Mutoh ValueJet 1638UH – Printhead side guard came off + nozzle plate edge lifting

[brammekeuh]

Hi everyone,

I’m working with a Mutoh ValueJet 1638UH UV printer and ran into a problem with one of the printheads. The small protective metal guard (“head guard” / “side protector”) on the side of the printhead came loose. Since that happened, I also noticed that the edge of the nozzle surface on that side seems to be lifting slightly.

At the moment it looks like:

• The guard is no longer properly fixed.
• Only the side edge of the nozzle plate is lifting, not the whole surface.
• Printing still works, but I’m worried this will get worse or cause permanent damage.

My questions:

1. Is it possible to re-attach or replace just that small protective guard?
2. If the nozzle plate edge is lifting, does that always mean the head is near the end of its life?
3. Has anyone replaced a printhead on the 1638UH themselves, and if so, what’s the best way to do the alignment afterwards (without official Mutoh service software)?

I’d appreciate any advice, part numbers for the guard or head assembly, or tips on whether this is still safe to use or if I should be planning for a full head replacement.

Thanks in advance!