What ink do you run in your Mimaki? What do you recommend?

[Atari]

I've got a clog on my JV33-160 and some older Triangle JVV ("true solvent") installed using Triangle's Easy-Fill bulk system. The system is currently installed with dual CMYK pass-through carts that come with the Triangle system.

After I flush the printer/head, change dampers, etc. I plan to change out the ink. Since I don't plan to use the printer very often, I am considering using small refillable cartridges instead of the bulk system.

Some questions for anyone that knows that answer...

• Does solvent ink "go bad" after a period of time? (Months, not years). I still have 1/2 liter of the triangle JVV ink but it's "expired" at this point according the to the reset chips they provide.
• Would using smaller carts be better for lower usage than the bulk system?
• Can you recommend an aftermarket / 3rd party Eco-Solvent ink that works well for you?
• Can you recommend a refillable cartridge and permanent chip that works well for you?

 

[MikePro]

shrinking your cartridge size, won't make any difference.
if you only intend to use the printer every so often, you still have to keep the ink cycling & the working parts clean.

ink doesn't go "bad", really, but it does seperate/settle... which makes it "bad" for what the printer was designed to use it for. Much like a dialysis machine. ink is the blood of your printer.

o, and I use Bordeaux. Triangle is good too.

 

[Robert M]

low use

If it were my printer I would go back to sealed cartridges. The open refill type carts are going to give you more trouble than savings on a low use printer.

 

[Proximus]

i recommend Mutoh MS ultra inks:

http://www.spandex.com/UK/Equipment/Printers/Brand/Mutoh/Mutoh_MS_Ultra_ink.aspx

 

[SightLine]

i recommend Mutoh MS ultra inks:

http://www.spandex.com/UK/Equipment/Printers/Brand/Mutoh/Mutoh_MS_Ultra_ink.aspx

In a Mimaki printer?

My suggestion would be to convert it back to cartridges, nothing refillable. Anything openly refillable exposes the ink to air. The less the better.... I'd also suggest lite/Eco solvent inks versus full solvent. My understanding is they are less susceptible to settling.

 

[gabagoo]

I think I am going to start using this jetbest ink. Spoke to a fellow sign guy who has been using it for over 4 years with no complaints. I will go for the bulk version. My printer is now 7 years old and I am pretty anal about maintenance so hopefully it works well.

 

[nashvillesigns]

Mimaki ink

1. start using that printer more. that is why you bought it, right???
2. use OEM ink. the fact you are wasting time with "Refills" for a machine you barely use is comical. what exactly are you saving? time or money?
3. see number one. out sourcing the wholesale method if you have to. its better business.

-mosher