Like any printer, you may need to perform routine maintenance tasks from time to time, such as a Nozzle Check, Paper Feed Alignment or Paper Feed Belt Cleaning. When using a standard ink set like our Sublijet UHD, the adjustment printout utilizes the Black ink channel. However, with our VersiFlex ink set, the "Black" cartridge contains clear ink, making the printout difficult to see.
To address this, when the printer detects a VersiFlex ink set, it automatically uses the Cyan channel for Alignment printouts. As a result, the alignments will appear blue instead of black—this is completely normal. However, this only applies only to the following:
- Paper Feed Adjustment
- Print Head Position Adjustment
- Registration Adjustment
- Configuration Page
Nozzle Check
The Nozzle Check will print as usual, but the Black channel on the printout will be blank since the expander ink is clear. It is not possible to use a different ink channel or substitute another ink color for a Nozzle Check.
We understand that this can make it challenging to determine if there are missing nozzles in the Expander channel. As such we recommend printing the nozzle check using Glossy paper. The nozzles will be visible when viewing the nozzle check at an angle or shown under a light (See example below). Also, know that the expander does not have the same properties as ink and is very unlikely to clog.
Another option is to print and press a Primary chart on a piece of cotton to make sure the expander formed a transparent film. If it did not then there will be missing nozzles and you will be required to perform a head clean.
Cleaning the Paper Feed Belt and Exit Guide/Feed Assist Plate
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If you're experiencing "pizza wheel" or roller marks on your VersiFlex prints, this is typically due to the small spiked rollers at the printer's exit point coming into contact with the paper whilst the ink on the page is still wet. This issue can be exacerbated by certain environmental conditions such as higher than recommended humidity levels.
With VersiFlex, it is normal for the ink to stay wet on the page therefore we recommend cleaning both the Exit Guide/Feed Assist Plate as well as the Paper Feed Belt on a regular basis to avoid these issues from appearing.
Recommended Solutions
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Clean the Exit Guide / Feed Assist Plate: Ink buildup on the exit rollers can cause pizza wheel marks. Two methods for cleaning are possible:
Manual Cleaning: Remove and clean the Exit Guide/Feed Assist Plate to eliminate any ink buildup.
De-condensation Process: Run three sheets of plain copy paper through the printer without printing to absorb excess ink from the rollers.
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Clean the paper Feed Belt: Ink buildup on the paper feed belt can cause roller marks or ink residue smearing on the back of the page.
Manual Cleaning: Clean the paper feed belt with a lint free cloth and some alcohol.
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If the pizza wheel-type marks persists after completing the steps above, we suggest removing the exit guide/feed assist plate. You can use the same procedure outlined here to do this.
Printing without the exit guide/feed assist plate has been thoroughly tested and has not shown any issues. However, please keep this part safely in case it’s needed in the future. If you experience paper jams or head strikes (when the print head touches the paper), you’ll need to reinstall the exit guide/feed assist plate.