Author
Admin SEO
Share
An industrial printhead is a crucial component in both industrial and commercial printing.. It’s the number one factor that determines high-quality results, yet many manufacturers tend to neglect the importance of its regular maintenance and cleaning process.
In reality, manual cleaning consumes too much time and can interrupt current production runs. That’s why many manufacturers feel reluctant and frequently skip the process.
However, with the rise of automated cleaning systems, this issue can now be eliminated efficiently. Then, could this be the solution to support your operation and maintenance?
Why Industrial Printhead Maintenance Matters
In high-volume printing productions, printhead maintenance matters more than anything to avoid printing issues and maintain consistency along with efficiency.
Common Problems Caused by Dirty Printheads
Colour inaccuracy, ink smudges, and incomplete results are common issues that often occur due to dirty printheads. Regular cleaning can prevent such issues to help you get the highest resolution print results.
Impact on Printing Consistency and Business Efficiency
Regular cleaning ensures consistent printing outputs. It’s a critical aspect to promote efficiency and meet the standards of industry.
What is Industrial Printhead Cleaning Automation?
Automated printhead cleaning is designed to operate and clean the printhead component in an automatic way. But, how does it work in a manufacturing landscape?
How It Works in a Manufacturing Environment
It works with a built-in system that can clean the component without manual operation. Once the system detects any dirt and dust, the cleaning cycle will start automatically.
During the process, the system will use a special cleaning liquid, wiping the printhead component’s surface, then eliminating the dirt into a specified tank.
The sensors’ system will monitor the cleaning process along with a software to ensure printers keep running smoothly without human interruption.
Key Components of an Automated Cleaning System
Automated printhead cleaning incorporates some key components to keep the printhead stay functional.
- Cleaning station
- Cleaning pad
- Cleaning fluid system
- Waste tank
- Sensors
- Cleaning software
Benefits of Automated Cleaning Systems for Industrial Printheads
After learning about how the system works and functions, it’s also important to discover what the benefits can manufacturers take by utilizing the automated cleaning system.
Extended Equipment Lifespan
By operating automatically, an automated cleaning system helps maintain consistent cleaning, removing dust and ink build-up that may clog or even damage the printing components.
Then, the risk of high-cost repairs can be minimised and ultimately, it helps to extend the equipment lifespan to last longer.
Reduction in Manual Labour and Human Error
Automated systems handle the entire cleaning process of industrial printheads without operators. So, it’s very useful to reduce manual labor, freeing staff up for another important task.
The chance of human error can also be minimized as the system works with sensors and software that ensure consistent cleaning properly. It promotes a smoother and advanced process, something that manual systems frequently miss.
Improved Print Quality and Fewer Reprints
Since the cleaning process is done regularly and automatically, your printers will easily produce accurate and sharp print results, eliminating the cause of reprints. So, every output produced will stay clean and vibrant from the beginning to the end of runs.
Comparing Manual vs Automated Cleaning Methods
Manual cleaning has been the ultimate solution for many manufacturers across the decades. But, automated cleaning solutions bring a range of new level comfortability .that improve overall operational efficiency.
If you still feel uncertain about the excellency of this cutting-edge method, let’s compare the prominent difference between the two.
Cleaning Frequency and Downtime
Manual cleaning hugely depends on operators, so it typically has more interruption and downtime because the operators need to carefully carry out the cleaning process by hand. It’s surely time consuming and inefficient, especially in high-volume production.
On the other hand, automated cleaning systems can perform regular cleaning without stopping the operation line. It leads to a more effective process and reduces downtime with better efficiency.
Cost Analysis Over Time
Automated cleaning systems for industrial printheads may offer higher upfront investments, but over time it happens to be a more cost-effective choice as it can reduce equipments’ maintenance costs.
Manual cleaning, on the contrary, tends to have lower initial investments, yet it often induces ongoing costs like labor and maintenance expenses.
Safety and Hygiene Improvements
Automated cleaning, unlike manual cleaning, minimizes direct contact with ink residues and other debris which sometimes have potential harmful chemicals.
The process is also cleaner and more controlled than the manual system, meaning that you can prevent any contamination and keep the work environment to be more hygienic.
How to Choose the Right Cleaning System for Your Industrial Printer
Each cleaning system has its own plus and minus. For this reason, you need to consider wisely what factors that matter the most while choosing the best cleaning system for your industrial printer.
Compatibility with Printhead Type
It’s worth noting that not all cleaning systems work effectively with your printhead type.
Choose the right and compatible system by considering specific nozzle and ink types that match properly with the printhead. This is very crucial to avoid damage caused by an incompatible system.
Ease of Integration with Existing Equipment
Besides compatibility with printhead type, you also require to select a system that can easily integrate with existing equipment.
Choosing a well-integrated cleaning system, especially those that fit with the printer model, helps you maintain a smooth workflow and avoid incompatibility.
Service and Support Availability
Service and support availability is another crucial factor that is worth your consideration because even an advanced system also requires updates and troubleshooting issues.
Selecting a system with after-sales support ensures reliable technical support to swift resolution.
Best Practices for Maintaining Your Industrial Printhead Automatically
When you already have an automated system in place, now it’s become your essential task to ensure the system works with smooth operation to support long-term performance.
Scheduling and Monitoring
Although automated systems can work in an automatic method, it is still important to set a regular schedule to ensure the system operates consistently. Keep monitoring the system regularly to track cleaning performance and avoid unexpected errors.
Using the Right Cleaning Fluids
Use the right cleaning fluids with specific formulations to ensure a safe and optimal print performance.
Preventive vs Reactive Maintenance
Preventive maintenance is way better than reactive one. Only depending on reactive maintenance often causes serious problems, while preventive maintenance can extend the lifespan of your printing equipment.
Final Thoughts: Is It Time to Upgrade Your Printhead Cleaning Process?
Manual cleaning methods may offer hands-on inspection with a more meticulous process, but it is often unable to provide efficiency and consistency just as how automation systems did.
Upgrading your industrial printheads cleaning process into an automated system can be the right choice to keep pace with industrial needs.
Automated systems will not only benefit you with efficiency, but also reduce labor costs, minimize human error, and ultimately promote preventive maintenance in high-volume production.
Read About: Reducing Printing Errors in High-Volume Production: Strategies for Maximum Efficiency
Best Practices for Manufacturers Using Inkjet Printers
From scheduling a cleaning cycle to using specified fluids for inkjet printers, these are the best practices that manufacturers can employ to maintain consistent results and improve printing equipment lifespan.
When it is integrated with an automated industrial printhead cleaning system, it will significantly leverage your printing process into better performance.
With Markcom Global as your coding and marking specialist, you will not only gain the proper technology for your production runs, but also with expert guidance to ensure maximum operation.
Don’t let your outdated printing equipment ruin your production. Explore our smarter solutions now!
References:
https://www.linxglobal.com/en/products/continuous-ink-jet/linx-printhead/
https://automatedmarking.com/blog/maintaining-your-industrial-printer/
Like this?
Read more about our related news & updates!