Device Maintenance

This section outlines startup procedures which must be performed daily to ensure the quality and consistency of your product mark. This procedure is the same for two axis (x, y) and three axis (x, y, z) systems.

For further information please refer to the ink jet operator’s manual.

CAUTION: during this procedure, be sure to wear safety garments. Eye protectors, rubber gloves, and a smock.

CAUTION: prior to handling chemicals review the MSDS sheets provided in the manual.

Inspecting and Cleaning the Print Head

It is recommended to clean the print head daily or if there is evidence of contamination or the print quality is poor.

WARNING: Do not attempt to clean the ink jet print head with the power on. Failure to wait until the ink jet machine has cut power off will result in contaminated ink.

To get started, there should be no power to the device:

• If the printer is on, turn the device off by pressing “Off” on the printer or by selecting Shutdown in IMS Login or Startup menus.
• Verify that the ink jet system is off (if the red light is on at the head, the power is still on).
• Remove the print head from its sleeve by loosening the screw on the back side of the sleeve to the point where the print head can now be lifted out of the sleeve.
• Gently pull the print head forward and gently place the print head within the cleaning tray.
• Obtain the correct cleaning solution or make-up for the ink presently in the device.
• Proceed cleaning the print head as detailed in the respective ink jet system manual.

WARNING: do not remove the printhead sleeve out of its mounting plate as this would result in loss of calibration.

After Cleaning the Print Head

Visually inspect the printhead assembly, the nozzle, the deflection plates, and ink return block for any signs of contamination.

Re-clean if necessary.

To dry the device module and re-attach:

WARNING: do not use chemicals or cloth to dry the ink jet device module.

• Use a compressed air gun (15 or 20 psi) to blow dry the head, nozzle, and deflection plate. Replace air gun. DO NOT use a compressed air gun greater than 20 psi.
• Verify that the end plate of the ink jet head is clean and dry.
• Clean the end plate if necessary.
• When returning the printhead to join with the (x, y) positioning table, straighten the umbilical cable and make sure it is not kinked or twisted.
• Carefully position the ink jet head into the sleeve.
• Screw (hand tighten only) the nut into the sleeve so that the screw seats completely into the opening on the sleeve.
• The ink jet device is now ready for startup.

Checking Fluid Levels

WARNING: operating with expired ink or make-up may result in poor print quality.

WARNING: do not top off ink bottles. Ink bottles should be used until empty or expired. Replacing ink bottles may require ink calibration.

WARNING: do not top off make-up bottles with a make-up bottle that has an expired date. It is okay to top make-up bottle with make-up bottles that have different expirations date, as long as neither is expired.

• Verify the fluid level in the Make-up and Ink replenishment bottles is sufficient for operation.
• Check the expiration dates for make-up and ink bottles.

Starting the Device and System

After cleaning and rejoining the print head, turn the device power on. If the ink jet device is not on, start the printer with its main power button which will begin its startup routine. The green light jet panel should be blinking, press the Print key and the green light should be static to indicate the device unit is fully on.

Initializing the Printer

Verify the print light on the ink jet is solid (static) green.

If the marking engine status is OFFLINE, please refer to Getting Started.

If an error message appears during initialization, verify that the ink jet printer is on and the green lights for the HEAD and PRINT button are lit.

Once the marking engine status says READY, the initialization is complete.