Safety Warnings for Printer and Extruder Consumables

Introduction

This document outlines essential safety warnings for printer and extruder consumables, compiled in accordance with the General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988 (GPSR). Its purpose is to protect users from potential hazards associated with product misuse. The warnings are presented in a clear and understandable manner, accessible to a broad audience, including the elderly and individuals with reduced mobility.

Consumables manufactured by NTEC sp. z o.o. under the Qoltec brand are CE certified, confirming their adherence to EU safety standards. It is imperative to use these consumables strictly according to their intended purpose and the manufacturer's recommendations.

Basic Hazards and Precautions

1. Damage to Materials

• Excessive bending of labels, ribbons, or rolls can lead to breakage, rendering them unusable.
• Contact with sharp objects may damage the surface of labels or ribbons, resulting in printing defects or improper adhesion.
• Using consumables incompatible with your printer can obstruct the mechanism, potentially damaging the equipment.

2. Compatibility Problems

• Employing materials that do not meet printer specifications (e.g., labels of incorrect width, ribbons of the wrong length) can cause printing issues, jamming, or improper winding.
• Always utilize high-quality materials that conform to industry standards. Substandard materials may lead to printing errors, smudged labels, or compromised print durability.

Specific Hazards of Use

3. Chemical and Environmental Reactions

• Thermal labels and ribbons are susceptible to moisture damage, which can degrade print quality, cause blurred labels, or hinder application.
• Exposure to high temperatures can deform consumables such as heat shrink tubing or ribbons, leading to functional failure.
• Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight or intense lighting can cause printed text on labels to fade, diminishing legibility and longevity.

4. Contamination of Materials

• Surface contamination on consumables can result in printing problems or clog the printer head, adversely affecting print quality.
• Contact between labels, ribbons, or rolls and chemicals like oils or solvents can weaken the material, leading to damage or a reduction in print quality.

Maintenance Precautions

5. Maintenance

• Tapes that are poorly wound or stored improperly risk jamming or sustaining damage during printer operation.
• Failure to conduct regular checks on the condition of installed ribbons and rollers can prevent the detection of abnormalities, leading to further damage to the product or associated equipment, such as the printer.

6. Storage

• Storing consumables in environments with extreme temperatures can cause deformation, brittleness, or difficulties in use, particularly for thermal ribbons and labels.
• Moisture or extended exposure to sunlight can lead to the deterioration of materials, especially thermal labels, potentially compromising their printability.
• Improper storage of consumables, such as in bulk or in areas subjected to pressure, can cause damage and impair their functionality.

Additional Warnings

7. Child Safety

• Keep printer and extruder consumables out of reach of children to prevent injury or product damage.
• Insufficient safety measures increase the risk of children accidentally interacting with the product.

8. Avoid Modifications

• Do not attempt to modify or repair the product yourself. In case of issues, contact the manufacturer or an authorized service center.

9. Action in Case of Malfunction

• If the product exhibits abnormal operation (e.g., unusual appearance, smell, or sounds), contact the service department.
• If you observe any dangerous behavior from the product, contact the manufacturer immediately.

Importance of Complying with Warnings

Adherence to the above warnings is crucial for minimizing the risks of personal injury, appliance failure, and property damage. Ignoring these recommendations can lead to serious health and material risks. Prioritize safety for yourself and your loved ones by observing the precautions outlined herein.