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Replace Printhead - HP DesignJet T730/T830 MFP

This topic gives the details about replace printhead issues.

About the printhead

The printhead, which is supplied installed in the printer, is connected to the ink cartridges and jets ink onto the paper.

CAUTION:

Observe precautions when handling the printhead, because it is an ESD-sensitive device. Avoid touching pins, leads, and circuitry.

For information on replacing printheads, see Replace the printhead.

Clean the printhead

If your print is streaked or has incorrect or missing colors, the printhead may need to be cleaned.

There are three stages of cleaning. Each stage lasts about two minutes, uses one sheet of paper, and uses an increasing amount of ink. After each stage, review the quality of the printed page. You should initiate the next phase of cleaning only if the print quality is poor.

If print quality still seems poor after you complete all stages of cleaning, try aligning the printhead.

Note:

Cleaning uses ink, so clean the printhead only when necessary.

Note:

Failing to turn off the printer correctly can cause print-quality problems.

Clean the printhead from the front panel

When your print quality seems poor, and you are next to the printer, this is a simple method to address the issue.

Make sure there is paper in the input tray or a roll loaded.
Go to the front panel, swipe down the dashboard and touch the settings icon , then scroll down the menu and touch Printer maintenance > Clean printhead.

Clean the printhead from the Embedded Web Server

You can clean the printhead remotely using an ordinary Web browser running on any computer.

Make sure there is paper in the input tray or a roll loaded.
In the Tools tab of the Embedded Web Server, select Print Quality Toolbox > Clean Printhead, and follow the instructions on the screen.

Clean the printhead from the HP Utility

You can manage this and clean the printhead from any computer that has a connection to the printer.

Make sure there is paper in the input tray or a roll loaded.
Windows: In the Support tab of the HP Utility, select Printhead Cleaning, and follow the instructions on the screen.
Mac OS X: In the first panel of the HP Utility, select Clean Printheads, and follow the instructions on the screen.

Align the printhead

You may need to align the printhead after a paper jam or if you are experiencing print-quality problems.

Precise printhead alignment is essential for accurate colors, smooth color transitions, and sharp edges in graphical elements. Your printer has an automatic printhead alignment process which runs whenever a printhead has been accessed or replaced.

Load the paper you wish to use, see Paper handling. You can use a roll or a cut sheet; plain white paper is recommended.

CAUTION:
Do not use transparent or semi-transparent paper to align the printhead.
Ensure that the window is closed, as a strong light source near the printer during printhead realignment can affect alignment.
From the front panel, swipe down the dashboard and touch the settings icon , then scroll down the menu and touch Printer maintenance > Align printhead.

Note:
Printhead alignment can also be started from the Embedded Web Server (Tools > Print Quality Toolbox > Align Printhead), or from the HP Utility (Windows: Support > Printhead Alignment; Mac OS X: Select Align).
If the loaded paper is satisfactory, the printer runs the realignment and prints a realignment pattern.
The process takes about five minutes. Wait until the front-panel display shows the process complete before using the printer.

If the printer cannot complete the printhead alignment successfully, you may be asked to clean the printhead and try again.

Replace the printhead

When the printhead has been replaced, the printer will automatically perform a printhead alignment on the loaded paper.

The image that follows is a QR code containing a link to a video to get more information about how to replace a printhead:

Tip:

If you would like to perform the printhead alignment on a different paper (perhaps from the multi-sheet tray), you could change the paper before starting this procedure. Plain white paper is recommended.

Tip:

Wear cotton gloves to avoid getting your hands dirty.

Note:

You do not need to use the cartridges provided with the kit. If there is not enough ink, the printer will ask for new cartridges and then you can use the supplies provided.

Make sure the printer is turned on.
Make sure the printer wheels are locked (the brake lever is pressed down) to prevent the printer from moving.
From the front panel, swipe down the dashboard and touch the settings icon , scroll to Printer maintenance and select the Replace Printhead option. Follow the instructions on the control panel.
When requested on the front panel, open the printhead door on the right hand side of the printer.
Locate the tubes connector lever (blue) to release the ink tubes.
Raise the blue lever to release the tube connector and store the tubes connector on the tubes connector holder in the printer door.
Locate the printhead lever (white).
Raise the lever to release the printhead.
Remove the printhead. Handle it with care to avoid getting ink on the connections.
Insert the new printhead.
Lower the printhead lever (white).
Insert the tubes connector into the printhead.
Make sure it locks.
Close the door and follow the instructions on the front panel.
The front panel recommends a printhead alignment.

The printer now prepares the printhead for use. The process takes approximately 6 minutes.

Important:
Do not open any covers during this process.

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