Before you start
SECTION (00:25–00:59) Cap Position Check
What you need
- The capping station consists of a cap, wiper blade, and pump
- Open the front capping station drawer
- Press the Enter key multiple times to raise the capping station
- Observe whether the capping station cap is centered on the print head surface SECTION (00:59–01:40) Cap Height Check
- Perform a head cleaning
- Observe the movement of the inner layer of the capping station cap SECTION (01:40–02:01) Wiper Blade Height Check
- After a head cleaning, observe the capping station cycle
- Watch the print head carriage shift slightly left
- Confirm the wiper blade rises to contact the print head surface SECTION (02:01–03:21) Capping Station Pump Pressure Check
- Press the Enter key to seat the print head onto the capping station cap
- Remove the waste ink tube from the waste ink bottle
- Attach a syringe to the tube
- Pull the syringe to check for airtight pressure SECTION (03:21–End) Capping Station Tube Blockage Check
- Move the print head carriage to the left side
- Pour cleaning solution onto the capping station cap
- Pull from the waste ink tube using a syringe
- Observe whether cleaning solution is drawn through SECTION (03:21–End) Support
- The capping station cap has two layers
- During head cleaning, the inner layer presses against the print head to create an airtight seal
- Improper alignment or pressure can cause air leaks, ink bubbling, and poor nozzle patterns
- If the cap is not centered, air leaks may occur during head cleaning
- Ink bubbling during cleaning is a common symptom of poor cap alignment
- If alignment is unclear, record a short video and send it to a DTF Station technician
- The inner layer should push firmly against the print head
- Increased push equals increased cleaning pressure
- If the cap lifts the print head carriage, the cap height is too high
- Excessive pressure can cause wear to the print head and capping station cap
- The wiper blade should make proper contact without bending excessively
- If the blade does not reach the print head or bends too much, adjustment is required
- The wiper blade functions like a windshield wiper
- Poor engagement can cause poor nozzle check patterns
- For cap or wiper blade height adjustments, contact a DTF Station technician or refer to the capping station height adjustment video
- Proper function will create resistance and draw ink into the syringe
- If the syringe pulls air instead of ink, check the following
- Capping station tube connection
- Rubber seal on the capping station cap
- Dampers connected to the print head
- If airtight pressure exists but no ink is drawn, a clog may be present in the tube or pump
- If solution is not drawn, a blockage is likely present
- Contact DTF Station technical support for further diagnosis or adjustment assistance