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IS-14-0042 - Rev.1 - DCS Ink Flow Troubleshooting Guide MVP 1800Z 1800SBG 7200Z - 050922
IS-14-0042 - Rev.1 - DCS Ink Flow Troubleshooting Guide MVP 1800Z 1800SBG 7200Z - 050922
IS-14-0042
Rev.1
HOW IT WORKS
The ink lines are fed from gravity/syphon and are not pressurized, so the more ink in the tank
the betterthe flow of ink. The tanks need air for the flow to be “continuous”. Without air a
vacuum can be created starving the damper and print head of ink flow.
If followed accurately, these steps can help quickly identify the ink flow restriction or issue.
Do not skip a step or assume that a step isn’t necessary. If this process is followed correctly,
you will identify the ink flow issue.
Ink system components (Bulk Tanks, Level Sensors, Ink Lines, Fittings, Dampers, Capping
Stations, and Print Heads) are classified as consumable items and are not covered under
warranty.
Warning: Failure to use proper personal protective equipment can cause skin and or eye
irritation.
• Gloves must be worn to carry out these instructions. Failure to do so could cause harm
to personnel.
• Eye protection must be worn to carry out these instructions. Failure to do so could
cause harm topersonnel.
SECTION 1: 7200Z PRINTERS
SECTION 1
7200Z
** Special Note**
If you are experiencing white ink flow issues should trouble shoot all 4 white
tanks at the same time. The reason being that lines can become mixed up from
prior maintenance or troubleshooting on the ink system. Also, the ink flow path
crosses inside the damper so don’t just assume that the first White Channel is
the first White Tank. SEE APPENDIX A (PG. 13) FOR THE INK PATH OVERVIEW.
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SECTION 1: 7200Z PRINTERS
Troubleshooting
Flow Chart
Page 3 of 31
SECTION 1: 7200Z PRINTERS
2A: Remove the breather from the top of the Tank by unscrewing with your hand or with a socket
wrench.
2B: Place a metal rod or zip tie into the top of the tank through the breather hole. Make sure the Tank is
at least 50% full before continuing. NOTE: SEE NEXT PAGE FOR MEASUREMENTS.
• No Ink: The Tank Level Sensor has most likely failed. Keep the breather off and fill the tank while
visually inspecting through the breather hole so that you do not overfill the tank then proceed
to step 2C.
2C: Run a Power Clean and test print to verify if that has solved the problem.
Page 4 of 31
SECTION 1: 7200Z PRINTERS
After you remove the “dip-stick” from the Bulk Tank, measure the portion that has ink. If the
measurement is below 1.38in, fill the Bulk Tank before proceeding.
Page 5 of 31
SECTION 1: 7200Z PRINTERS
Make sure that the print head is sitting flushon the capping station. Inspect it for damage such as
cracked or swollen seals, kinked hoses, or unusual sounds. Perform Maintenance on the Capping
Station.
3D: Use an IPA Wipe to clean the Ink off the Wiper Blade and absorb any excess ink in the discharge
tray.
Page 6 of 31
SECTION 1: 7200Z PRINTERS
NOTE: Breather should still be removed from the Bulk Tank (See Step 2).
4.1 B: Place the hose on the Drain Hose Assembly into the clear container and then plug the drain hose
into the Tank Fitting. Watch the ink as it flows into the container. NOTE: IF THE TANK FITTING ON A
WHITE TANK IS CLOGGED, IT IS MOST LIKELY DUE TO THE CIRCULATION PUMP. SEE STEP 4.2 FOR
CHECKING THE CIRCULATION PUMPS.
• Ink Does Not Flow Smoothly/Trickles out of the tank. Replace the Tank Fitting(s). When
replacing the Tank Fitting, do not overtighten. Use Teflon Tape and hand tighten only. Confirm
the Ink Flows smoothly after replacement and proceed to step 5.
