MIMAKI JFX500-2131 Maintenance manual

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Inkjet printer JFX500-2131
Requests for Daily Care and Maintenance
This machine is a precision machine equipped with extremely fine mechanisms. Especially, the nozzle sur-
face of the heads from which the ink is discharged is affected even by a slightest attachment of dust or paper
powder and the proper printing results could not be obtained. With a view to using this machine in a better
condition, we would like to recommend performing the following care and maintenance on daily basis.
1. When to care
When to care What to care Reference Page
Once a day
(at the end of the daily work)
Surroundings of the heads P.2
Capping station P.3
Wiper P.3
Once a week
(at the end of the work on
weekend)
Exterior P.4
Waste ink tank P.4
Cleaning the float sensor part of external ink supply unit P.5
Once a week or two weeks Replacing the carriage filter P.6
Once a year Replacing the ink filter of external ink supply unit P.7
Replacing filter element of filter for vacuum P.9
Tools required for maintenance
• Cleaning stick (SPC-0527)
• Cleaning liquid for maintenance (SPC-0568)
• Cotton swab
• Gloves
• Soft fabric
Make sure to wear the attached goggles and gloves.

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2. Daily care
(1) Surroundings of the heads ("Cleaning the Head and the Area around It" Chapter 4 of
the Operation Manual)
1After removing the cover of the right side of the
flushing, move the carriage to the left edge of the
machine.
• Refer to the Step 1 to 5 of Chapter 4 “Cleaning the Head and
the Area around It” of the user’s manual to perform the
operation.
2Clean the head and the surrounding area.
• Gelled ink and dust could stick under the slider and the surroundings of the head.
• Scrape them off with clean stick etc. In this case, never rub the nozzle portion of the head.
• When possible, use the cleaning stick (SPC-0527) for cleaning around the head/ capping station/ wiper.
Using the other cotton bud may attach lint, then it may damage the machine.
• Be sure to perform maintenance for the ink cap and the wiper of capping station every day. If you leave it
dirty, dirt may adhere to the nozzle surface, or, dust and dry ink may be rubbed against the nozzle. It may
cause discharge defect.
• Clean the bottom of carriage every day so that it will not get dirt from inks or dusts. If you leave it dirty, dust
and dry ink may be rubbed against the nozzle at wiping operation when performing head cleaning.
• When you clean the carriage bottom surface, fully be careful not to rub the nozzle surface.
• The heads and their surroundings are the parts most liable to be tainted in this machine and if
tainted, it could cause adverse effects to the functions of the machine and the results of the printings.
Moreover, as the head itself uses very fine mechanisms, sufficient precautions are required for the
care and maintenances.
The nozzle part (Never
touch it.) Clean the side surface of the head (shown in deep gray) with a clean stick.
Clean with a clean stick
or a waste cloth.

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(2) Capping Station ("Cleaning the Wiper and Cap" Chapter 4 of the Operation Manual)
The surrounding area of the cap is also liable to be stained by the dust and ink. It is recommended to clean
the head frequently using the cleaning liquid for maintenance suitable for the ink used to avoid the stains on
the head.
• Cleaning liquid 03 maintenance kit (ML003-Z-K1)
1Move the carriage.
• Refer to the Step 1 to 4 of Chapter 4 “Cleaning the Wiper and Cap” of the user’s manual to perform the
operation.
2Clean the cap.
• Dip the clean stick into the cleaning liquid for
maintenance and wipe off the cap. Wipe off so that
cleaning solution for maintenance will not remain.
(3) Wiper ("Cleaning the Wiper and Cap” Chapter 4 of the Operation Manual)
On the wiper, the ink, dust and paper powder are liable to accumulate. Check the state of the wiper and if it is
stained, clean it.
1Move the carriage.
• Refer to the Step 1 to 4 of Chapter 4 “Cleaning the Wiper and Cap” of the user’s manual to perform the
operation.
2Clean the wiper.
• Remove the wiper by holding the protrusions at its
both ends.
• Wipe off the ink sticking to the wiper and bracket with
a clean stick dipped in cleaning solution for
maintenance. Wipe off so that cleaning solution for
maintenance will not remain.
Further, in the cases as explained below, replace the wiper with the new one (SPA-0193) in accordance with
"Replacing the wiper" on Chapter 4 of the Operation Manual.
• When the wiper is deformed
• When the stuck ink can not be wiped off
• When the warning for wiper replacement is indicated
Cap
Wiper
Projection
Bracket

