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Clean the Print Head - TC-20 / TC-20M

Article ID: ART181209

Date published: 01/16/2023

Date last updated: 04/18/2023

Description

This article shows how to clean, deeply clean, or replace ink in the print head of the imagePROGRAF TC-20 / TC-20M.

Solution

If you're experiencing poor print quality (incorrect colors, streaked / banded prints, blank pages), the print head may require cleaning. Select a cleaning option below.

Items to Prepare

When Using Rolls

Roll at least 11.69 in. (297.0 mm) wide

When Using Sheets

One unused sheet of A4 or larger size paper

Load rolls or sheets into the printer.

Select (Setup) on the HOME screen.

Select Maintenance.

Select Nozzle Check.

Check the displayed message and select Yes.

Select Roll paper or Top feed.
The nozzle check pattern will be printed and two pattern confirmation screens will appear on the touch screen.

Check if there are missing lines in the pattern C or horizontal streaks in the pattern D.
1. No missing lines / No horizontal streaks
2. Lines are missing / Horizontal streaks are present

Select the pattern that is closer to the printed nozzle check pattern on the confirmation screen.

For A (no missing lines or no horizontal streaks) in both the pattern C and pattern D:

The cleaning is not required. Select All A, confirm the message, then select OK.

The screen will return to the Maintenance screen.

For B (lines are missing or horizontal streaks are present) in the pattern C or pattern D, or in both patterns:

The cleaning is required. Select Also B, then go to next step.

If the pattern D or any color in the pattern C is not printed:

(Example: Magenta pattern is not printed)

The cleaning is required. Select Also B, then go to next step.

Select Yes on the cleaning confirmation screen.

The printer starts cleaning the print head. This takes about 2 minutes.

Do not perform any other operations until the printer completes the cleaning of the print head.

Check the displayed message and select Yes.

Select Roll paper or Top feed.
A nozzle check pattern is printed and two pattern confirmation screens appear on the touch screen.

Repeat steps 7 through 11.

If there is no improvement after repeating the cleaning process twice, perform Deep Cleaning.

If print quality does after a standard cleaning of the print head, clean the print head deeply. Cleaning the print head deeply consumes more ink than the standard cleaning of the print head, so clean the print head deeply only when necessary.

When performing a print head deep cleaning, check the free space in the maintenance cartridge. If there is not enough free space, replace with a new maintenance cartridge. In the case of shortage of free space in the maintenance cartridge, a message is displayed and the cleaning cannot be performed.

Items to Prepare

When Using Rolls

Unused roll at least 11.69 in. (297.0 mm) wide

When Using Sheets

One unused sheet of A4 or larger size paper

Load rolls or sheets into the printer.

Select (Setup) on the HOME screen.

Select Maintenance.

Select Deep Cleaning.

Check the displayed message and select Yes.

Select All colors, Color or BK.

The printer starts cleaning the print head deeply. This takes about 2 to 3 minutes.

Do not perform any other operations until the printer completes the deep cleaning of the print head.

Check the displayed message and select Yes.

Select Roll paper or Top feed.
The nozzle check pattern will be printed.

When the completion message appears, select OK.

Check if there are missing lines in the pattern C or horizontal streaks in the pattern D.
1. No missing lines / No horizontal streaks
2. Lines are missing / Horizontal streaks are present

If the problem is not resolved, turn off the power and clean the print head deeply again after 24 hours. Do not unplug the power cord when turning off the power.

If there is no improvement after repeating Deep Cleaning twice, perform Replace Ink in Print Head.

Performing Replace Ink in Print Head consumes a lot of ink.The more frequently it is performed, the faster ink is consumed. Perform only if one of the following applies.

Error 5200 occurs repeatedly.

Repeated deep cleaning does not improve poor printing.

Important

Before performing Replace Ink in Print Head, check the remaining ink level of all colors.

When performing Replace Ink in Print Head, check the free space of the maintenance cartridge. Replace Ink in Print Head consumes a lot of ink, and the consumed ink is discharged to the maintenance cartridge. If the free space is low, replace it with a new maintenance cartridge. If the available capacity of the maintenance cartridge is low, a message is displayed and Replace Ink in Print Head cannot be performed.

Replace Ink in Print Head cannot be performed consecutively. It can be performed after the following time has passed.

Second: after 1 hour

Third: after 24 hours

Select (Setup) on HOME screen.

Select (Maintenance).

Select Replace Ink in Print Head.

Check the displayed message and select OK.

Select All colors, Color or BK.

Check the displayed message and select Yes.

The printer starts replacing the ink in the print head.

Do not perform any operations while replacing the ink in the print head is in progress.

If print results do not improve after performing Replace Ink in Print Head, the print head may be at the end of its service life. Contact your dealer.

If your product issue was not resolved after following the steps above, or if you require additional help, please create or log in to your Canon Account to see your technical support options.

Or if you still need help, visit our Canon Community by clicking the button below to get answers:

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