Page 7 of 31
SECTION 1: 7200Z PRINTERS
4.2 A: Turn the Circulation Pump(s) on from the Pendant and confirm the pump(s) are running by feeling
for vibration.
• Not Running: Check the connection where it plugs into the wire harness. If you don’t notice any
loose wires and everything is connected, you will need to replace the Circulation Pump then
drain all the White Ink from that Ink Flow Path and replenish with fresh White Ink.
4.2 B: While the pump is running, pinch the small hose (going from the pump to the top of the tank) with
your fingers. You should be able to feel the ink circulating through the tube.
• Do not feel ink circulating: You will need to replace the White Circulation Pump Assembly. This
includes the pump and the hoses where it connects to the tank.
• Feel Ink Circulating: Proceed to Step 5. Note: If you are doing this step because ink was not
flowing smoothly in Step 4.1, replace the Tank Fitting prior to moving to Step 5.
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SECTION 1: 7200Z PRINTERS
Typically, if a level sensor has failed in a tank, the operator has no way of knowing how much to fill the
tank and it results in ink overflowing out of the tank through the breather hole. Overtime, this ink will
harden and clog the breather which creates a vacuum in the ink system and ink is not able to flow
through the print head.
5A: Disconnect the Tank Fitting from the Bulk Tank if it isn’t already.
5B: Place the hose on the Drain Hose Assembly into the clear container and then plug the drain hose
into the Tank Fitting. Watch the ink as it flows into the container and compare it to the flow you saw in
Step 4.1.
• Ink Does Not Flow as Smoothly as Step 4: Clean or replace the breather. To Clean the breather,
soak it in Isopropyl Alcohol overnight then blow it out with an Air Hose and re-install. Re-
connect the Tank Fitting then run a Power Clean and Nozzle Test to see if the Ink Flow problem
has been resolved.
• Ink Flows smoothly out of the Tank. Re-connect the Tank Fitting and proceed to Step 6.
Breather
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SECTION 1: 7200Z PRINTERS
In this step, we will use a syringe to draw ink out of the bottom of the dampers.
6C: Inspect the Brass Fittings on top of the dampers for leaks. If there are leaks, replace the damper(s)
then proceed to Step 6D.
6D: Inspect the bottom of the Print Head for leaks. If ink is leaking out of the bottom of the Print Head,
the applicable damper will need to be replaced. Replace the damper(s) and proceed to step 6E.
6H: Use a syringe to pull ink through the Damper and verify there is no restriction or air.
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SECTION 1: 7200Z PRINTERS
7A: Ensure the Damper Assembly is re-installed properly after performing Step 6. Also, ensure the Tank
Fitting(s) are all re-installed onto the tanks.
7B: Re-boot the Printer to ensure the Carriage is capped on the Capping Station in the correct position.
7C: Remove the four screws holding the Lower Front Cover on the printer so you can access the Capping
Station from the front.
7D: Locate the five hoses and remove the corresponding hose for the channel(s) you are diagnosing. If
you are unsure, you can perform step 7E for each.
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SECTION 1: 7200Z PRINTERS
8A: Uncap the Carriage from the Capping Station. Ensure the Print Head is over the table.
8B: Use Paper Towels to cover the table underneath the Print Head.
8E: Fill the Purge Tool Syringe with Monomer Flush and flush through the channel(s). You should see a
“Solid Curtain” of fluid come out of the bottom of the print head.
• Partial and/or Deflected Curtain of Flush through the Print Head: Replace the Print Head
• Solid & Straight Curtain of Flush through the Print Head: Most likely an electrical failure. The
Print Head Cables will need to be replaced.
NOTE: CHANGING THE PRINT HEAD CABLES IS THE FINAL STEP. IF THIS DOES NOT WORK, ONE OF THE
PREVIOUS STEPS WAS DONE INCORRECTLY. IF YOU HAVE GOTTEN TO THIS POINT, YOU MAY WANT TO
CONFIRM THE PREVIOUS STEPS WERE ALL DONE CORRECTLY.
