Microtek i320 - Can It Be Opened to Clean?

[Robin Coutellier]

I bought a Microtek ScanMaker i320 yesterday. I just opened it up and
realized that there doesn't appear to be a way to open it to clean under
the glass. I've had several ScanMakers in the past and have been happy
with them (I want to upgrade to USB 2.0 now), but I know from experience
that at some point I WILL need to clean under the glass. There aren't
even any screws to unfasten, and there's nothing in the manuals about
it.

Does anyone here have an i320 that they've successfully opened (and
later successfully CLOSED) to clean under the glass? If so, how is it
done?

Robin Coutellier

 

[Don]

I bought a Microtek ScanMaker i320 yesterday. I just opened it up and
realized that there doesn't appear to be a way to open it to clean under
the glass. I've had several ScanMakers in the past and have been happy
with them (I want to upgrade to USB 2.0 now), but I know from experience
that at some point I WILL need to clean under the glass. There aren't
even any screws to unfasten, and there's nothing in the manuals about
it.

Does anyone here have an i320 that they've successfully opened (and
later successfully CLOSED) to clean under the glass? If so, how is it
done?

I have a different scanner but in my case the two screws were hiding
under two rubber pads (at the hinge side) on which the lid was
resting. These pads can be removed by simply clawing at them with
nails. Do you see anything like that?

If not, then the whole glass assembly may just "snap" in but then you
should able to spot the connecting points, possibly on the side.
Pushing them in should then release the glass assembly.

Don.

 

[Robin Coutellier]

I have a different scanner but in my case the two screws were hiding
under two rubber pads (at the hinge side) on which the lid was
resting. These pads can be removed by simply clawing at them with
nails. Do you see anything like that?

If not, then the whole glass assembly may just "snap" in but then you
should able to spot the connecting points, possibly on the side.
Pushing them in should then release the glass assembly.

Thanks, but I just got a response from Microtek Tech Support and they
said it cannot be done without damaging it, so I'm planning to return
it.

 

[Robin Coutellier]

Thanks, but I just got a response from Microtek Tech Support and they
said it cannot be done without damaging it, so I'm planning to return
it.

Now that I've returned the i320, does anyone have a recommendation for a
comparable scanner in a comparable price range ($100-$150) where I CAN
remove the top to clean under the glass (and NOT invalidate the
warranty)?

Thanks!

 

[Ken Weitzel]

Now that I've returned the i320, does anyone have a recommendation for a
comparable scanner in a comparable price range ($100-$150) where I CAN
remove the top to clean under the glass (and NOT invalidate the
warranty)?

Thanks!

Hi...

I have an Epson 3200 which can be opened for cleaning. The two screws
are sort of hidden under the slots that the lid hinges go into it.

However, if you do, be very careful not to break the carriage locking
assembly.

Ken

 

[-]

where I CAN remove the top to clean under the glass (and NOT invalidate

the
warranty)?

I doubt that any manufacturer of a consumer-grade scanner will allow you to
open the scanner without invalidating the warranty.

Doug

 

[Don]

Thanks, but I just got a response from Microtek Tech Support and they
said it cannot be done without damaging it, so I'm planning to return
it.

That's a real shame! As you say in the original post, sooner or later
all flatbeds need to have the underside of the glass cleaned. I didn't
know this when I bought my flatbed but, fortunately, I found a way to
open it.

In any case, being able to easily open the flatbed scanner for
cleaning should be right on top of the essential features list!

Don.