Color stops on Rockhopper

[meris]

Hi
I'm new in the sign printing business, and also on the forum. I hope to find help here and maybe to help somebody.

I have Rockhopper 62" and some strange problem with it. Have a project to print out several bigger signs (60" x 70"). It starts well with printing a sign, but after maybe 40% is done, stops to print yellow or cyan. When I cancel the print and do nozzle check, the color (yellow or cyan) is blank. So no single line of that color. I have to do all the tricks with soaking head in cleaning solution, do clean nozzles several times, etc to get the color back. And when I start to print again, same thing occurs.
Ink is getting to dumpers, so I think tubes are fine. I'm thinking that maybe connection between dumpers and head is liking and it takes air instead of ink.
Any clues, any thoughts I'd highly appreciate. The customer is all over my head so I have to make the prints ASAP, so please help ....

 

[R08]

I does sound like a damper to me. Even thought the ink is getting to the dampers it doesn't necessarily rule it out. I have seen it before with my 48".
I always keep spares around for this very reason.

Also, recentlyl when I changed my heads I had a similar problem and i tightened up the nuts that hold the dampers to the tubes and it fixed it.

Not sure if this helps.

 

[rockz12]

Are you using OEM inks?

 

[meris]

Are you using OEM inks?

No, I'm not using original Mutoh ink, if that's what OEM means.

 

[R08]

if that's what OEM means.

OEM= Original Equipment Manufacturer (neither am I)

 

[Compilla]

No, I'm not using original Mutoh ink, if that's what OEM means.

OEM generally means "original equipment manufacturer.

 

[meris]

OEM generally means "original equipment manufacturer.

Oooo,

I guess, yes. I got it two months ago, and I'm pretty sure previous owner used OEM.

Thanks for the clarification.

 

[Compilla]

Hi

It starts well with printing a sign, but after maybe 40% is done, stops to print yellow or cyan. When I cancel the print and do nozzle check, the color (yellow or cyan) is blank.

It appears that you have an ink starvation issue.
Remove the top cover off and inspect the ink lines for holes/kinks or air on the lines.
Slight possibility you got a bad damper or O rings...

My 2¢