Translational service station system for inkjet printheads

An inkjet printhead service station (45; 60; 100) for an inkjet printing mechanism includes a platform (62; 120) that is translationally moveable perpendicular to a scanning axis (42) along which a carriage (40) transports the printhead (54, 56). The sliding pallet (62; 120) carries servicing appliances, like wipers (68; 150, 152) and caps (69; 210, 212) for servicing the printhead orifice plates (54, 56), as well as flaps (180, 182) for cleaning cheek regions (176, 178) of the printhead adjacent the orifice plate (56). The pallet (120) may be moved to expose a spittoon (48) formed thereunder for spitting ink from the printhead (54, 56). An upper bonnet portion (110) of the service station frame (46) has a scraper bar (185) for removing ink residue from the wipers (150, 152) and flaps (180, 182). An inkjet printing mechanism (20) having such a service station (45; 60; 100), and a method of servicing an inkjet printhead (54, 56) are also provided.