Switching Slides? Here’s how to keep your printer running smoothly.

Switching to new slides to optimize your workflow? While it’s easy to focus on the technical or cost benefits, don’t forget to consider how they will perform on your existing slide printers. Even small differences in new slides can impact how your printer performs. Adjustments to printer settings may be necessary to ensure the best print quality and scannability.

Here are best practices to ensure a smooth transition when updating to new slides:

1. 1. Ensure the slides selected are designed for the printer. 
      Just like slide adhesion is optimized for reliable tissue adherence, the printing surface of slides is engineered for compatibility with different types of printers. For instance, slides designed for thermal printers are formulated to deliver consistent, high-quality results with thermal printing mechanisms. Using ink-jet slides in a thermal printer may lead to suboptimal print quality and inconsistencies. Selecting slides optimized for your equipment will give you the most consistent print quality and ensure scannability.
   2. Stay on top of maintenance.  
      Keeping your equipment well-maintained is key to avoiding unexpected downtime. If you’re switching to a different type of slide, check the manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines to ensure the printer is running optimally. For thermal printers, this might mean cleaning the printhead when you switch, especially if the new slides require a different heat setting.  
   3. Adjust the printer settings. 
      Most printers allow you to tweak print settings to get the best results on different types of slides. So, if you’re switching from something like a SuperFrost Plus to a KT slide, make sure you update the printer’s heat settings. Using the wrong setting can mean poor print quality and scannability, jeopardizing patient safety and adding unnecessary time to your day.  
       
      If you’re not sure how to adjust your PiSmart Printer heat settings, contact StatLab Equipment Support for help.  

Switching to new slides doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right slide selection, a little maintenance, and a quick adjustment to your printer settings, you can keep your printer running smoothly.