Printer maintenance, much like maintaining a car, bicycle, or lawn mower, is not a task any of us relishes. But by putting in the work now you can save yourself time and money later on. The truth is regular printer cleaning and care can keep your equipment working optimally and avoid unexpected and costly breakdowns.
We understand how challenging equipment maintenance can be, so we've put together expert advice and practical tips to help you keep your print equipment running seamlessly.
Follow Manufacturer Instructions
It may seem obvious, but how many of us can honestly say we've read an equipment manual from start to finish? Yet, these guides often contain essential tips from the manufacturer on maintaining your printer’s performance. Taking the time to follow their instructions can make a big difference in keeping your device in excellent condition.
If you start rummaging around in your printer without really knowing what you’re doing you could cause more harm than good. Plus, if you don’t follow their instructions, you could invalidate your warranty which could prove costly.
Better yet, invest in the manufacturer’s print cleaning kit. They’ll provide the right cleaning products, tools and basic parts (usually the ones most prone to wear and tear or breakage) to keep your printer running optimally.
Print Head Issues
If you have issues with clogging or ink splatters the print head may require maintenance. To avoid this, clean them regularly – the tiny inkjet nozzles are susceptible to clogging without regular care.
Most printers have an in-built automatic cleaning system. Run this programme regularly or when dictated by manufacturer guidelines to prevent clogging and build-up. Use your printer at least once a week to prevent drying out and clogging and leave it in standby mode so it can perform cleaning functions rather than turn it off entirely.
Check Ink Circulations Systems
UV printer maintenance is just as important as for eco-solvent printers. For UV printers ensure the UV lamp and ink circulation system are well maintained to avoid ink drying issues. Try to keep them free of dust – while it’s not something that unduly impacts performance it can affect print media quality.
Additionally, eco-solvent printers require regular checks of the ink lines to prevent clogging and ensure smooth flow.
Important Printer Parts to Check
Perform regular inspections for overspray, particularly on moving parts like the carriage rail. Cleaning overspray areas will help maintain smooth operation and prevent long-term mechanical wear.
Monitor the UV curing lamps' usage and replace them as per the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure consistent curing of prints, especially for high-volume production environments.
Keep Software & Firmware Up to Date
You may think this happens automatically but it’s not always the case. Keeping your large format printer or UV printer up to date will mean it’s capable of handling the latest paper formats or is compatible with computer design software.
Use Compatible Inks
Cheaper inks might seem like a good deal initially, but they could cost you more in the long run, leading to clogged print heads or poor-quality print results. Compatible inks are designed to work with your specific printer, reducing the risk of clumping and clogging.
To maintain them, you can remove cartridges and gently agitate them every two to three weeks. There’s no need to shake, a gentle movement should be enough to help keep the ink and the suspension it’s in well mixed.
Monitor & Maintain Your Environment
Humidity and wild swings in temperature will affect the smooth running of your printer. Not only can they impact quality, but they can also increase the frequency of maintenance. Make sure your printer is in an area where temperature is relatively constant, not next to a radiator or by a window. Similarly, keep humidity to around 50% and invest in a humidity monitor on your print floor.
Regular maintenance really is one of the best things you can do to keep your printers running well and extend their working life. If you implement a regular schedule, it will become a routine part of your shop floor activities and ensure consistent quality whether you’re printing on a UV printer or an eco-solvent machine.
Next Steps
At Signmaster Systems, we are committed to supporting you every step of the way in maintaining your printing equipment. Whether you're seeking expert advice or need assistance with specific products or services, our team is here to help.
Feel free to reach out through our website or give our expert team a call directly for personalised support tailored to meet your needs.
