Blocked Head

[simon haysom]

Hi there.

Constantly getting a bad test print (on the cyan) but it's not just missing it's also coming out the wrong colour (very dirty cyan). Done endless cleans, Little charge etc..
The things that gets me is it's not consistent. It will come 95% right! last like that for a few prints and then a day later (on another job) reverted back.
Machine is a Mutoh VJ 1324. Could it be air in the cyan line? any thoughts? It is all ways just the cyan. (sorry for the poor quality photo).

Any help is much appreciated.

thanks Simon

 

[clemento]

As i recall it has dx7 printhead, and when head is failing, cyan is the first in a row

 

[simon haysom]

Thanks Clemento. Head was only replaced about 6months ago. So hopefully still ok. ta Simon

 

[unmateria]

Hi, can you post a full nozzle check? usually is a shrinkage of a rubber inside the printhead that can be solved or just you replaced the damper in incorrect position (but u would have blue where it should be black) and a bad wiper. Thats why i need to see a full check

 

[simon haysom]

Hi Unmateria

Not sure if this is what you mean by a "full nozzle check" see attached. If it is? I can post a higher resolution image if it helps. thanks Simon

 

[unmateria]

I cant see it well on mobile

Turn on the machine while pressing up+right+down (or up+left+down, i dont remember) and look in adjustments->nozzle check. You can check printhead signals too on A,B,C,D (k,k,c,c)... Move printhead manually into a white paper and make a x100 print with each of those signals after a strong cleaning and post that too. It should be 4 vertical lines.

 

[simon haysom]

Hi Umateria

Thanks for the advice. I can't seem to find how to get into the "printhead signals" option but here is a nozzle check. As you can see the cyan print is not good.

ta Simon

 

[unmateria]

Uff... Yes, im sorry to tell you that crossink looks like a printhead end of life (comunicated chambers). Try replacing the dumper if you have a yellow/blue one and check the rubber inside the printhead is in good health, but i must say you that looks completely like a chamber crossink, and that doesnt have any solution but buying a new printhead. Dont buy a chinese or refurbished one...

 

[Solventinkjet]

I agree with above but you might also change the dampers and see if that helps at all. Sometimes a bad damper can cause such bad cross contamination. But it is very likely internal head damage.

 

[simon haysom]

Thanks Guys. Might be time for a new printer (shame as it was not long ago I put a new head in and has not done a lot of work)
Just wondering why it might have packed in so soon?. Machine is never turned off (regular cleaning cycles) I have recently being putting thick paper through
(rather than self adhesive vinyl) Could this be damaging the head? I have to admit I'm lazy about setting the media type.
Thanks again. Simon

 

[Solventinkjet]

Thanks Guys. Might be time for a new printer (shame as it was not long ago I put a new head in and has not done a lot of work)
Just wondering why it might have packed in so soon?. Machine is never turned off (regular cleaning cycles) I have recently being putting thick paper through
(rather than self adhesive vinyl) Could this be damaging the head? I have to admit I'm lazy about setting the media type.
Thanks again. Simon

Make sure to change the dampers, replace the cap top, and flush the pump lines with cleaning solution while you're in there changing the cap top. The contamination could be coming from any of those items failing. It's still likely the head but it's worth a shot to change out those cheaper parts first.

Heads usually don't fail this early but when they do it's usually either someone flushed the head too hard, the ink is not OEM and too harsh on the head, and/or just plain bad luck. Unless you're getting tons of head strikes, I wouldn't blame the paper.

 

[simon haysom]

Thanks I'lll do this-
Change dampers, replace cap top, flush pump lines and replace the cap top.
Here hoping. ta Simon

 

[humberto s]

Experts already say everything that is possible to do. but can u tell us what inks you are using, original mutoh or another brand and if the print head is original mutoh or not. good luck

 

[simon haysom]

Hi Humberto. Yes Genuine Mutoh head and ink. I have just noticed that the ink is way past it's expiry date. (talking years not months) . So going to try some fresh ink. It cant hurt and could potential be an easy fix.
thanks Simon

 

[Texas_Signmaker]

I keep seeing this thread come up and everytime I think it's dirtier than what it is

 

[Boudica]

I keep seeing this thread come up and everytime I think it's dirtier than what it is

Same! I was waiting for someone else to say it though. Because I'm a lady.

 

[Texas_Signmaker]

I meant those test prints. I would expect dirtier results.. What are you thinking???????

 

[Boudica]

I meant those test prints. I would expect dirtier results.. What are you thinking???????

Honestly, charlie brown came to mind. Every time