iX-5 Series Printing Support

Why is my iX-5 Series not printing properly?

Poor, faint or missing print on the iX-5 Series is almost always the ink cartridge. It uses two HP45 print heads that need cleaning regularly. The machine cleans them automatically or on request, and you can also clean them by hand. The cartridge realigns automatically after a change.

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How do I clean the iX-5 Series ink cartridge?

Cleaning the cartridge clears no-print, half-print and poor-print problems caused by a blocked or dry head. You will need the faulty cartridge, a folded warm damp cloth, folded tissue or kitchen roll, and a mug of boiling water.

1. Remove the ink cartridge from the franking machine.
2. Press the cartridge down onto folded tissue to see if the ink flows.
3. Place the tip of the print head into boiling water and hold for around 30 seconds.
4. Press the cartridge onto a warm damp cloth for around 10 seconds.
5. Press the cartridge onto the tissue again to check the ink flow.
6. Aim to get two parallel tram lines.
7. Refit the cartridge and run a test print. If the problem persists, repeat the process.

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How do I change the ink cartridge on the iX-5 Series?

Replace the cartridge when it runs low – the print heads realign automatically afterwards.

1. Open the cover – the cartridge moves to the replacement position. Keep fingers clear while it moves.
2. Firmly press the bottom of the cartridge to disengage it – it clicks out of place.
3. Carefully lift out the old cartridge.
4. Remove the protective layer from the new cartridge.
5. Seat the new cartridge in the machine.
6. Press firmly on the top until it clicks into place.
7. Close the cover and press OK – the alignment process then starts automatically.

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How do I fix printing problems on the iX-5 Series?

The iX-5 Series uses two offset HP45 ink cartridges, which can clog with paper dust or dry out in storage or if the machine is unused. Cleaning and priming the heads usually restores a clean print.

1. Remove the ink cartridge from the franking machine.
2. Give the print heads a good clean with a warm damp cloth or tissue.
3. Holding an alcohol wipe or tissue against the heads, point the brass print heads down and away from you and shake well. Ink may leak, so take care.

4. Check the ink is flowing – you should see two sets of solid tram lines like the example below.

5. If you see broken tram lines or no ink like the example below, wipe the heads with the alcohol wipe or damp tissue and repeat.

6. If the problem persists, clean the brass print heads with a cloth and warm soapy water, then repeat.

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How do I clear ‘Not Registering’, ‘No Cartridge Found’ or ‘Headset Incompatible’ on the iX-5 Series?

These messages usually mean the cartridge contacts are dirty. Cleaning the gold contacts re-establishes the connection. You will need the cartridge and a rubber or an alcohol wipe.

1. Remove the ink cartridge from the franking machine.
2. Carefully clean the contacts on the cartridge with a rubber or the alcohol wipe.
3. Wipe away any residue and let it dry.
4. Refit the cartridge and test again.

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How do I clean the iX-5 Series print heads from the menu?

Run an automatic clean first; if printing is still unclear, clean the heads by hand.

Automatic clean:

1. Press the Menu button.
2. Select Cartridge and press OK.
3. Select Cleaning Process and press OK – the clean runs automatically.

Manual clean:

1. Open the base cover.
2. Remove the ink cartridge.
3. Clean the heads with a soft damp cloth.
4. Refit the cartridge and close the cover.

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iX-5 Series Printing – Frequently Asked Questions