IS460/IS480 Printing Support

Why is my IS460 / IS480 not printing properly?

Poor, faint or missing print on the IS460 / IS480 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 heads realign automatically after a cartridge change.

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How do I clean the IS460 / IS480 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 IS460 / IS480?

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

Note: The power cord must be plugged in so the cartridge can move to the replacement position.

1. Open the cover – the cartridge moves to the replacement position. Keep fingers clear while it moves.
2. Press down on the back of the cartridge to disengage it.
3. Lift out the old cartridge.
4. Remove the protective strips from the new cartridge.
5. Insert the new cartridge and push it forward until it clicks.
6. Close the cover – the print head alignment then starts automatically.

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How do I fix printing problems on the IS460 / IS480?

The IS460 / IS480 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 IS460 / IS480?

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 check the ink level on the IS460 / IS480?

Display the ink level and cartridge data, including ink consumed, colour, status and first-used date.

As a user: Menu → Ink Cartridge → Ink Cartridge Information.

As supervisor: Menu → Maintenance → Ink Cartridge → Ink Cartridge Information.

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How do I align the print heads on the IS460 / IS480?

Align the heads after a cartridge change, or if there is a gap between the top and bottom of the imprint.

1. Press Menu, select Maintenance and press OK.
2. Select Ink Cartridge and press OK.
3. Select Headset Alignment and press OK.
4. Press OK and put a piece of paper in the mail transport – the system prints a test pattern.
5. Use the Up / Down keys to select the letter beside the straightest, most complete vertical line.
6. Press OK to validate and repeat until the lines are aligned.
7. Press Back to return to the menu.

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How do I clean the IS460 / IS480 print heads from the menu?

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

Automatic clean: Menu → Ink Cartridge → Cleaning Process (user), or Menu → Maintenance → Ink Cartridge → Cleaning Process (supervisor).

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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IS460 / IS480 Printing – Frequently Asked Questions