How long can go without printing

[ahgrafx]

So we are majorly slowing down here at work and I'm wondering how long can I go without printing on the 1604 and 1624 to be in the safe zone. Should I be printing a test print everyday to keep them in optimal condition?

 

[ahgrafx]

I'm getting a lot of ink draining in the little pad that the head rests in. When I do go to print it drags wet ink across the print so I have to clean out the rest area and the head before printing, is this due to non-use?

 

[tgrinds]

Make sure pad is draining drawing ink correctly and there is a good seal around head. Otherwise, cap might be drying up. You can put the machine in sleep mode where it will wake up and do a clean when you're away. This stops the head and cap from drying.

 

[player]

Probably a good idea with any of these printers to print at least 2 or 3 times per week and stay on top of the cleaning and maintenance.

If something screws up and it is dormant for weeks it could be a real problem...

 

[MagnetStew]

There is a menu setting to where you can set it to do an auto cleaning anywhere from 0-1440 minutes. I have mine set to every 240 minutes (4 hours). This keeps them good to go on weekends and slow print weeks.

 

[FatCat]

Like you, we have a 1604 and 1624 here and they are usually pretty easy to keep them up, even when things slow down and you're not printing all day, every day. I would advise running them as often as you can. It might be a good idea to run some promotional items, small banners, etc. for your shop? Or perhaps donate a few banners to local churches, or non-profits that will both help you and them…?

Regardless, the key is that the cap top is in good condition making a tight seal with the head, and also that the drain lines are clear and free from any clogs or blockage. I have no fear leaving mine turned off for 3-4 days at a time, again condition of cap top and knowing your drain lines are clean is key. When you fire them up do a quick wash, print a little something to keep the ink moving in the lines and shut them back down. Eco solvent ink is very forgiving and even if you do get a few nozzles plugged after sitting a while, it is usually an easy remedy if the rest of your machine is in good working order.