Memjet AS-1180C, Service Manual

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SECTION 2
TROUBLESHOOTING
7
Examples of Print Quality Issues (including possible causes and solutions)
The Memjet printhead cartridge contains 70,400 inkjet nozzles. These nozzles are divided into ten rows;
two rows of nozzles for each color channel. Due to the high number of nozzles; it is not uncommon for
some nozzles to become contaminated, dehydrated or clogged.
The following examples were produced using a Five Band Color Purge YKCKM. A similar purge pattern
can be performed using the “Print Ink Channels” button; located in the Toolbox, Diagnostics Menu.
Air in Printhead Nozzle Area:
Air in the printhead nozzles will show as jagged, irregular shaped lines of missing color. Lines are normally
wider than one nozzle.
Possible Solutions:
•
Press the “Full Clean Printhead” button, located in the Toolbox, User Interface screen, and lightly
tap on the ink tubes and Printhead Cartridge as the system is circulating ink. This can help
dislodge air bubbles within the Printhead and Ink Tubes.
Note: It is not a problem if air bubbles accumulate in the ink hoses at the non-operator side of the
printhead; since this is the outgoing side.
•
Deprime and Reprime the system. Release the Printhead, using the “Release Printhead” button.
Remove and re-install the Printhead Cartridge. Then close printhead latch to re-prime the system.
Lightly tap on the ink tubes and Printhead Cartridge as the system is priming; to help dislodge air
bubbles.
•
Inspect the system for possible air leaks (damage to ink tubes or ink revolver couplings).
•
Instead of powering the printer off, when not in use, leave the print engine powered-up; so it can
perform automatic maintenance routines.