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Prestige R1

Prestige R1 - How to Inspect and Clean Encoder Strip

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  • 10 steps
  • 20 instructions
  • 1 video
  • Updated 2026-04-20

Encoder Strip Cleaning Guide – Prestige and Aries Printers

  1. 0:01Overview and Applicability
  2. 0:36Locate the Encoder Strip
  3. 1:10Clean the Encoder Strip (Left and Center Sections)
  4. 1:44Clean the Remaining Encoder Strip Length
  5. 2:25Encoder Strip Location by Model
Written steps10

Overview and Applicability

Watch this part0:01
  1. Confirm the printer is part of the Prestige or Aries series.
  2. Note that the demonstration is performed on a Prestige XL3.
  3. Understand that the cleaning procedure is identical for all supported models.

Initial Encoder Strip Inspection

What you need

  • If the encoder strip has scratches, dents, or bends, it must be replaced
  • Do not proceed with cleaning if physical damage is present
  • If dirt or ink contamination is present, the encoder strip can be cleaned

Locate the Encoder Strip

Watch this part0:36
  1. Open the printer cover.
  2. Locate the metal bracket behind the carriage area.
  3. Identify the encoder strip running horizontally across the width of the printer.
  4. Confirm the encoder strip appears similar to a clear strip of tape.

Required Cleaning Materials

What you need

  • Lint-free cloth
  • 99.9% isopropyl alcohol

Clean the Encoder Strip (Left and Center Sections)

Watch this part1:10

What you need

  • Encoder strip is centered in support brackets
  • Strip is not twisted or misaligned
  • Misplacement can cause encoder strip or X motor damage
  1. Dampen the lint-free cloth with isopropyl alcohol.
  2. With one hand, gently pull the encoder strip upward.
  3. Pinch the encoder strip using the dampened cloth.
  4. Clean the strip using a side-to-side motion.
  5. If a support bracket is present, ensure the strip is seated in the center of the bracket after cleaning.

Clean the Remaining Encoder Strip Length

Watch this part1:44
  1. Move along the length of the encoder strip.
  2. Repeat the cleaning process section by section.
  3. Continue until the entire visible strip is cleaned.

Clean the Right Side Encoder Strip

  1. Move the carriage to gain access to the right side of the encoder strip.
  2. Clean the section of the encoder strip previously hidden by the carriage.
  3. Ensure cleaning reaches the end of the encoder strip.

Reset Carriage Position

  1. Press Enter on the control panel.
  2. Allow the carriage position to reset automatically.

Encoder Strip Location by Model

Watch this part2:25

What you need

  • Prestige R1
  • Prestige R2 and R2 Pro
  • Prestige L2
  • Prestige XL2 and XL2 Pro
  • Aries 13
  • Aries 124

Completion

What you need

  • Encoder strip cleaned successfully
  • Encoder strip properly seated in all brackets
  • Printer ready for normal operation

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