Brother Rugged Jet RJ-3230B Manual

The Brother Rugged Jet RJ-3230B is a durable industrial inkjet printer designed for high-volume, on-demand labeling and coding in demanding environments. It features a robust IP54-rated enclosure, supports a wide range of substrates, offers multiple connectivity options, and includes advanced software for label design and print management. Below are key sections for safety, features, installation, setup, operation, maintenance, and troubleshooting.

1. Features at a Glance 2. Installation 3. First-Time Setup 4. Specifications 5. Controls and Settings 6. Connecting Devices 7. Printing Operations 8. Maintenance & Cleaning 9. Regulatory Information 10. Troubleshooting

Features at a Glance

Key components: Industrial print head, Media Roll Holder, Control Panel with LCD, Connectivity ports, Ink System, Cutter Module (optional).

Feature	Description
Print Technology	High-resolution Piezo inkjet
Enclosure Rating	IP54 for dust and water resistance
Media Support	Paper, synthetic, coated, tag stock up to 6" width
Connectivity	USB, Ethernet, Serial (RS-232), Optional Wi-Fi
Control Panel	Backlit LCD with navigation keys
Ink System	High-capacity cartridge (CMYK or monochrome)
Print Speed	Up to 10 inches per second
Resolution	Up to 600 x 600 dpi
Software	Brother Rugged Design & Print software included
Cutter Option	Integrated automatic cutter for labels

Installation

Unpack and inspect contents. Place on stable, level surface in a well-ventilated area.

Install media roll: Open media cover, load roll onto spindle, thread through guides.
Install ink cartridge: Open ink cover, insert cartridge until it clicks.
Connect power: Plug power cord into printer and grounded outlet.
Connect to computer: Use USB or Ethernet cable.

WARNING! Printer is heavy; use proper lifting techniques. Ensure power is off during installation.

First-Time Setup

Power on printer; follow on-screen prompts on LCD.

Calibrate media: Use MEDIA CALIBRATION in settings menu.
Align print head: Perform PRINT HEAD ALIGNMENT for optimal quality.
Install software: Install Brother Rugged Design & Print software on connected PC.
Configure network: Set IP address via control panel if using Ethernet.

CAUTION! Do not touch print head nozzles. Allow printer to complete initialization.

Specifications

Model: Brother Rugged Jet RJ-3230B.
Print Method: Drop-on-demand Piezo inkjet.
Max Print Width: 6 inches (152 mm).
Media Types: Direct thermal labels, paper, polyester, polypropylene.

Ink Colors: Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow (CMYK).

Ink Cartridge Capacity: 220 ml per color.

Operating Interface: USB 2.0, 10/100 Ethernet, RS-232 serial.

Power Requirements: 100-240V AC, 50/60Hz.

Operating Temperature: 41°F to 104°F (5°C to 40°C).

Controls and Settings

Access menu via control panel buttons. Front Panel: POWER, FEED, PAUSE, MENU, Navigation arrows, ENTER.

LCD Menu: MEDIA, PRINT QUALITY, NETWORK, MAINTENANCE, INFORMATION.

Media Settings: Calibrate, Set width, Type selection. Print Quality: Resolution, Darkness, Speed adjustment. Network: TCP/IP, Protocol settings. Maintenance: Clean print head, Nozzle check, Ink levels. Information: Serial number, Print counter, Firmware version.

Connecting Devices

USB: Direct connection to PC. Ethernet: Network connection for multiple users. Serial: For legacy systems.

Turn off printer before connecting cables.

Connect USB/Ethernet cable to printer and computer/network.

Power on printer; install drivers if prompted.

Configure printer port in software.

Tip: Use shielded cables in industrial environments to reduce interference.

Printing Operations

Supports batch printing, variable data, barcodes, graphics.

Design label: Use Brother Rugged Design & Print software.

Load media: Ensure correct media type and width selected.

Print test: Print single label to verify alignment and quality.

Start production: Send print job from software.

Monitor print: Watch for errors on LCD.

Use cutter: If equipped, set cutter mode for automatic cutting.

Pause/Resume: Use PAUSE button to temporarily halt printing.

Feed: Manually advance media using FEED button.

WARNING! Keep hands clear of print head and cutter during operation.

Maintenance & Cleaning

Regular maintenance ensures print quality and longevity.

Daily: Wipe exterior with dry cloth.

Weekly: Clean print head using MAINTENANCE menu.

Monthly: Clean media path; inspect rollers.

As needed: Replace ink cartridge when low.

CAUTION! Unplug printer before cleaning internal parts. Use approved cleaning supplies only.

Regulatory Information

FCC Part 15: Class A digital device; complies with limits for industrial environments. CE marked for European compliance. RoHS compliant. Copyright © Brother Industries, Ltd. For support, visit www.brother.com or contact Brother Customer Support at 1-877-476-6824.

Troubleshooting

Symptom Possible Cause Corrective Action

No power Power cord, outlet Check power connection; ensure outlet is live.

Poor print quality Clogged nozzles, low ink Run print head cleaning; check ink levels.

Media jam Misaligned media, debris Clear media path; reload media correctly.

Not connecting Cable, network settings Check cables; verify IP address and drivers.

Cutter not working Blunt blade, obstruction Inspect cutter; clear any label residue.

Reset: Menu > Maintenance > Reset to Factory Defaults if needed.

Service: 1-877-476-6824; www.brother.com

Brother Rugged Jet RJ-3230B Manual © - All Rights Reserved 2025

Symptom	Possible Cause	Corrective Action
No power	Power cord, outlet	Check power connection; ensure outlet is live.
Poor print quality	Clogged nozzles, low ink	Run print head cleaning; check ink levels.
Media jam	Misaligned media, debris	Clear media path; reload media correctly.
Not connecting	Cable, network settings	Check cables; verify IP address and drivers.
Cutter not working	Blunt blade, obstruction	Inspect cutter; clear any label residue.