DesignJet T1100 Repair Macclesfield, Cheshire
Carried out a DesignJet Repair in Macclesfield, Cheshire yesterday. Very similar to the DesignJet Z3200 call in Porthmadog last week.
Customer reported ink was leaking from the right-hand side of the plotter. As he put it “I think it needs and oil change”. This is very apt as the old ink looks like thick black oil dripping down the leg. Luckily the plotter was situation a painted concrete floor and not a carpet.
A DesignJet leaking ink is a common problem. Technically, its not a breakdown, its just a an occupational hazard of a HP Plotter operation correctly.
What Causes a DesignJet Ink Leakage.
Every HP DesignJet has a Service Station, this is the sub-system assembly that is responsible for “caring” for the printheads. Its job is to ensure the printheads are kept in “tip-top” condition, which ensures the print quality is at its optimal.
As well as cleaning the print-plates and capping the printheads it also tests the nozzle integrity of the printheads. This is done by “spitting” ink past a sensor. Basically, if the machine spits 100 drops it expects to see 100 drops. If this doesn’t happen, the plotter will attempt to clean and unblock the nozzles by priming them.
This process uses ink that must be stored somewhere. That somewhere is an integrated reservoir located a under the service station.
Although the drop size is only 4-6 picolitres (10-12), when they all “gang together” they cause havoc over time. If you think of a raindrop, one drop on its own is insignificant.
However, when you put a lot of them together, they can cause major problems with flooding. This is the same principle. Over time the reservoir fills up and starts to overflow, leaving a nice pool of infinite blackness in its wake.
Plotter Leaking Ink – The Solution
The solution to the problem is straight forward – Replace the entire service station – Quite simple really.
Although it’s a simple solution it really is a messy job. A little bit of ink goes a long, long way, especially when it gets on the bottom of your shoe. The best method to prevent this is to cover the floor with layers of old paper, usually scrap drawings. Once the service station is removed, it should be placed in several plastic bags and placed in a plastic container.
This may sound a bit over the top, but you only spill ink on a carpet once.
Once the old service station is “secured”, the clean-up and installation of the new one can begin. It’s also a good idea to carry out a full service whilst the machine is partly “un-robbed” (covers off). With every DesignJet Repair carried out by Hutchins IT Limited, this is done in accordance with our Total Care Solution program.
Once again, the machine is now ready to go. All the “spilled” ink has been cleaned up, the service station replaced, and a good service carried out. Now just a matter of a few calibrations, realigning the printheads and letting the customer test the machine.
Whether you require a DesignJet Repair in Macclesfield, Cheshire carrying out or a Plotter Repair in any of the surrounding counties, do not hesitate to contact Hutchins IT Limited.
We offer a substantial DesignJet Repair service designed to keep your repair costs and your plotter downtime to a minimum.
Our comprehensive Total Care Solution, ensure we follow a tried and tested procedure to maximise our repair efficiency.
Hutchins IT Limited your HP DesignJet Repair Partner in Macclesfield, Cheshire and Beyond.
