How-To: Cleaning the Horizontal Encoder

The Horizontal encoder is a thin strip that runs behind the carriage rail and under the print head carriage and help the carriage in determining its position in the printer. When dirty or damaged it can lead to print quality issue or Service Code errors.

 

With the SG400/800 it is a semi transparent plastic film that runs across the entire width of the printer whereas with the SG500/1000 it has been updated to be a aluminium strip and thus needs to be handled very gently in order not to damage it.


To clean it, you will need:

  • Isopropyl Alcohol
  • A lint free cloth (like an eyeglass cleaner)
    • *Don't use paper or microfiber towels! This can damage the encoder.

And then, easy enough, give it a soft clean with the alcohol on the cloth. With the SG 500/1000 Be very gentle in order to not fray it! Don't pinch or pull the encoder or it may be damaged. This is often the cause of SC Errors as well as solid, vertical while lines on prints. Once clean, make sure that the encoder is still sitting in the middle of the sensor under the carriage and to let it dry at least 10 minutes before attempting to use the machine again. 


mceclip0.png

 

Simple as that! Happy printing!

 

If you are still experiencing issues or have further questions, please contact our Sawgrass Care Team for assistance by click the 'Support' button on the bottom right of the page, or click here.