Arizona Printer Inks
Introduction
Océ Arizona printers use two types of UV-curable inks, referred to as Océ
IJC255 and Océ IJC256. Both inks are easy to maintain, requiring daily
maintenance with a vacuum suction device and a weekly physical cleaning
(swabbing) of the printheads. The Océ IJC255 White ink and all of the Océ
IJC256 inks require small jetting actions (“spitting”) between printing
times to keep the printheads in a ready-to-print state. This spitting action
amounts to very little ink usage but does require that the user clean the
maintenance tray covers more frequently. Both type of ink include Cyan,
Magenta, Yellow, Black, and for printers with the option installed, White.
Due to the UV curing technology, the ink dries immediately, but can take
up to 24 hours to cure fully. In most cases, the printed material may be
handled or cut directly after printing.
When printing with the Océ IJC255 compared with the Océ IJC256,
imaging results will be different, – not better or worse but always different.
Océ IJC256 has lower dot gain characteristics than Océ IJC255. As a result,
there is the potential for more structure and streaking in solid colors and
for more image artifacts in areas of heavy coverage (dark colors) with the
new formulation. This is especially apparent on many paper-based media
used for most indoor applications such as foam board, corrugated
cardboard, card stock and poster paper. Océ IJC256 inks also have a softer
surface when cured and printed materials are less scratch and smudge
resistant. Océ IJC256 inks feel slightly “tacky“ when cured and have a
more satin finished appearance when compared to the semi-gloss finish of
Océ IJC255 inks. This can be a benefit to distant-viewed applications where
glare, caused by the semi-gloss finish of the original Océ IJC255 inks, can
be a visual distraction. This particular characteristic is highly subjective
and will be appreciated by some customers but not all.
Maintenance Considerations
Because the IJC256 ink formulation is more sticky than IJC255, the
printhead area will pick up more debris from media and the environment,
so cleanliness is important. More frequent performance of maintenance
may be necessary. Also, printing with IJC256 ink results in a more sticky
ink build-up between nozzle plates so they require cleaning with a flush-
soaked, rather than a dry, lint-free cloth. Ensure that any residual flush is
cleaned from the surface because particulate matter from the environment
and from media surfaces will be re-deposited if there is fluid on the nozzle
plates. Also, contact with flush can damage the printheads.
Arizona Printer Inks
208
Chapter 10 - Ink System Management
User Manual: Arizona (AZ) 440 GT, AZ 440 XT, AZ 460 GT, AZ 460 XT, AZ 480 GT, AZ 480 XT - Rev. B, 4/2013
