Mutoh Jr. Print problem

[Rat_Fink]

See attached photo.

Just today, my Mutoh Jr. started depositing 100% black ink in a certain area of the print path. It does this every time I print & it is always right around 2" x 5" from the bottom of the vinyl.

It is printing lines so I know it is not just ink spilling from the print head.
It also does the same thing if I do the print check so I know it is not a file/rip/pc problem.

This has never happened before - anyone know the problem?

Thanks
Mike

 

[Compilla]

Have you done any recent work on the printer?

I will start will cleaning the encoder strip.

 

[Rat_Fink]

The only thing that I did before this started happening was & removed & cleaned the square thick absorbent material (the one before the wiper).

I have already tried to clean the encoder strip with no change.

Thanks
Mike

 

[CS-SignSupply]

What did you clean the encoder with? Should use rubbing alcohol...

Still looks to me like encoder issue.

 

[artbot]

maybe ink leak or data ribbon loose

that is data/electrical

i'd first turn off the machine as a precaution to make sure you haven't sprung and ink leak at the head or slider board.... just a precaution, but if it is that 10% possibility, than you are risking major damage. after you are sure you don't have latent ink on your printer boards and or print heads, power down your printer and look for loose data cables. i had this happen to my printer and it disappeared as soon as i tightened my black head cable.

 

[CS-SignSupply]

Power off and UNPLUG first

 

[Rat_Fink]

Thanks for the help, guys.
This printer has served me well for years, but I have used this as an excuse to order my new VinylJet.

If anyone is interested in purchasing this Falcon Jr. Let me know!