Best practices for short-term UV printer storage:
Prior to entering into a short-term idle state, perform a nozzle print test. Store this print test as it will be used to compare and confirm that your printer is functioning properly following the idle period.
Ensure that the printer remains powered on at all times. Doing so ensures that the white ink circulation pump continues to run while the printer is left idle.
Note the age of the capping station currently installed in your UV printer. The capping should be replaced at a specified interval once it comes into contact with UV ink. If necessary, install a new capping station in your printer prior to leaving the printer in an idle state in order to ensure that the capping station remains functional during the idle period.
Ensure that the printer and ink operating, and standby, requirements are met for both temperature and humidity (per the printer manufacturer’s specs) while the printer is left in an idle state.
When you are ready to return your printer to production, begin by filling all of the ink tanks to full. Then, perform five initial charges in order to draw fresh ink from the tanks into the ink lines. Next, perform a nozzle print test. Compare the results of the nozzle print test to the test that was performed prior to entering the idle state. The results of those print tests should match and confirm that you are ready to resume production with your printer.
