Abstract: According to some embodiments, a method is provided. The method comprises printing a return address on a mail piece, and printing a destination address on the mail piece. A first print head assembly prints the return address and a second print head assembly prints the destination address. At least part of the return address is printed simultaneously with at least part of the destination address. The first print head assembly prints in a first direction and the second print head assembly prints in a second direction, where the first direction is opposite of the second direction.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a self-diagnostic process for determining a print shaft contamination condition such as debris build up on the guide shaft in a shuttle head printer is described. The process can be carried out at several points in time including automatically when the printer is powered-up, at a periodic schedule, and/or at the initiation of a user. The process includes a measurement of the print head speed over a travel distance along the guide shaft. If the speed is lower than a predetermined threshold value, the user is notified that a print shaft contamination condition exists.