If you’ve ever owned a sublimation printer, you’ve probably had to unclog the printer at some point in time. While it’s not one of the most difficult tasks to do, it can be a bit tricky if you aren’t aware of how to do it properly.
This complete guide will take you step-by-step through the process of Unclogging Your Printer and making sure that your sublimation printer stays clear and doesn’t cause any issues in the future.
What Is Sublimation Printer?
A sublimation printer is a machine that prints onto various materials, such as T-shirts and coffee mugs, by applying heat. Sublimation printing is also known as heat transfer printing. It works by transferring heat onto the ink underneath the surface of an item, melting it into a gas until it becomes a liquid. This liquid moves across the surface of the item and hardens into its new shape.
Ink sticks to some surfaces better than others; for example, ink will not stick at all to Teflon or polypropylene (PP). You need two different types of inks for sublimation printers: one that clings well to fabric, and one that clings well to glass or plastic.
Steps for Unclogging Your Printer
Step 1 – Prepare your Clog Cleaning Tool
Step 2 – Turn off the power and unplug your Sublimation Printer
Step 3 – Open the printer cover by removing screws from the back of the printer, then remove any cables or wires that may be in your way
Step 4 – Carefully use your Clog Cleaning Tool and turn it in a circular motion on top of the nozzle until you feel a clog release, then continue until all clogs are removed. If possible, try and clean out as much ink as you can with a paper towel or cloth before cleaning with the tool.
3 Main Causes of Blockage in a Dye Injection Printer
The sublimation printing process is pretty simple, but it can be complicated if your printer becomes clogged. There are three main causes of a clogged dye injection printer which can be broken down as follows:
1) Dirt and Ink;
2) Paper and Glue;
3) Chemicals.
Step By Step Solution To Unclog A Dye Injection Printer
A common cause of a blocked print head is the dye drying within the print head. This can happen when you leave your printer idle for too long, or if you’ve run out of ink while printing. To fix this problem, follow these steps:
#1 – Switch off your printer and unplug it from the power socket.
#2 – Take a clean cloth or old T-shirt and pour some white vinegar on it.
#3 – Wipe down any remaining ink that’s still inside the printer using this cloth or T-shirt. Make sure you wipe both sides of the fabric so that there are no residual ink stains left on it before you proceed to
#4 – Leave the fabric in place for 15 minutes, then take it out and use a new piece of cloth or old T-shirt (no more than three pieces) dipped in water. Again wipe around the surface thoroughly until all traces of dried ink are gone. Dry with paper towels and plug back in ready to go!
5 Maintenance Tips for a Smooth running of Sublimation Printer:
- Clean your printer as often as possible.
- Turn off your sublimation printer after each use and unplug it from the power source.
- Use white vinegar in a spray bottle to clean the print head and rollers on the bottom of the printer that most people don’t get too close to or see on a regular basis.
- Read through your manual, it may have instructions on how to clean certain parts of your printer that need attention more often than others, such as replacing ink cartridges for example, so you can be sure not to miss anything important that needs tending too!
- Be sure to avoid overworking your printer by using it only when necessary and always making sure that you are taking care of it properly between uses.
Conclusion paragraph:
First, remove any ink cartridges from the printer. Next, use a blunt object like an eraser to carefully poke the clog away from the print head.
Be careful not to touch the print head with anything that could damage it.If you have stubborn clogs that are not coming out easily, use a can of compressed air to clear them out. Repeat these steps until your printer is completely unclogged and ready for printing again!
Last Updated on November 9, 2022
