
Overview
Basic cleaning of the print head, cutter, and platen roller will prolong the life of the printer and allow crisp, clear labels and signs with every print.
IMPORTANT! Always turn the printer OFF before cleaning, performing maintenance, or loading supplies. Always wait at least 5 seconds before turning ON the power.
Like visuals? You can view examples here: DuraLabel 4000 User Guide
Clean Print Head
Unclear printouts may be caused by a dusty print head, ribbon stain or label supply residue. Therefore, when printing, it is necessary to keep the top cover closed. Also, prevent vinyl from being stained or becoming dusty to ensure print quality and to prolong print head life.
- Turn the printer power OFF.
- Open the printer cover and remove the ribbon and/or label supply from the printer.
- Open the print head by pressing the locking levers.
- To open a cleaning swab, place the swab between your index finger and your thumb. Squeeze the swab until it snaps. Alcohol will be distributed to the cotton side of the swab.
- Run the swab back and forth several times across the front and underside of the print head to remove any built-up adhesive, residue, or dust particles.

Clean Manual Cutter Module
- Turn the printer power OFF.
- Remove the screws on both sides of the manual cutter module.
- Unplug the sensor connector and remove the cutter module.
- Open a cleaning swab and place the swab between your index finger and your thumb. Squeeze the swab until it snaps. Alcohol will be distributed to the cotton side of the swab. While pressing down on the cutter, run a cleaning swab back and forth several times across the upper blade on of the back side of the cutter.
- Run the cleaning swab back and forth several times across the upper blade on the front side of the cutter.
NOTE: Press down on the cutter while cleaning the upper cutter blade.

Clean Electronic Guillotine Cutter Module
- Turn the printer power OFF.
- Unscrew the cover screws on both sides of the module and remove the plastic cover.
- Run a cleaning swab back and forth several times across the upper and lower blades of the cutter.

Clean Platen Roller: Manual Cutter Module
- Turn the printer power OFF.
- Remove the screws (2) from both sides of the manual cutter module.
- Open the printer cover by pressing the cover open buttons located on each side of the printer cover, and then press the locking levers inward to lift up the print mechanism.
- Unplug the sensor connector and remove the cutter module.
- Open a cleaning swab and place the swab between your index finger and your thumb. Squeeze the swab until it snaps. Alcohol will be distributed to the cotton side of the swab. Run the swab back and forth several times across the platen roller.
- To clean the other side of the platen roller not currently exposed, position your fingers on the platen roller. Then, using your fingers, roll the platen roller toward you so it rotates, exposing the other side of the platen roller in need of cleaning.
- Run the cleaning swab back and forth several times across the platen roller. Allow alcohol to dry.

Clean Platen Roller: Electronic Guillotine Cutter Module
- Turn the printer power OFF.
- Open the printer cover by pressing the cover open buttons located on each side of the printer cover, and then press the locking levers inward to lift the print mechanism up.
- Press the cutter tabs on each side of the electronic guillotine cutter module inward, and let the module drop down 90 degrees to further expose the platen roller.
- Open a cleaning swab and place the swab between your index finger and your thumb. Squeeze the swab until it snaps. Alcohol will be distributed to the cotton side of the swab. Run the cleaning swab back and forth several times across the platen roller. Allow alcohol to dry.
- To clean the other area of the platen roller not currently exposed, position your thumbs on the metal plate between the electronic guillotine module and the platen roller, and position your fingers on the platen roller. Using your fingers, roll the platen roller toward you so it rotates, exposing the other area of the platen roller in need of cleaning.
- Run the cleaning swab back and forth several times across the platen roller. Allow alcohol to dry.

More Support Options
If you have any questions about using your DuraLabel 4000 printer, get help from Graphic Products’ world-class support team by calling 800-788-5572 or visiting GraphicProducts.com. We’re here to help with all your labeling needs!