20
Capping/spittoon station
The printhead should not be allowed to dry out after priming. The cap station is used
when the printer is idle. The cap station limits evaporation from the printhead by sealing
around the nozzles and maintaining a humid environment. The cap is an elastomer
seal that fits around and over the printhead nozzles. It is held against the printhead by
the lift springs on the maintenance module. The cap aligns with the printhead by features
at each end of the maintenance module. The spittoon portion of the station has a waste
ink receptacle used to capture ink ejected during maintenance processes. The used ink
wicks and drains into the waste tank. The wicking bar is a plastic frame and channel of
absorbent material. The absorbent material can be replaced by trained service personnel.
Figure 23
Picture of Capping/spittoon station
2.14
Printhead servicing events
The printhead requires cleaning after any of the following events occur:
A new printhead is installed and primed
The printhead is removed and then replaced
The printhead is primed or re-primed with ink
The printhead is showing signs of contamination
Be aware that ink is used by the print engine during printhead maintenance as well as
during printing. All waste ink from the printhead nozzles is contained by the maintenance
carousel, either in the spittoon (holds waste ink generated by priming/cleaning) or in the
platen (holds waste ink generated during printing). Therefore, periodic maintenance
will be required to remove the waste ink
