can do to ensure your printer lasts a long time is to clean it regularly. Over time dust and debris will build up inside the printer, causing damage to the printhead and interfering with card rollers and sensors.

Cleaning your printer takes only minutes, and each manufacturer has pre-packaged cleaning kits specifically for your printer model. You can find them on AlphaCard using the Supply Finder.

How often should you clean your ID card printer? We recommend you clean it every time you change the printer ribbon – this is the most convenient time because you will already have the printer open and ready to go. Not sure how to clean your printer? Check out the Technical Support site for printer cleaning tips and videos.

2: Handle Blank Cards with Care

Do you know the right way to pick up a blank card? By the edges only – touching the surface of the card can transfer dirt and oils from your hands to the card which may impact print quality and get the printhead or rollers inside the printer dirty.

For best card handling practices, you should wash your hands and wear gloves while loading new blank cards into your ID card printer. You can read all our tips in our Cardstock Care PDF.

3: Store the Printer & Supplies Properly

If dirt, dust, debris, and water get into or onto your printer or the supplies, it can cause problems. To prevent this, you should always store your ID card system with care.

For supplies including cards and ribbons, store them in a cool, dark environment. Leave them in the original box or materials they ship in, and put them inside another container that will prevent any dust or spilled water from getting in.

You can also use cases and covers for your ID card printers – both to protect the printer when you’re moving it and while it’s sitting in your office.

Shop printer cases and covers:

• Magicard printer cases
• Fargo printer cases
• Evolis printer cases
• Zebra printer cases

4: Always use the Recommended Supplies

One quick way to damage your printer and void the manufacture warranty is by using unauthorized supplies (ribbons, cards, and cleaning kits) with your printer. The supplies made by the manufacture are specifically designed and sized for your printer model – using anything else can damage rollers, sensors, or the printhead.

In addition, using the wrong supplies may void the printer’s warranty. This may result in your organization having to pay the full costs for any printer repairs, which can cost up to hundreds of dollars.

Need supplies? Our Supply Finder tool will quickly pull up all the supplies compatible with your ID card printer.