Preventing Jet Problems, Clean the Printheads

Preventing Jet Problems

The piezo printhead technology used in ColorSpan Legacy UV-Cure printers is robust and long-lived when properly maintained. The nature of UV-curable ink, however, does mean that individual jets on a printhead that stop working may be difﬁcult or impossible to recover. To avoid this situation, be sure to always follow these guidelines:

1.Clean the printheads daily. See Tech Note 2736, DisplayMaker UVR & UVX: Daily Cleaning Procedures, for the step-by-step cleaning process that should be performed each day.

2.Maintain a good environment for the printer:

•Protect the printer from external light pollution. Leave all light-blocking apparatus in place on the printer. Avoid placing the printer in locations where it is exposed to natural or artiﬁcial light sources that could reach the printheads.

•Avoid leaving the printer idle in environments with sustained high temperatures.

3.React to any possible headstrike by the carriage on media by cleaning the printheads immediately, even if you don’t think the printheads touched the media. Despite the precautionary designs built in to the printer to protect the printheads, accidents can happen. It is not possible to know whether a headstrike touched the printheads or not. Cleaning the printheads any time there is a headstrike event is the best preventative process.

Recovering Missing Jets

Clean the Printheads

A simple cleaning of the printheads with an appropriate cleaning cloth moistened with HP Printhead Flush Solution is always the ﬁrst step in recovering jets. See the aforementioned Tech Note 2736, DisplayMaker UVR & UVX: Daily Cleaning Procedures, for the step-by-step cleaning process.

Perform a Standard Air Purge

The Purge option found on the printer’s Front Page is the next step to attempt to recover missing jets. Consult the printer’s User Manual for detailed information the Purge. In summary, the steps include:

1.Remove the left-side parking station from the printer.

2.Select Purge from the Front Page of the printer’s control panel.The carriage will travel from Home to the left side of the printer. The Vacuum/Pressure system will then use air pressure applied to the printheads to force a small quantity of ink out of the printhead jetting oriﬁces.

3.Use an appropriate cleaning cloth moistened with HP Printhead Flush Solution to blot away the expelled ink.

4.Return the carriage to Home and reinstall the parking station.

5.Print a Prime Bar to check for jetting improvement.

Print the Jet Recovery Pattern

The Jet Recovery Pattern uses an increased ﬁring impulse applied to the printheads to “jump start” any jets that appear to be hesitant to ﬁre. After the operator selects the desired printheads, the Jet Recovery Pattern prints a six-inch long solid block across the width of the media, then follows with a Prime Bar pattern printed with the normal printhead ﬁring impulse.

Scitex FB910 specifications

The HP Scitex FB910 is a state-of-the-art flatbed printer that has carved its niche in the market of high-quality, high-speed graphics printing. It is renowned for its versatility and capability to handle a variety of substrates, making it a popular choice for businesses in the signage, packaging, and display industries.

One of the main features of the HP Scitex FB910 is its ability to print on both rigid and flexible materials. This includes a wide range of substrates such as foam core, wood, glass, and metal, as well as various types of plastics. This flexibility allows users to expand their offerings and cater to diverse customer needs.

In terms of technology, the HP Scitex FB910 uses UV-cured inks that provide vibrant colors and excellent durability. The use of UV light to cure the inks means that prints are immediately ready for handling and finishing, significantly increasing productivity. This technology is environmentally friendly as it produces less VOC (volatile organic compounds), meeting the growing demand for sustainable printing solutions.

The printer features a rigid media capability with a maximum media size of 126 x 79 inches, enabling the production of large displays with remarkable detail. The HP Scitex FB910 can deliver high-quality print resolutions up to 1200 dpi, ensuring sharp images and vibrant colors that stand out. For even more efficiency, the printer is equipped with advanced features like multi-layer printing, which allows for the creation of textured and dimensional effects.

An important characteristic of the HP Scitex FB910 is its user-friendly interface. The printer’s comprehensive software suite provides a streamlined workflow and easy integration with existing systems. This enhances operation, reduces the learning curve for new users, and facilitates quicker job turnaround times.

The FB910’s high-speed production capabilities, combined with its ability to handle a wide range of media types, make it an ideal choice for businesses looking to stay competitive in the fast-paced printing market. With its reliability, excellent print quality, and innovative features, the HP Scitex FB910 continues to be a preferred choice for those seeking to deliver high-impact graphics and meet the demands of a diverse clientele.