Page 12 of 31
SECTION 1: 7200Z PRINTERS
Page 13 of 31
SECTION 2: MVP & 1800Z PRINTERS
SECTION 2
MVP & 1800Z PRINTERS
Page 14 of 31
SECTION 2: MVP & 1800Z PRINTERS
2A: Remove the breather from the top of the Tank by unscrewing with your hand or with a socket
wrench.
2B: Place a metal rod or zip tie into the top of the tank through the breather hole. Make sure the Tank is
at least 50% full before continuing. NOTE: SEE NEXT PAGE FOR MEASUREMENTS.
• No Ink: The Tank Level Sensor has most likely failed. Keep the breather off and fill the tank while
visually inspecting through the breather hole so that you do not overfill the tank then proceed
to step 2C.
2C: Run an Initial Charge and test print to verify if that has solved the problem.
Page 15 of 31
SECTION 2: MVP & 1800Z PRINTERS
After you remove the “dip-stick” from the Bulk Tank, measure the portion that has ink. If the
measurement is below 1.38in, fill the Bulk Tank before proceeding.
Page 16 of 31
SECTION 2: MVP & 1800Z PRINTERS
Make sure that the print head is sitting flushon the capping station. Inspect it for damage such as
cracked or swollen seals, kinked hoses, or unusual sounds. Perform Maintenance on the Capping
Station.
You can visually inspect the Capping Station during a cleaning cycle to confirm it is pulling ink from the
print head. Run an Initial Charge and watch to see if the Capping Station chambers are full of ink when
the Print Head moves away from the Capping Station.
• If the chambers are not filling with ink, replace the Capping Station and determine if that fixes
the problem.
Page 17 of 31
SECTION 2: MVP & 1800Z PRINTERS
NOTE: Breather should still be removed from the Bulk Tank (See Step 2).
4.1 B: Place the hose on the Drain Hose Assembly into the clear container and then plug the drain hose
into the Tank Fitting. Watch the ink as it flows into the container. NOTE: IF THE TANK FITTING ON A
WHITE TANK IS CLOGGED, IT IS MOST LIKELY DUE TO THE CIRCULATION PUMP. SEE STEP 4.2 FOR
CHECKING THE CIRCULATION PUMPS.
• Ink Does Not Flow Smoothly/Trickles out of the tank. Replace the Tank Fitting(s). When
replacing the Tank Fitting, do not overtighten. Use Teflon Tape and hand tighten only. Confirm
the Ink Flows smoothly after replacement and proceed to step 5.
Page 18 of 31
SECTION 2: MVP & 1800Z PRINTERS
4.2 A: Turn the Circulation Pump on from the Control Panel and confirm the pump is running by feeling
for vibration.
• Not Running: Check the connection where it plugs into the wire harness. If you don’t notice any
loose wires and everything is connected, you will need to replace the Circulation Pump then
drain all the White Ink from that Ink Flow Path and replenish with fresh White Ink.
4.2 B: While the pump is running, pinch the small hose (going from the pump to the top of the tank) with
your fingers. You should be able to feel the ink circulating through the tube.
• Do not feel ink circulating: You will need to replace the White Circulation Pump Assembly. This
includes the pump and the hoses where it connects to the tank.
• Feel Ink Circulating: Proceed to Step 5. Note: If you are doing this step because ink was not
flowing smoothly in Step 4.1, replace the Tank Fitting prior to moving to Step 5.
Page 19 of 31
SECTION 2: MVP & 1800Z PRINTERS
Typically, if a level sensor has failed in a tank, the operator has no way of knowing how much to fill the
tank and it results in ink overflowing out of the tank through the breather hole. Overtime, this ink will
harden and clog the breather which creates a vacuum in the ink system and ink is not able to flow
through the print head.
5A: Disconnect the Tank Fitting from the Bulk Tank if it isn’t already.
