DTF - inflating ink bags

[hybriddesign]

Hi, really weird one here. We have two TXF300 DTF printers (we also own Mimaki solvent printers) and we're pretty familiar with working on them but we've got a mystery problem that no one including Mimaki seems to be able to solve. Everything was fine and then one morning channel 8 (far right two test print lines) on the white head (Head 2) starts to go. We then completely loose the 8th channel (far right on head 2) and no amount or cleanings or fill ups will bring it back. We swap in a new damper just in case but no luck. Fast forward 3 days as we were busy and the ink cartridge (which was brand new) inflates and bursts the plastic casing around it (on these printers you change out the ink bags but keep the plastic cartridge, it looks like a regular 440ml cartridge). We also notice that there is zero ink in the ink lines.

We replace the cartridge on advice from Mimaki and we do a manual pull right above the damper to try to prime the line as fill ups don't seem to move enough ink. We're able to fill the lines but no good test prints and the next day the lines are empty. 3 days later and a 2nd ink bag is now inflated with air.

If anyone has any ideas on this I'd love to hear them. This printer is only 4-5 months old.

 

[Smoke_Jaguar]

Sounds like possible issues with the circulation pump that's letting air into the white system. First printer I trained on officially with Mimaki, so got to dive in head-first on their dime. We replaced sooo many parts thanks to a tech accidentally breaking things. Good times.

Since the white head is basically firing all channels, all 4 cartridges should be seeing pretty much the same usage. If things go out of balance, things like dampers might be to blame as well. Call your dealer and get them out there.