Printer cleaning fluid is essential for printhead maintenance of your continuous inkjet coders and printers to ensure high-quality prints and extend the lifespan of your equipment. The use of a printhead cleaning solution effectively removes ink residue, dust, and other contaminants. However, to maximize benefits and avoid damage, best practices must be followed.
The proper use of printhead cleaners makes for a smooth and efficient printing process. This guide will explore the key dos and don’ts to maintain optimal print performance and prevent equipment damage.
4 Tips When Using Printer Cleaning Fluids
There are many things to consider when you have to choose a printer cleaning fluid, but what is important to keep in mind is to clean your printheads consistently. Whether once a day or every month, regular cleaning will increase the longevity of your printers.
1. Check Printer Model
DO: See the type of continuous inkjet printer you want to clean. It’s crucial to know the specifications and assembly of your printers, especially which printer cleaning solution is compatible with your model. Use the printer’s control panel to see what systems say about the performance of your model.
Be sure to contact the right experts to help you make informed decisions about the types of printers to be used for your industry.
DON’T: Assume that just because your printers are of the same type or brand, they should be assessed and cleaned under similar conditions. Don’t poke aimlessly around your printer when you disassemble it, as you might damage core components.
2. Assess Printhead Condition
DO: Check how much clog or ink build-up is on the printhead to determine the amount of printer cleaning solution needed to remove the excess. See if print quality has lessened as this can be a sign of dirt that prevents good quality prints.
DON’T: Overuse print head cleaning solution if the waste build-up at the printhead nozzle can be cleaned easily. Doing so can cost you both time and money. So remember to check the status of your printers as there might be other causes of the issues behind clogs.
3. Use Proper Materials
DO: There are many continuous inkjet printers and most of what is used to clean them are made from similar ingredients: distilled water, isopropyl alcohol, and detergent. But it is advisable that you use a printer brand’s specialized printhead cleaning fluid as it was made specifically to clean their printers.
Use soft materials like swabs to clean the printhead or microfiber cloths. Test if the printhead cleaning solution reacts well to the printer and does not damage it.
DON’T: Just wash whatever parts of your continuous inkjet printer with just any kind of cleaning fluids or materials. Avoid usage of overly corrosive cleaning materials such as bleach, instead opt for a suitable printer cleaning solution.
4. Apply Correct Methods
DO: Use gentle cleaning equipment like foam swabs or cloths moistened with distilled water. If you want a more thorough clean it is suggested that you remove the printhead and pour printer cleaning fluid carefully into its components covered in ink. Have a container to catch all the ink wastage once it dissolves and dispose of it properly in a sealed container.
DON’T: Ignore the proper application of these printhead cleaning solutions onto your printhead. Be sure to ask for proper cleaning procedures from experts and from the company that produces the printers you use.
Correct Cleaning for Your Printer
Remember that by cleaning your printers properly with a suitable printer cleaning solution and correct methods not only helps your business in the long term but also ensures sanitation around your production lines. Observe proper methods such as the usage of non-abrasive cleaning equipment and liquids. Consult with your supplier’s standard practices in printer cleaning fluid for maintenance.
ALSO READ: Industrial Machine Maintenance Tips for Printers and Coders
Elixir is a reliable supplier of industrial equipment such as the Linx series continuous inkjet printers which are used to encode onto a wide variety of products and substrates. Are you in need of professional guidance to maintain your inkjet printers? Reach out to our experts.