Valuejet....no waste ink?!??

[Signsforwhile]

Have a Valuejet 1204...

Just got the message to swap out waste pads.....but when i pulled out the tray i noticed that there was barely any ink collected on the pads......? This isn't normal is it?

 

[Idea Design]

Mine were soaked to the bone when I first got that message...if you put the waste container back in the machine, it'll ask if new or not. Just tell it 'new' and go about your business.

You'll know it when they need changed.

 

[Signsforwhile]

But isn't it strange that they collected no ink this whole time?

 

[Idea Design]

I used almost two full sets of C,M,Y, & K before I decided to change the pads cuz they were soaked.

How deep into ink are you on the pads that are in there now?

 

[Signsforwhile]

more than that.......3-4 sets

 

[randya]

Depends on how much the machine is used and if you are 'spitting' on the media or the spitton pad.

There is not a lot of ink used during cleaning.

The 'change' flag is based on the number of pump cycles, so if these are far enough apart and you have a relatively dry shop environment, much of the solvent will evaporate.

This all assumes that you keep the printhead clean and the capping station seal in good order.

If the print head and capping station dont seal, you wont pull ink through the system.

http://www.mutoh.com/kb/entry/95/

 

[Signsforwhile]

How can I check the capping seal? If that's the issue how is it fixed?

 

[randya]

You can put a syringe on the drain tubes and make sure you can pull a good vacuum.

That may be a bit challanging on the 1204, but perhaps someone could walk you through that.

The capping station is a consumable and probably needs replacement every 18-36 months.

The seal is actually a little rubber raised area on the cap, where the head sits when not printing.

It is critical to keep the seal clean, and the stainless steel ring around the bottom of the head clean as well.

 

[Signsforwhile]

OK.....just ran a flush, but my cleaning cartridges are still full......????

 

[randya]

Yep, sounds like capping station is not sealing.