[NZACO]

Has anybody tried to operate the Anajet Mpower for extended periods at less than the ‘required’ 45% humidity?
The reason I ask is that we had to run the printer at a lower humidity for a week and the results were fine. No problems with the ink or head.
We got back to the office and expected to find dried ink in part of the system ... but none.

 

[kevrokr]

I think that you will find that this is a manufacturer suggestion. I have customers that use our Mod1 in drier climates (Arizona, Nevada), and only then do I see them have to alter the environment to get the humidity up to a certain level. If you keep up with your daily maintenance and keep an eye on how the ink reacts to your environment, you will be able to gauge if you will have to humidify the machine's surroundings. Where are you located?

 

[soko61]

Here's an interesting thought. How do manufacturers run their dtg printers at trade shows like ISS all day in completely uncontrolled environments and seem to not have any problems? I have yet to stop by someone's booth and they have clogging problems. Are these people working with the devil?

 

[NZACO]

Here's an interesting thought. How do manufacturers run their dtg printers at trade shows like ISS all day in completely uncontrolled environments and seem to not have any problems? I have yet to stop by someone's booth and they have clogging problems. Are these people working with the devil?

You need to look closer at how the printers are operated at the show and the print quality compared to samples posted to clients.

You will notice a quite a difference.

 

[soko61]

Clogged nozzles are clogged nozzles. There's no gray area. The quality is there at the shows I've been to.

 

[lazographics]

You usually don't see clogging on printers at the shows because they are printing all day long. Plus the shows are only about 2-3 days. If the printers were just sitting there with ink installed then maybe in a few days you will start to see clogging. It doesn't usually happen over night unless it's sitting in a hot room. Just depends how fast the water evaporates from the ink. Having the proper humidity in combination with the proper temperature is what keeps the water from evaporating. That's the purpose of it.

 

[equipmentzone]

You usually don't see clogging on printers at the shows because they are printing all day long. Plus the shows are only about 2-3 days. If the printers were just sitting there with ink installed then maybe in a few days you will start to see clogging. It doesn't usually happen over night unless it's sitting in a hot room. Just depends how fast the water evaporates from the ink. Having the proper humidity in combination with the proper temperature is what keeps the water from evaporating. That's the purpose of it.

Billy is quite right. Direct to garment printer inks are all water based. Too low a humidity level and they will start giving you issues. If not right away then certainly in a short while. The mistake we see made all the time are users keeping the humidity level at 50% during the work day and then shutting off everything at the end of the day, including humidifiers. The humidity level then dries up and the printer is in a low humidity level for hours if not days. The proper humidity level should be maintained 24/7. It is not hard to do and will reward you in extended printhead life and no clogging issues.

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[soko61]

Thanks for the posts guys. I do have to say, controlling humidity is not easy here in New Mexico. I imagine New Jersey is entirely different with it's humidity already in place.
I've done everything right as mentioned in the above post and still have problems. I have to do several head cleanings a day to get a good nozzle check. This is on top of the auto maintenance system and goes off on my printer every 8 hours. I also clean everyday and go beyond what the manufacturer suggest. I should have listened to my father and become an accountant.

 

[equipmentzone]

Thanks for the posts guys. I do have to say, controlling humidity is not easy here in New Mexico. I imagine New Jersey is entirely different with it's humidity already in place.
I've done everything right as mentioned in the above post and still have problems. I have to do several head cleanings a day to get a good nozzle check. This is on top of the auto maintenance system and goes off on my printer every 8 hours. I also clean everyday and go beyond what the manufacturer suggest. I should have listened to my father and become an accountant.

If you have one or two of the right size humidifiers in the room the printer is in and you should be able to keep it at the proper humidity.

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[equipmentzone]

Thanks for the posts guys. I do have to say, controlling humidity is not easy here in New Mexico. I imagine New Jersey is entirely different with it's humidity already in place.
I've done everything right as mentioned in the above post and still have problems. I have to do several head cleanings a day to get a good nozzle check. This is on top of the auto maintenance system and goes off on my printer every 8 hours. I also clean everyday and go beyond what the manufacturer suggest. I should have listened to my father and become an accountant.

Here is one large humidifier we recommend:
Essick Air Products AIRCARE Decor Series 5.5 gal. Evaportive Humidifier for 2,700 sq. ft.-4DTS 900 at The Home Depot

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