Mimaki CJV150 Print Head Problem - Anybody know what's going on?

[htwo]

Recently had a new head fitted (January 2025) I have had a recurring issue since, with what appears to be moisture/solution buildup on the surface of the head. This then causes poor printing and overspray. The only other thing to be changed were the dampers. Running 8 colour CMYKLcLmLkOr. The engineer seemed perplexed as to what the issue was. It almost looks like condensation on a surface.

Now happening with ever other print. If you look at the head whilst printing, you can see the dropplets forming on the head surface.

Has anybody seen this issue before?
Thanks!

 

[Smoke_Jaguar]

Might want to change your capping station, looks like condensation or something. I have seen cases where that happens when the cap doesn't seal right. The evaporating solvent from the ink chills the head nozzle plate and cools it causing humidity to condense on it. Tends to happen in higher humidity coastal areas and such, so not something I see often here in Oklahoma.

 

[Solventinkjet]

Might want to change your capping station, looks like condensation or something. I have seen cases where that happens when the cap doesn't seal right. The evaporating solvent from the ink chills the head nozzle plate and cools it causing humidity to condense on it. Tends to happen in higher humidity coastal areas and such, so not something I see often here in Oklahoma.

Either that or the room is cold and humid. Check the machine environmental specs and make sure your room is within spec.

 

[htwo]

Thanks for your feedback... Very much appreciated.
I hadn't considered the temperature and humidity. I am coastal based, the room has also always been kept at a constant temperature. However, recently the offices have lowered the night time radiator temperatures and then I ramp them back up in the morning to bring the room up to temp.

This change in temperature may possibly be the culprit.

 

[Smoke_Jaguar]

If the temperature swing is big enough, you might be getting condensation in other parts of the printer. That can cause MAJOR (expensive) issues if that water builds up in moving parts or electronics. Might want to invest in heating the room containing the printer.