5B: Place the hose on the Drain Hose Assembly into the clear container and then plug the drain hose
into the Tank Fitting. Watch the ink as it flows into the container and compare it to the flow you saw in
Step 4.1.
• Ink Does Not Flow as Smoothly as Step 4: Clean or replace the breather. To Clean the breather,
soak it in Isopropyl Alcohol overnight then blow it out with an Air Hose and re-install. Re-
connect the Tank Fitting then run a Power Clean and Nozzle Test to see if the Ink Flow problem
has been resolved.
• Ink Flows smoothly out of the Tank. Re-connect the Tank Fitting and proceed to Step 6.
Breather
Page 20 of 31
SECTION 2: MVP & 1800Z PRINTERS
In this step, we will use a syringe to draw ink out of the bottom of the dampers.
6B: Inspect the Brass Fittings on top of the dampers for leaks. If there are leaks, replace the damper(s)
then proceed to Step 6C.
6C: Inspect the bottom of the Print Head for leaks. If ink is leaking out of the bottom of the Print Head,
the applicable damper will need to be replaced. Replace the damper(s) and proceed to step 6E.
6G: Use a syringe to pull ink through the Damper and verify there is no restriction or air.
Page 21 of 31
SECTION 2: MVP & 1800Z PRINTERS
PRIMING A DAMPER
To prime a specific channel or to check for leaks in a line/damper assembly, Remove the damper from
thecarriage, insert the priming tip all the way until it bottoms out as shown below (green arrow).
If you’re checking for air leaks it is sometimes easier to turn the damper and syringe upside down so if
any small air bubbles are pulled out, they are easier to see as they bubble up through the ink in the
syringe.
There will always be a small amount of air/bubbles as you first start pulling the ink into the syringe like
thesyringe in the green circle (notice how they syringe/priming tip is fully seated in the damper), the
bubbles should stop almost immediately. If bubbles are continuously pulled into the syringe (blue circle),
odds are there is an air leak.
Page 22 of 31
SECTION 2: MVP & 1800Z PRINTERS
8A: Uncap the Carriage from the Capping Station. Ensure the Print Head is over the table.
8B: Use Paper Towels to cover the table underneath the Print Head.
8E: Fill the Purge Tool Syringe with Monomer Flush and flush through the channel(s). You should see a
“Solid Curtain” of fluid come out of the bottom of the print head.
• Partial and/or Deflected Curtain of Flush through the Print Head: Replace the Print Head
• Solid & Straight Curtain of Flush through the Print Head: Most likely an electrical failure. The
Print Head Cables will need to be replaced.
NOTE: CHANGING THE PRINT HEAD CABLES IS THE FINAL STEP. IF THIS DOES NOT WORK, ONE OF THE
PREVIOUS STEPS WAS DONE INCORRECTLY. IF YOU HAVE GOTTEN TO THIS POINT, YOU MAY WANT TO
CONFIRM THE PREVIOUS STEPS WERE ALL DONE CORRECTLY.
Page 23 of 31
SECTION 3: 1800S & 1800BG PRINTERS
SECTION 3
1800S & 1800BG PRINTERS
Page 24 of 31
SECTION 3: 1800S & 1800BG PRINTERS
2A: Remove the Ink Line from the back cap (Sensor Cap) on the tank and pull the cap and sensor up.
2B: Place a metal rod or zip tie into the top of the tank through the breather hole. Make sure the Tank is
at least 50% full before continuing.
• No Ink: The Tank Level Sensor has most likely failed. fill the tank while visually inspecting so that
you do not overfill the tank then proceed to step 2C.
• Ink: Re-install the Cap and Sensor assy. back onto the Tank and re-connect the Ink Line then
proceed to Step 3.
2C: Run an Initial Charge and test print to verify if that has solved the problem.
