DesignJet 510 Repair Hyde, Cheshire
Short trip out recently to carry out a DesignJet 510 repair in Hyde Chesire. These are an old classic of a machine. In my opinion one of the best HP Plotters produced. They are solid, reliable and easy to work on from a DesignJet Engineers point of view.
Unfortunately, time and tide wait for no man and progress carries its relentless drive to perfection.
These machines are now dated and becoming a thing of the past. The new machine process prints quicker, are more energy efficient and use less ink to produce a better-quality print.
That said, the DesignJet 510 is still a functioning DesignJet, that has served with distinction and will continue to do so as long as inks and printheads remain available.
Anyway, back to the plotter repair. This machine was reporting a DesignJet 81.01 error code. Problem with the media feed axis. This is usually a faulty sensor on the X-axis encoder board. Whilst not difficult to replace, it can be a “tad-awkward”.
After running the relevant diagnostics to confirm the fault, the process of replacing the faulty board was initiated.
This is usually a straightforward procedure, unless you can’t get the fixing screw that holds the board in place, that is! For some reason I was unable to locate the screw head.
After struggling for several minutes, the customer confessed to trying to fix the machine himself and breaking the head off the screw. Big job breaking out now, this has now become a serious repair.
To remove the broken screw, the DesignJet 510 would have to be split in two, top from bottom. The left-hand assemblies removed and hopefully, just hopefully access can be available to remove the broken screw. This process could take upwards of three hours. A very expensive exercise indeed.
After a head-to-head with the customer to discuss options, it was decided to remove the old encoder board and replace it with the new one, then find some “Heath-Robinson” way of securing it in place.
So, once again after some frustrating time, the faulty board was removed and the replacement one manipulated into place. Very awkward exercise as the board had to be placed on its mounting studs, ensuring the encoder disk is properly aligned with the sensor. Finally, just to increase the fun, the broken fixing screw had to located with the appropriate hole on the board.
The first two of these are a bit fiddly but throw-in a third variable and it becomes very challenging indeed.
Before, working out how to secure the board, a quick test was performed using the X-axis diagnostics. DesignJet working fine now, just a matter of fixing the board in place.
Sorry, this is not the way I do things normally, however, the best option available was to use a piece polyethylene foam, cut to size and used as a wedge. This ensured that the encoder board could not move. An effective solution to a tricky problem.
Now the initial problem was resolved a full service and clean was carried out to the DesignJet. This is done as standard for every DesignJet Repair carried out by Hutchins IT and is included in the call out cost.
Finally, the HP Plotter repair was almost complete. The DesignJet 81.01 error code was fixed, the machine had been fully serviced and all the relevant diagnostics and calibrations had been carried out. Just down to the customer to fully test before sign-off.
Once again, another successful DesignJet Repair carried out by Hutchins IT Limited. Our first-time fix rate is currently running at 96% and is something we pride ourselves on as a company.
We maintain the high fix rate by following our “Total care Solution”. A process followed for every HP Plotter Repair we undertake.
Every DesignJet Repair we complete at the first attempt reduces overall costs. The means the customer gets a quality Plotter Repair at the best possible price and with minimal downtime.
If you’re looking for a DesignJet Repair in Hyde, Chesire or surrounding areas then Contact Hutchins IT Limited.
The DesignJet Repair Specialists
