White Ink Clogging Solutions for DX7 Printheads: Efficient Alternatives Explored

Question: I’m experiencing issues with white ink clogging in the printhead after the dampers. While ink agitation systems help, they’re only a partial solution. Our Roland eco-solvent printers automatically cycle and flush white or metallic ink through the head to prevent clogs, but this wastes a lot of expensive ink. I was thinking of adapting an ink circulation system for a single DX7 head with eight color channels. However, it would require a custom capping system for retrofitting. Has there ever been a capping unit produced to stop clogs in these situations?

Answer:
To address your concerns, I’ve explored similar problems and developed a solution called the Printhead Management Assembly (PMA). The PMA is designed to flush out white ink from the printhead after a job, effectively preventing blockages. Since implementing the PMA, I’ve found it to be so effective that I no longer experience clogs, even with challenging inks like white or metallic. As a result, I haven’t had the same urgency to develop a full ink circulation system for the capping station. However, the idea of a better capping station remains on my radar, and I hope to work on it in the future when the demand or need arises.

The key advantage of the PMA is its ability to clean the printhead without wasting excessive amounts of ink. It addresses the primary issue of clogs forming in the printhead by flushing the ink thoroughly and efficiently after each job. If you’re considering retrofitting your printer with a custom capping system, it may be worth testing the PMA or a similar flushing system first to see if it resolves your clogging issues. Retrofitting a capping station for continuous ink circulation is a complex task, and while feasible, it often involves significant design and manufacturing challenges.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. We’re not able to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We offer an in-person evaluation and repair service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service) via our local diagnostic facility. Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, and it may take a few weeks before we can schedule a drop-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 may not be the most economical, and we highly recommend exploring self-help options through online research.

You can find more troubleshooting tips and ideas by visiting our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). With nearly a decade of content, you’re likely to find a video that addresses your needs. Additionally, YouTube’s search functionality can help you locate relevant tutorials from other creators. Thank you again for reaching out, and feel free to contact us with any additional questions. Your feedback and support are greatly appreciated!