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3. Periodically care (Once a week)
Users are advised to perform the maintenance works described below once a week so that the printer will
keep its high performance and accuracy over an extended period of its life.
(1) Exterior (“Cleaning the Exterior Surfaces” Chapter 4, Operation Manual)
Depending on the using environment, the dusts or sand powder could stick to the exterior of the main unit. To
avoid the entry of the dusts into the moving part of the head, wipe them off with soft cloth dipped into water
and squeezed tightly.
(2) Waste ink tank (“If a Waste Ink Tank Confirmation Message Appears” Chapter 4 of
the Operation Manual)
Check whether the waste ink tank is full or not. Take care so that the
waste ink never overflows the tank.

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(3) Cleaning the float sensor part of external ink supply unit
Clean it every time you replace ink bottle or once a week.
1Remove the ink cover of the ink bottle, and remove
the ink bottle.
2Place a few drops of washing liquid on the upper
part of the float.
3Move the float up/ down to spread washing liquid
evenly.
4When the float comes to move smoothly, wipe
washing liquid adhering to the float and the pipe
with a waste cloth etc.
• Move the float up/ down again and check that there is no
abnormality.
5Set the ink bottle on the ink holder, and attach the
ink cover.
Catches
Catches

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4. Periodically care (once in a week or two weeks)
(1) Replacing the carriage filter
Replace it once in a week or two weeks.
1Move the carriage.
• Refer to the Step 1 to 4 of Chapter 4 “Cleaning the Wiper and
Cap” of the user’s manual to perform the operation.
2Remove the carriage filter cover at the left and
right of the carriage.
• Remove the carriage filter cover of right and left of the
carriage.
• Pinch the claw attached to the upper part of the carriage filter
cover and pull it to the front.
3Remove the used carriage filter cover.
4Mount a new carriage filter (SPA-0189).
• Insert the holes of right and left of the carriage filter into the
convex part of the carriage.
5Return the carriage filter cover to the original
status.
6When replacement has been completed, press the key.
• The carriage filter is located at right and left of the
carriage.
Replace both filters at the same time.
Carriage
Claw
Carriage filter cover
Carriage
filter
new carriage filter

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5. Periodically care (Once a year)
(1) Replacing the ink filter of external ink supply unit
Replace it once a year.
1Turn off the main power switch, and then remove the
ink cover.
• Remove the screws (for 4 positions) of the ink cover, and
remove the cover.
2Replacing the filter holder.
• Remove the screw of the filter holder, and remove the filter
holder.
3Loosen the joints of upper/ lower of the ink filter.
4Replacing the used ink filter.
5Attach new ink filter (SPA-0196), and tighten the
joint.
Filter holder
Joint
Joint
ink filter

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6Attach the filter holder.
7Return the ink cover to the original position, and turn on the main power switch.
• When returning the ink cover to the original position, attach it so that the hole on the ink bottle
lamp matches the hole on the ink cover. If the holes do not match, it may cause ink bottle lamp
damage.
Filter holder
Hole
Ink bottle lamp

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(2) Replacing filter element of filter for vacuum
Replace it once a year.
1Turn off the main power switch, and then open the
maintenance cover at the right surface of the Y bar.
• Remove the screw with a driver and remove the cover.
2Loosen the finger screw of the filter for vacuum
and remove the cup part.
3Remove the hexagon stat.
4Replace the filter element.
5Attach new filter element (SPA-0209) and return
the filter for vacuum to the original status.
6Turn on the main power switch.
Screw
Maintenance
cover
cup
Finger screw
Hexagon
stat
Filter
element

