Best Practices to Maintain your Large Format Printer

Jaime Ghisays
2023-02-18T14:42:46-08:00

Are you the proud owner of a large-format printer? If so, congratulations! These machines are essential for businesses in a variety of industries. But with any large purchase comes the responsibility of upkeep and maintenance. In this blog post, we'll share some best practices for maintaining your large-format printer. By following these tips, you can extend the life of your machine and keep it running smoothly for years to come. So let's get started!

1. Keep your large format printer clean - free of dust and debris

Keeping a large format printer clean is an essential part of a successful maintenance routine. Dust particles and other debris can wreak havoc on print jobs, resulting in problems that can range from fuzzy images to impaired color accuracy and, ultimately, time-consuming repair needs. To avoid all of this, be sure that you frequently uproot any dust or dirt build-up by using an anti-static brush and/or compressed air to delicately remove all dirt particles. Cleaning the print bed is also important before each job - so it is free of stains or smudges that can potentially harm quality control standards. Furthermore, if there are any exposed openings such as fans or tubes, make sure they stay free of dust bunnies which can restrict air flow in your printer. Implement these easy practices periodically and you will achieve better results with each new print job!

2. Use the proper type of material for your project to avoid jams

Taking the time to use the right type of substrate for your large-format printing project can save you costly mistakes down the road. Jamming or misfiring of printers is a common issue – especially when using incompatible media. From plain-paper thermal transfer media to specialty materials such as clear polyester, there are many different types of substrates to choose from depending on the job you are attempting to complete. Ensuring you have selected the correct material for your project can not only help prevent issues but it could also help produce higher-quality prints and better results. Use this best maintenance practice for your large-format printing projects and spare yourself unexpected delays and hassles!

3. Regularly check ink levels and replace cartridges as needed

Taking the time to regularly check and monitor your large format printer's ink levels can save you hours of frustration in the long run. Depending on the number of prints you produce, it is best practice to check ink levels weekly and replace cartridges as needed. Not replacing a cartridge when it is depleted can cause serious damage to your printer, result in inaccurate color output, or worst of all cause banding and air coming into the ink line. Investing a small amount of time into checking ink levels will save you from costly repairs and unwanted delays due to malfunction.

4. Perform routine maintenance tasks such as calibrating the printheads and making sure nozzles are 100% operating

Regular maintenance of large format printers is essential for ensuring your machine runs in peak condition. A valuable task to tackle as part of your maintenance routine is calibrating the print heads - this will ensure your prints are consistent and produce high-quality output. It's recommended that you establish a schedule with routine cycles, checking and calibrating the print head regularly. This will keep the machine running reliably and help to extend its lifetime. Consider working with a professional technician if necessary, to help you set up the procedures you need for optimal performance and get the most out of your large format printer.

5. Store your printer in a cool, dry place to prevent damage from heat or humidity

When storing your large format printer, it's important to choose a cool and dry location to protect your machine from potential damage due to high temperatures or overly humid conditions. Whether you're looking for a place in your office building or another facility, make sure the area is well-ventilated and consistently kept at an acceptable temperature. If possible, store the printer out of direct sunlight, as high levels of UV exposure could cause problems with parts over time. Keeping it stored in a climate-controlled environment guarantees that all components will remain intact and unharmed for years to come.

Maintaining your large format printer is essential to ensure its longevity and performance. Taking these proper maintenance steps can greatly increase the life span of your printer and prevent issues such as paper jams, low ink levels, and faulty prints. Using only the best quality premium materials helps reduce jamming and keeps your prints looking sharp. Keeping the printer free of dust helps prevent build-up in the machine that could lead to inefficient usage. Additionally, calibrate the print head every few months for the best results. Last but not least, store your printer in a cool, dry place to keep it from getting damaged due to excessive heat or humidity. If you take proper care of your large format purchase and follow these maintenance practices, you'll ensure that it lasts a long time while functioning at its highest capacity.

If you need any help with your printer maintenance and troubleshooting, please visit this link to schedule a courtesy call with you.