Understanding Lifespan and Maintenance Tips
Usage Intensity: During the peak season of advertising production, some advertising companies' plotters may operate continuously for over 8 hours a day, producing a large number of posters, display boards, etc. Under such high - frequency usage, the wear - and - tear of the print head accelerates, and it may need to be replaced in 3 to 6 months. Conversely, if a plotter is only used for occasional small projects, like a small studio that uses it only a few times a month, the lifespan of the print head can be extended to 10 to 12 months.
Ink Quality: High - quality inks are pure in composition and uniform in particle size, which can effectively reduce the wear and clogging of the internal channels of the print head. Using such inks can extend the lifespan of the print head. In contrast, low - quality inks contain many impurities and are prone to deposit in the print head, shortening its lifespan. The print head may encounter problems and need replacement in 3 to 4 months.
Equipment Maintenance: The print heads of plotters with careful daily maintenance have a much longer lifespan than those without proper maintenance. Some users who pay attention to maintenance can extend the lifespan of the print head to 2 years or even longer by strictly following the maintenance procedures.
Factors Affecting Print Head Lifespan
Ink Drying and Clogging: After the plotter stops working, if the ink remaining in the print head is not cleaned in time, it is likely to dry out in the air for a long time and clog the nozzles of the print head. Especially in hot and dry environments, the ink dries out faster. This not only causes problems such as broken lines and missing colors in printing but also accelerates the damage of the print head.
Static Electricity Impact: In autumn and winter, the air is dry, and static electricity is relatively common. If the static electricity generated by the internal electronic components of the plotter during operation cannot be released in time, it may damage the print head, affect its normal operation, and shorten its lifespan.
Mechanical Wear: During the printing process, the print head of the plotter moves back and forth on the guide rail frequently. If the guide rail lacks lubrication or has dust and impurities, it will increase the friction between the print head and the guide rail, resulting in wear of the mechanical components of the print head, affecting the positioning accuracy and ink - jetting effect of the print head, and thus requiring premature replacement of the print head.
Maintenance Tips to Extend Print Head Lifespan
Daily Cleaning: After using the plotter every day, clean the print head with a special print - head cleaning solution. Drop an appropriate amount of cleaning solution on a clean non - woven cloth and gently wipe the surface of the print head to remove residual ink and impurities. Note that tools that are too rough should not be used to avoid scratching the print head.
Regular Deep Maintenance: Conduct deep maintenance at least once a week, including cleaning the internal channels of the print head. Use the equipped ink - suction tool to draw an appropriate amount of cleaning solution and flush the inside of the print head to thoroughly remove residual ink and impurities. At the same time, check whether the fixing screws of the print head are loose to ensure that the print head is firmly installed.
Static Electricity Protection: Equip the plotter with a special static - elimination device, such as a static - grounding wire, to promptly conduct the static electricity generated by the machine to the ground. Before operating the plotter, the operator can touch a metal object first to release their own static electricity to avoid damaging the print head due to human static electricity.
Ink Management: Regularly check the ink level to avoid dry - firing and damaging the print head when the ink runs out. At the same time, ensure that the ink storage environment is suitable, avoiding direct sunlight and high temperatures. Inks of different brands and models should not be mixed to prevent chemical reactions and clogging of the print head.
Equipment Storage: If the plotter is not used for a long time, soak the print head in a special moisturizing solution to prevent the ink from drying out and clogging the print head. At the same time, store the plotter in a dry, ventilated, and dust - proof environment to avoid the equipment getting damp and dusty.