Best Practices for Storing Ink Dampers When Your Printer is Not in Use

Question:

What is the best way to store ink dampers when a printer is not in use due to a printer error?
Answer:

Thank you for reaching out to us! We apologize for not being able to get back to you sooner. We understand that all printer issues are urgent, and we want to provide the most detailed and thoughtful response possible. At BCH Technologies, we appreciate your engagement and support, especially with our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Your feedback is invaluable in helping us refine our technical expertise. When it comes to storing ink dampers while your printer is not in use, the best approach depends on the type of ink you are using:

For OEM Ink, Third-Party Dye Ink, or Pigment Ink

If your printer uses OEM ink, third-party dye ink, or pigment ink, there isn’t much you need to do for storage. These inks do not tend to clog as aggressively as DTF (Direct-to-Film) ink, so you can leave the system as it is for short-term storage. However, consider running a cleaning cycle and covering the printhead area for long-term storage to prevent dust accumulation.

For DTF Ink Systems

If your printer uses DTF ink, special precautions are necessary because DTF ink is more prone to settling, clogging, and drying. You’ll need to handle three critical components: the dampers, tubes, and capping station.

Dampers and Tubes

• Disconnect the ink tubes from the ink tank.
• Place the tube ends into a container of distilled water.
• Use a syringe to pull water through the tubes until the water runs clear. This helps remove any residual ink that could dry and cause clogs.
• For dampers, inject distilled water through them to flush out any remaining ink. Continue this process until the water runs clear.
  
• Capping Station Maintenance
  Add a small amount of distilled water onto the surface of the capping station.
• Use a syringe or waste tube suction to draw water through the waste tube until the water appears clear.
• For more thorough cleaning, connect the waste tube to a TMS Printhead Maintenance System (https://bchtechnologies.com/products/tms-printhead-maintenance-system-by-bch-comprehensive-cleaning-and-maintenance-solution-1?). Then, squirt water onto the capping station and continue flushing until all the water coming out is clear.
• By following these steps, you can ensure that your printer’s ink delivery system remains in good condition, preventing it from clogging the components and extending the life of your equipment.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. So, we cannot provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We offer an in-person evaluation and repair service via our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis. So, it might take a few weeks to get your printer to drop it off. Our services are structured to repair either a whole printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed. However, we acknowledge that our rates aren't the most economical. Thus, we recommend that you resort to self-help via online research. You can start by checking out YouTube or visiting our YouTube channel’s homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Look for specific videos using the search icon next to "About" on the right-hand side of the menu bar. I receive dozens of queries every day asking about videos for specific topics. Having created videos over the past nine years, it's challenging to remember every single one. Therefore, using YouTube’s search function would be most efficient. Plus, YouTube might suggest relevant videos from other channels that could assist you.
Thank you again for your question and for being part of our community. We appreciate your trust in BCH Technologies and your support on YouTube!