HP Z3200ps Image Quality Issue

[DWRNZ]

I have a just out of warranty, low volume use HP Z3200ps that began losing color part way through A1 prints. Image attached for reference... loss of colour is at the trailing edge of the print. Immediate re-print adopts the magenta tone from leading edge.

It appeared to be a blue ink issue... and as Blue Ink was reporting low, I replaced this.
I also did a full control panel head clean and calibration/alignment - and it did appear to improve/resolve, but in reality only for one A1 print - and then the issue returned.

So... next step, replace print head, but that did not resolve the issue (the image attached is post-new ink and head).

So do I assume it could be an air-lock or blockage or something else?

Before trying to chase this down further - has anyone had a similar issue please? What was the resolution?

Thanks in advance.
David

 

[bilge]

You're right, air in the ink supply tube. Ink runs out from the printhead. Fill up the printhead with ink (about 5 ml), you will need special funnel, cap and syringe. Try to print anything with this color about 1 sqm in high quality setting, then refill the printhead again. If it is not work try to order set-up printhead. Or pull the air out from the end which connects to the printhead using a syringe. The need should be blunt, otherwise you might be ended up ordering new system. There were several video on Youtube, how to remove air from the ink supply system or restore designjet printhead etc. Almost all dye or pigment designjets are similar.

 

[DWRNZ]

You're right, air in the ink supply tube. Ink runs out from the printhead. Fill up the printhead with ink (about 5 ml), you will need special funnel, cap and syringe. Try to print anything with this color about 1 sqm in high quality setting, then refill the printhead again. If it is not work try to order set-up printhead. Or pull the air out from the end which connects to the printhead using a syringe. The need should be blunt, otherwise you might be ended up ordering new system. There were several video on Youtube, how to remove air from the ink supply system or restore designjet printhead etc. Almost all dye or pigment designjets are similar.

Thanks... will go check YouTube - and first try filling the original print head (which sounds like it probably didn't need replacing ) and then try to extract air from supply tube.
I am a bit concerned how it got there in the first place - but that could be from an empty ink cartridge? System values vs actual ink levels are not that accurate from what I have experienced and the Blue did sound empty although printer suggested just "low".

Best regards, David.

 

[bilge]

Thanks... will go check YouTube - and first try filling the original print head (which sounds like it probably didn't need replacing ) and then try to extract air from supply tube.
I am a bit concerned how it got there in the first place - but that could be from an empty ink cartridge? System values vs actual ink levels are not that accurate from what I have experienced and the Blue did sound empty although printer suggested just "low".

Best regards, David.

If you use original cartridge all the time, air in the system is extremely rare. I think you should replace your blue cartridge and try to find 'set-up head'. It is for filling up the system used only once. You should need 6 of them. Ask where you usually buy inks and heads. Did you manage to fill up the printhead? Unless no error message like replace printhead or faulty printhead then the printhead is ok even expired.

 

[DWRNZ]

If you use original cartridge all the time, air in the system is extremely rare. I think you should replace your blue cartridge and try to find 'set-up head'. It is for filling up the system used only once. You should need 6 of them. Ask where you usually buy inks and heads. Did you manage to fill up the printhead? Unless no error message like replace printhead or faulty printhead then the printhead is ok even expired.

Thanks again... I pulled about 5ml ink out of the blue ink supply line... no obvious sign of air bubbles. That ink cartridge is new/full - replaced a week or so ago earlier as part of the attempt to diagnose the fading issue.

Should I still go through the set up - I do have a set of "set up" print-heads. I rarely toss stuff out - and they are the set that shipped with the printer. How do I initiate that procedure? Use set-up print heads in all locations?

I have not been able to fill the print head yet though - so have not eliminated that possibility. I have not been able to source the funnel and cap you mentioned. I saw a video on line on "how"... and it makes sense. I might be able to fabricate a cap to cover the inkjets to apply a vacuum to them... just need to figure what to use to attach an ink source to the ink input spigot. Or... can buy and import the bits off one of the YouTube contributors.

BUT... this is a brand new print head.

Recapping... fading appeared on a full blue cover image (uses 1 ml blue, 2.8 ml LC as primary inks according to usage report). Replaced Blue ink cartridge... which almost corrected the problem, but it didn't.
Ran full print head cleans/calibrations etc... no change... so replaced B/GN print head. Again, almost resolved... but not... and still fading in varying width bands at the trailing end of A1 print jobs.

I have other printers that enable purging of print heads via control panel - can this be done to this unit?