Guide to keeping your large format scanner in good shape

Maintenance

Contex scanner maintenance

Keeping your large format scanner clean with Contex scanner maintenance is essential for ensuring optimal performance and high-quality scans.

Dust and debris can transfer from your documents to the scanner glass, leading to streaks that appear as colored or light lines on your scans. Regular cleaning and periodic re-calibration can help you avoid these issues and prolong the life of your scanner.

Why regular care is crucial

Take care of your scanner in the best way to get the best results. Here are the three main reasons:

  • Image quality
    Dust and debris on the scanner glass can cause streaks and lines on your scanned images. These imperfections can distort your digital documents, making them less accurate and professional. Cleaning the glass regularly ensures that your scans remain clear.
  • Consistent performance
    A clean scanner operates more efficiently. Dirt and dust can interfere with the scanner’s mechanisms, potentially causing jams or slow performance. Regular Contex scanner maintenance helps keep your scanner running smoothly.
  • Prolonged equipment life
    Keeping your scanner clean reduces the wear and tear on its components, which can extend its operational lifespan and reduce the need for costly repairs or replacements.

How to clean your scanner

Clean your scanner if you see a streak on your scan. If a colorless, light streak appears even after cleaning, this could be due to dirt on the glass during a previous calibration. This dirt can get embedded in the calibration settings, causing persistent streaks.

In any case, follow these steps to perform a Contex scanner maintenance:

  1. Open the scanner lid
    1. Carefully open the scanner lid to access the glass
  2. Wipe the glass
    1. Use a lint-free cleaning cloth to gently wipe the glass
    2. End with one smooth motion from one side to the other to ensure all dust and particles are removed
  3. Re-color calibrate the scanner
    1. Follow your scanner’s instructions for re-calibration
    2. This process involves running a calibration routine provided by the scanner’s software, which adjusts the scanner’s settings to account for any changes

If the streak is gone, the issue is resolved.

Watch Dan Bennett from Contex Support Service explain why and how to perform Contex scanner maintenance on HD Ultra X, IQ Quattro X and SD One+.

Contex scanner maintenance, HD Ultra X

HD Ultra X

Open the scanner lid
Wipe the glass
Re-color calibrate the scanner

Contex scanner maintenance, IQ Quattro X

IQ Quattro X

Open the scanner lid
Wipe the glass
Re-color calibrate the scanner

Contex scanner maintenance, SD One+

SD One+

Open the scanner lid
Wipe the glass
Re-color calibrate the scanner

Routine Contex scanner maintenance

To maintain optimal scanner performance, it’s recommended to clean the glass and recalibrate periodically. The maintenance frequency also depends on how many daily scans you perform, and how dirty or dusty the originals are.

By following these guidelines for Contex scanner maintenance, you can maintain your large format scanner’s performance and ensure your digital documents are always of the highest quality.