Printing Tips & Troubleshooting

1. Daily Checks Before Powering On

（1） Ink Levels

White ink is the easiest to precipitate. If the ink level is too low, it may draw in air, causing ink interruption. Always check all ink bottles before powering on, especially the white ink bottle.

Rule: If the level is below 1/3, refill immediately to avoid air intake.

Air in the ink circuit may interrupt printing and even create air bubbles, blocking the nozzles.

（2） Nozzle Status Check

After powering on, perform “nozzle check” and print a test pattern.

If broken lines, missing colors, or blurring appear, clean the nozzles immediately.

Procedure: Start with “light cleaning.” If unresolved, proceed with “deep cleaning” to save ink and reduce nozzle load.

Note: Test results must be complete. Missing lines indicate possible blockage or air bubbles.

2. Daily Maintenance Before Powering Off

（1） Nozzle Moisturization

Perform “nozzle moisturizing” before shutdown to keep the nozzles moist and prevent drying.

Automatic printers: System will handle automatically.

Manual printers: Place a moist pad over the nozzle surface to ensure proper sealing.

（2） Clean Waste Pads

Cleaning and purging generate waste ink, which accumulates on waste pads.

If not cleaned, it can corrode or damage components.

Recommendation: Clean pads daily with cleaning solution, keep dry, and replace regularly based on usage frequency.

3. Core Component Maintenance

（1） Nozzles and Ink Cartridges

White ink tends to precipitate if left unused for a long time, so the ink cartridges and nozzles should be cleaned regularly.

Recommendation: Based on production frequency, perform a thorough cleaning of the white ink channel every 1–2 weeks.

Cleaning Solution: Always use a specialized cleaning solution. Avoid alcohol or other corrosive solvents, as they may damage ink circuit seals.

（2） Flash Spray and Wiper

Flash spraying is an important self-cleaning function of the printhead, preventing ink buildup. However, if the wiper is worn or contaminated with debris, it may repeatedly smear dirt onto the nozzle surface.

Recommendation: Inspect the wiper weekly. If burrs, hardening, or deformation are found, replace it promptly.

（3） Encoder Strip and Capping Station

The encoder strip is critical for carriage positioning. Once its surface has dust or ink, it can cause misalignment, resulting in ghosting or crooked print lines.

The capping station must remain sealed to prevent poor suction caused by residue buildup. It is recommended to regularly wipe the capping station’s rubber seal with cleaning solution and keep the interior clean.

（4） Guide Rail and Slider

Clean the guide rail and slider every 7–10 days using a lint-free cloth with a small amount of alcohol, then apply appropriate lubricant.

Benefit: Reduces carriage resistance, prevents noise and jamming, and extends motor life.

4. Maintenance

（1） Ink Pumps & Filters

Color ink filters: replace every 2 months. White ink filters: replace every 0.5–1 month.

The ink pump should be kept in proper working condition. If the pump lacks sufficient suction, it can lead to unstable ink supply.

（2） Waste Ink Bottles

Empty and clean regularly to prevent clogging.

（3） Circuits and Cables

Keep power cables and printhead flat cables clean and well-organized, avoiding excessive bending or liquid intrusion. Recommendation: Seal the connectors with insulating tape to prevent ink from entering.

（4） Use Original Consumables

Original inks, hot-melt powders, and transfer films undergo strict compatibility testing and provide higher reliability with the equipment. Using inferior consumables not only affects print quality but also increases the burden on the printhead and ink system.

5. Environmental Management

（1） Dust Prevention

Keep surroundings clean to avoid dust, fibers, or oil mist.

Suggestion: Use dust covers and regularly clean filters.

（2） Temperature & Humidity Control

Ideal Environment: Temperature 15–30°C, humidity 40%–60%.

Low Humidity: May easily generate static electricity, resulting in uneven ink ejection.

Excessive humidity: It can cause the transfer film or printing media to absorb moisture and deform, resulting in unstable paper feeding.

Sudden temperature changes: They may cause ink crystallization or printhead condensation. The machine should be kept away from areas with large temperature fluctuations, such as near doors, windows, or air vents.

Summary

Maintaining a DTF printer is continuous work, not one-time.

Daily key points:

Before power on: Check ink levels, nozzle status, and environment.

Before power off: Perform moisturizing and clean waste pads.

Regular checks: Wipers, blades, capping station, rails, and sliders.

Environment: Maintain proper temp/humidity and prevent dust.

Consumables: Use genuine parts, replace filters and bottles regularly.

Following these steps will extend nozzle lifespan, reduce failure rate, and ensure stable, high-quality printing.