How to Properly Maintain a DTF Printer?

cleaning swab DTF

Here are some tips for regular cleaning and maintenance of DTF printers and how to prepare for vacations.

The DTF printer will work well if it is cleaned and maintained properly and regularly; in general, this means daily cleanings, weekly cleanings, and also some interim cleanings.

If you go on vacation or do not use the DTF printer often, measures need to be taken accordingly.

 

DAILY CLEANING AND MAINTENANCE of the DTF printer

  • ensure regular mixing of the white ink If your printer has built-in white ink recirculation and mixing, regularly check that it is functioning. If your printer does not have this system, it is essential to shake the white ink frequently and regularly. We recommend mixing it daily.
  • Head Cleaning Perform daily head cleaning
  • Check the cleanliness of the nozzles – ‘nozzle check’ ; After each cleaning, print a ‘nozzle check’. When the printout is correct, it means the nozzles are clear and the printer is ready to print.
  • ‘Capping station’ or waste ink tank
    At the end of each printing day, always clean the rubber part that seals against the print head. If DTF ink agglomerates, the likelihood of print head clogging increases significantly. Clean with DTF cleaning solution.
  • Clean the waste ink tank or ‘capping station’ daily with cleaning solution using cleaning sponge. 

Before starting printing, always check that the print head is in good condition. All nozzles must be visible in the test. If they are not, clean the head or replace it.

čiščenje DTF nosilca glave

Cleaning around the head

  • Warning, never clean directly over the head
Čiščenje cappinga DTF

Cleaning the “capping station”

It must always be clean

REGULAR MAINTENANCE 

  • Inspect wear parts monthly and replace them as needed
  • Belt Oiling
    It is recommended to apply some grease to the belt. Apply a few drops of grease at the ends of the belt, so the grease transfers to the gear.
  • Waste ink reservoir needs to be emptied regularly
  • Favorable conditions for the DTF printer and consumables: ensure constant storage conditions; maintain proper consistent humidity and temperature
  • Clean internal parts; regularly clean paint residues from all parts of the printer

 

IMPORTANCE OF PROPER HANDLING OF WHITE INK

White ink is the essence of DTF printing, the basis for vibrant colors and good durability. Therefore, correct maintenance of white DTF ink is extremely important:

  • Circulating white ink; leave the printer on overnight to ensure continuous circulation and mixing of white ink. This prevents the white ink from settling and reduces clogging or blocking of the nozzles in the print head
  • Preventing nozzle clogging; correct and consistent maintenance of the nozzles on the print head is essential for ensuring print quality. Regularly clean the nozzles on the print head and ensure a consistent flow of ink (use high-quality dampers)
  • Proper maintenance of nozzles; care for the nozzles as if they are made of gold. Use high-quality DTF ink and keep the nozzles clean and undamaged.
Čiščenje Viperja

Moisturizing the capping

Pour cleaner into the capping station

Vlaženje cappinga

Cleaning the capping

it must always be clean

TIPS FOR VIBRANT DTF COLORS 

Vibrant colors are a sign of high-quality DTF printing. Here are some tips on how to make your print stand out (in a good way):

  • Use quality films and inks; Invest in quality films and inks. Quality materials are the foundation for quality DTF printing – check out the films from HanrunPaper and TTS, and the inks from HanrunPaper
  • Set the right temperature and pressure on the heat press; settings can differ on each heat press, so test to get optimal results
  • Multi-level white printing; to achieve vibrant colors, consider setting up multi-level white printing. With this technique, you can enhance color vibrancy on the transfer and, naturally, on the products as well.

Holiday maintenance of the DTF printer:

if the printer is not used for 1-3 days (short term),

  1. check the nozzle status and if they are clogged, clean them.
  2. The area around the nozzles should be clean (if there is ink or other dirt, you can wipe it with a non-woven cloth or a cleaning stick for DTF ink)
  3. The waste paint container (capping station) should be moist and ensure it fits tightly onto the print head.

If you do not use the printer for more than 3 days (long-term),

  1. check the condition of the nozzles and if they are clogged, clean them.
  2. remove the filters (dumpers); when you start using the printer again, insert new ones.
  3. rinse the print head with cleaning solution; do not remove the head from the printer.
  4. Wipe the surface of the nozzles with a cleaning wipe (carefully) or wipe them with a non-woven cloth or ink cleaning sponge moistened with cleaning solution.
  5. close the inlet tubes with clamps, pour cleaning solution into the waste paint container (capping station) to keep the nozzles constantly moist.

If the printer will remain unused for a long time, consult the manufacturer’s technical support.

 

Disclaimer: The advice is general and may not apply to all printers and circumstances; therefore, consult the manufacturer’s technical staff before applying the above advice.

 

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