DM400M Printing Support

How do I replace the ink cartridge on the DM400M?

To replace the ink cartridge on the DM400M, remove the scale, open the top cover, select Replace Ink Tank, then swap the cartridge and run a test pattern.

1. Remove the scale.
2. Open the top cover.
3. Select Replace Ink Tank.
4. Unlock the green ink tank cartridge guard.
5. Lift and remove the old ink tank cartridge.
6. Remove the tape on the bottom of the new ink tank cartridge.
7. Lower the ink tank into the cavity — the ridges on either side of the cartridge slide into the grooves.
8. Close the green ink tank cartridge guard. It clicks when fully closed.
9. Close the cover. The system automatically recognises the new cartridge.
10. When prompted to print a test pattern, select Yes, Print Test Pattern to print one, or No to skip and return to the Home screen.
11. Replace the scale.

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How do I replace the print head on the DM400M?

To replace the print head on the DM400M, open the ink tank access cover, select Replace Print Head, remove the ink cartridge, release the two grey tabs to lift out the old print head, then fit the new one.

1. If you have a scale, lift it up and remove it from the top of the machine.
2. Open the ink tank access cover.
3. The screen displays two options: Replace Print Head or Replace Ink Tank. Select Replace Print Head.
4. The carriage moves forward slightly. Unlock the green ink tank latch.
5. Remove the ink cartridge and place it on a flat surface with the red circle facing up.
6. Squeeze the two grey tabs on either side of the print head. While squeezing, lift and tilt to the right — the print head should lift easily from the machine.
7. Unpackage the new print head and remove the protective tape from the bottom.
8. Squeeze the two grey tabs on either side of the new print head, slightly angle it, and slide it back into the slots in the carriage unit. Press the top left and right of the grey tabs to lock it into position.
9. Reinstall the ink tank carriage and relock the green latch.
10. Close the ink tank access cover and replace the scale, if applicable.
11. The machine detects the new print head and prompts you to run a maintenance feature.
12. When prompted to print a test pattern, select Yes, Print Test Pattern, or select No to skip and return to the Home screen.

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How do I fix poor print quality on the DM400M?

To fix poor print quality on the DM400M — streaking, blotching, or fading — first make sure you are using a genuine Pitney Bowes ink cartridge, then run a purge and clean the print head.

Note: Your machine may look slightly different to the one shown in the video, but the process is the same.

Step 1 — Purge the print nozzles

1. Press Options.
2. Press Page Down.
3. Select Maintenance.
4. Select Printer Maintenance.
5. Select Clean Printer Nozzle.
6. Select Purge C.
7. When the purge finishes, insert an envelope or label as you normally would to print a test pattern.
8. The test pattern should appear as a grid with no broken lines or smears. If it looks good, press Enter/Yes, then Home to return to the Home screen. If it looks incorrect, select No, Clean Nozzle to repeat the purge — you can do this up to three times.

Step 2 — Clean the print head

1. Select Replacement, then Replace Print Head.
2. Remove the scale, if one is present.
3. Open the ink tank access cover. The print assembly moves to the front of the franking machine.
4. Open the print head cover.
5. Remove the ink cartridge from the print assembly and set it aside with the red circle facing up.
6. While squeezing the clips that hold the print head in place, lift the print head up and out of the franking machine.
7. Wipe the copper-coloured section of the print head with a dry, lint-free cloth.
8. Re-install the print head, making sure it clicks into place.
9. Re-insert the ink cartridge and close the print head cover.
10. Close the ink tank access cover. The ink tank mechanism re-initialises.
11. When prompted to print a test pattern, select Yes.

Note: If print quality is still poor after completing all steps, you may need to replace the print head.

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DM400M Printing – Frequently Asked Questions