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DCS_Direct_Jet_1024UV_1014UV_Getting_Started_Guide_2.1.docx
18 |
P a g e
After pressing
, all buttons that control table movement are locked.
&
can still be used
to adjust the print head height. To escape the locked state, press
then move the table all the
way to the right.
To unlock a standard drive printer, simultaneously press
and
.
Note
If you are attaching irregular-shaped substrates, you may need to construct and use simple jigs or
fixtures to ensure that the material is positioned correctly. Any additional device used to position or
hold the substrate must not protrude above the surface of the substrate.
Printing onto Reflective, Shiny and/or Mirrored Surfaces
There are many reflective, shiny and/or mirrored (RSM substrates) surfaces that require a UV print for
personalization and/or decoration. These RSM substrates also include glass and crystal products. While
there is always some risk involved with printing to these surfaces, the risk can be minimized and
controlled when utilizing the following procedures. Failure to follow these guidelines could result in UV
light reflecting or refracting towards the print head. This increases the risk of curing the inks in the
nozzles and on the nozzle plate which could damage the print head. This damage would not be
covered by warranty.
1.
NEVER mount the RSM substrates onto the bed except to send the table to print home, adjust head
height, and print. NEVER have the RSM substrate mounted on the table with the head above the
recommended printing height, including during nozzle checks and/or filling of cartridges, etc. Exposing
the head at any time to an RSM substrate mounted on the bed when the head is raised above the default
head printing height allows the refracted light from the UV LED lamp to reflect back towards the head.
This can cause curing of the inks in the nozzles and on the nozzle plate, causing damage to the print
head.
2.
Never print onto highly reflective materials that are not flat sheets. As an example, if attempting to print
to mirrored vinyl, you first must attach the mirrored vinyl to a flat piece of material. If the mirrored vinyl
is not flat, it will refract light in all directions and you risk curing the inks in the nozzles and on the nozzle
plate, which could damage the print head.
3.
Angle your RSM substrate slightly so that it slopes downhill away from the capping station as described
below. This will cause any refracted light to be directed away from the head.
4.
When printing to an RSM substrate that has a multi-faceted face (similar to many crystal awards or like
the cut on a diamond) mask all non printing area with a masking or light blocking tape. The planes on
the multi-faceted face will refract light in all directions and you risk curing the inks in the nozzles and on
the nozzle plate, which could damage the print head.
5.
When printing onto RSM substrates, perform regular nozzle checks to ensure nozzle health is correct. If
nozzles are missing, perform head cleans to correct missing nozzles. If ink is curing on the nozzle plate or
in the nozzles, it is important to clear it out of the nozzles or off the plate so it doesn’t continue to attract
other stray ink droplets and compound the problem of nozzle health.
6.
When printing onto RSM substrates or when printing more than 4 hours in a day, always end the
day/shift with a nozzle check to ensure all nozzles are correct before powering down printer. If nozzles
are missing, perform head cleans to correct missing nozzles.
Never manufacture jigs and or fixtures out of RSM materials. When using acrylic, DCS recommends
colored acrylic. When metal or aluminum is used, DCS recommends painting and/or black anodizing
any reflective areas including the cavities.