Ink Line
Sensor Cap
Zip-Tie
Page 25 of 31
SECTION 3: 1800S & 1800BG PRINTERS
Make sure that the print head is sitting flushon the capping station. Inspect it for damage such as
cracked or swollen seals, kinked hoses, or unusual sounds. Perform Maintenance on the Capping
Station.
You can visually inspect the Capping Station during a cleaning cycle to confirm it is pulling ink from the
print head. Run an Initial Charge and watch to see if the Capping Station chambers are full of ink when
the Print Head moves away from the Capping Station.
• If the chambers are not filling with ink, replace the Capping Station and determine if that fixes
the problem.
Page 26 of 31
SECTION 3: 1800S & 1800BG PRINTERS
4.1 B: Use a Syringe to draw ink out of the tank where the Ink Line was removed.
• Ink Does Not Flow Smoothly/Trickles out of the tank. Replace the Sensor Cap Assy. If this is the
White Ink Tank, proceed to Step 4.2 before moving on to Step 5.
Page 27 of 31
SECTION 3: 1800S & 1800BG PRINTERS
4.2 A: Turn the Circulation Pump(s) on from the Control Panel and confirm the pump is running by
feeling for vibration.
• Not Running: Check the connection where it plugs into the wire harness. If you don’t notice any
loose wires and everything is connected, you will need to replace the Circulation Pump then
drain all the White Ink from that Ink Flow Path and replenish with fresh White Ink.
4.2 B: While the pump is running, pinch the small hose (going from the pump to the top of the tank) with
your fingers. You should be able to feel the ink circulating through the tube.
• Do not feel ink circulating: You will need to replace the White Circulation Pump Assembly. This
includes the pump and the hoses where it connects to the tank.
• Feel Ink Circulating: Proceed to Step 5. Note: If you are doing this step because ink was not
flowing smoothly in Step 4.1, replace the Sensor Cap prior to moving to Step 5.
Page 28 of 31
SECTION 3: 1800S & 1800BG PRINTERS
5B: Remove the Ink Line from the Tank and attempt to draw ink from the Tank (with the Breather/Fill
Cap still removed.
• Ink Flows Smoothly out of the Tank: Replace the Breather/Fill Cap. To Clean the breather, Re-
connect the Ink Line then run a Power Clean and Nozzle Test to see if the Ink Flow problem has
been resolved. Then proceed to Step 6.
Breather/Fill Cap
Page 29 of 31
SECTION 3: 1800S & 1800BG PRINTERS
In this step, we will use a syringe to draw ink out of the bottom of the dampers.
6B: Inspect the Brass Fittings on top of the dampers for leaks. If there are leaks, replace the damper(s)
then proceed to Step 6C.
6C: Inspect the bottom of the Print Head for leaks. If ink is leaking out of the bottom of the Print Head,
the applicable damper will need to be replaced. Replace the damper(s) and proceed to step 6D.
6G: Use a syringe to pull ink through the Damper and verify there is no restriction or air.
Page 30 of 31
SECTION 3: 1800S & 1800BG PRINTERS
8A: Uncap the Carriage from the Capping Station. Ensure the Print Head is over the table.
8B: Use Paper Towels to cover the table underneath the Print Head.
8E: Fill the Purge Tool Syringe with Monomer Flush and flush through the channel(s). You should see a
“Solid Curtain” of fluid come out of the bottom of the print head.
• Partial and/or Deflected Curtain of Flush through the Print Head: Replace the Print Head
• Solid & Straight Curtain of Flush through the Print Head: Most likely an electrical failure. The
Print Head Cables will need to be replaced.
NOTE: CHANGING THE PRINT HEAD CABLES IS THE FINAL STEP. IF THIS DOES NOT WORK, ONE OF THE
PREVIOUS STEPS WAS DONE INCORRECTLY. IF YOU HAVE GOTTEN TO THIS POINT, YOU MAY WANT TO
CONFIRM THE PREVIOUS STEPS WERE ALL DONE CORRECTLY.
Page 31 of 31