Lets discuss Roland Inks Eco-SOL Max, Max 2 and Max 3

[Adam Edge]

So I noticed when converting my VSi printer from dual CMKY to 7 colour. There were only options for Max and Max 2 inks. But on my VP printer which is much older there is only Max and Max 3 options. Whats the deal yo? Can the DX4's run max 2 and Max 3? I only run after market inks and they only come as Max and Max 2.

What are the main differences between the 3 types and which heads (DX4, DX6/7) are best suited for which inks. I'm sure im not the only one lil confused here.

 

[louisru]

I've also just switched my VS 640 i from Dual CMYK to 7 Color but i've got the options MAX 2 and MAX 3 after changing the first bit On page 7 in System switch (for changing the Ink mode).
In my other Vs 540 im Printing with aftermarket MAX 3 but i cant spot any difference in the two inks while working. I'm sure there are some differences but i guess its mostly just a newer generation of the inks? But i'm no Tech Pro so i don't really know.

But i've got another question for changing to 7 Color: i've performed a Head Wash with cleaning Cartriges before changing ink type and did a few fill inks after changing. But i can't get the Black and Light Black to Work. There's not even one nozzle when performing a test print. Also changed the dampers and checked if the tubing is clear. Before changing to 7 Color all Nozzles were perfect also after a lot of printing so at least before the printhead was great. Anyone got an idea whats the reason for it? I changed the bit On page 7 back to zero after setting the ink type.Maybe any changes i forgot to do in the system?

 

[MarkSnelling]

As a Roland distributor, I've found the only ink I've consistently had a hard time sourcing are the Max 3 inks. I only have two users who need the Max 3...but I wish I didn't as there have been weeks delays.

 

[Adam Edge]

I've also just switched my VS 640 i from Dual CMYK to 7 Color but i've got the options MAX 2 and MAX 3 after changing the first bit On page 7 in System switch (for changing the Ink mode).
In my other Vs 540 im Printing with aftermarket MAX 3 but i cant spot any difference in the two inks while working. I'm sure there are some differences but i guess its mostly just a newer generation of the inks? But i'm no Tech Pro so i don't really know.

But i've got another question for changing to 7 Color: i've performed a Head Wash with cleaning Cartriges before changing ink type and did a few fill inks after changing. But i can't get the Black and Light Black to Work. There's not even one nozzle when performing a test print. Also changed the dampers and checked if the tubing is clear. Before changing to 7 Color all Nozzles were perfect also after a lot of printing so at least before the printhead was great. Anyone got an idea whats the reason for it? I changed the bit On page 7 back to zero after setting the ink type.Maybe any changes i forgot to do in the system?

lets hope you didn't do what I did and shorted the printhead. But luckily I only killed 1 channel, The last one which is either M or unused when 7 colour setup. I actually wanted dual CMYK so I converted from 7 col. while printer was running I for some reason decided to clean around the carriage and touched the printhead with the cloth. Saw a lil spark and that was it. No fuses blew but the 8th channel stopped working. Could not get it back no matter what I did so I went back to 7 colour.

For you I didn't think it is a setting issue, its either ink starvation or shorted head. Checking the choke valves is your only option left. Remove ink tube from outlet of valve and see if you get ink flowing. But 2 channels at same time tells me electrical issue.

 

[Adam Edge]

As a Roland distributor, I've found the only ink I've consistently had a hard time sourcing are the Max 3 inks. I only have two users who need the Max 3...but I wish I didn't as there have been weeks delays.

Hi Mark,

What are the differences between the 3 ink types?

 

[MarkSnelling]

Honestly, I don't really know. I'm pretty sure it comes down to the colors. The original Max inks had CMYKlclm+w+silver. The Max 2 added light black and improved the white opacity. The Max 3 is for expanded color gamut units like the VF and it has red, orange, and green as options. The Max 2 and Max 3 come in larger volumes which is nice.

 

[Solventinkjet]

I don't know if this is true for Roland but Mimaki and Mutoh have had ink upgrades throughout the years and the main changes have been lower VOCs and faster drying times. I've spoken to a 3rd party ink manufacturer and they said the main difference for them is they just use the same ink and put whatever chip the customer needs on it.