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6. Storage of media
Media should be stored in the little dust area, and not in direct sunlight. Avoid storing the media in the area
with high temperature and high humidity.
7. Storage of ink bottle
Be careful of the followings to store.
• Store the ink bottle in no direct sunlight, and no high humidity.
• As it's a delicate product, do not drop it.
• Ink IC should not be contaminated and discharged static electricity.
• Be sure to store the ink bottle and the ink IC together.
8. The examples of defective printing
These following examples indicate improper head (nozzle) firing by dust, which effect printing.
Confirm the nozzle condition periodically before or during outputting not to use in such as this condition.
The nozzle condition can be confirmed with [test printing] in this plotter. (Operation manual Chapter 2 “Test
Printing”)
Deflection Nozzle out
Ink dropping Satellite
Ink bottle and Ink IC

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9. Recovery method of defective nozzle discharge
When this printer has not been used for an extended period of time, or depending on the environmental tem-
perature, the discharge at the nozzles could become unstable. In such a case, the following methods may be
taken to recover the status of the nozzles.
10. Supplies
1.Daily maintenance and care
Perform the cleaning of the parts described in this document.
2. Performing Head Cleaning (normal). Refer to Chapter 2 of
Operation Manual.
After having performed the care and maintenance stated in step 1, perform
the cleaning of the heads in accordance with the procedures stated in Oper-
ation Manual.
Perform test printing and
check
(Chapter 2 of Operation Manual)
In the event nozzle missing etc. have not been improved
3. Performing Head Cleaning (hard). Refer to Chapter 2 of
Operation Manual.
If the nozzle missing does not disappear even after repeating the head
cleaning (normal) several times, reset the cleaning mode to "hard" and per-
form the cleaning again.
Perform test printing and
check
(Chapter 2 of Operation Manual)
In the event nozzle missing etc. have not been improved
4. Set the nozzle recovery function. Refer to Chapter 4 of
Operation Manual.
Set the nozzle recovery function.
Perform test printing and
check
(Chapter 2 of Operation Manual)
If the nozzle missing has not been improved even with the above operations,
please call us or your sales agent from whom you purchased this printer.
Product Name Product No. Product Name Product No.
Cleaning liquid for maintenance SPC-0568 Filter element SPA-0209
Waste ink tank SPA-0197 Carriage filter SPA-0189
Clean stick for the surroundings of
the head 50pcs SPC-0527 Wiper kit SPA-0193
Ink filter white SPA-0196

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11. Safety Precautions
]
12. Installation environment
• Use this printer as much as possible in a dust-free environment. Fans and air-blowers could cause the
dustspewing.
• The using environment of this printer is from 15 to 30°C (59°F to 86°F) in temperature and from 35 to 65 %
in relative humidity. Avoid the use of this printer at a temperature and humidity higher or lower than the
indicated ranges.
CAUTION
Make sure to wear the attached goggles and gloves.
The ink, if mixed with water or alcohol, generates condensed substances. Pay attention not to
deposit water or alcohol to the nozzle surface, surrounding area of the heads, caps and wipers.
To secure the stability of the ink discharge, when the printer is not used (output) for an extended
period of time, it could become necessary to discharge periodically a small amount of ink (flush-
ing), depending on the kinds of the ink.
When not using for an extended period of time, execute the [CUSTODY WASH] function of this
equipment, ("When the Machine Is Not Used for a Long Time (CUSTODY WASH)" Chapter 5 of
Operation Manual) and put off the power switch on the front, only. Leave the main power switch
at the side of the equipment on and keep the cable socket inserted into the plug.
Never disassemble this machine. It could cause electrical shock, fire and breakage.
Keep away the moisture from the inside of this machine. If the inside is moistened, it could
cause electrical shock, fire and breakage.
Perform the maintenance and care after switching off the power and taking off the power cable.
Otherwise, it could cause unexpected accidents.
Avoid using benzene, thinner, and chemicals containing abrasive compounds. The surface of
the cover could be degenerated or deformed.
Do not supply lubricant oil etc. to the inside this machine.
It could cause the breakdown of this machine.

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13. Notes for working environment
Performing frequency of the print setting or maintenance is greatly influenced by the printing environment or
the condition of the media used. Use this machine with a full understanding of the followings.
Working environment Consideration
In the gritty and dusty place
To keep the nozzle face clean, set to wipe periodically every time it
prints about 1500 mm. (Operation Manual Chapter 4 "Cleaning noz-
zle face automatically”)
Change the setting of periodic wiping depending on the amount of
dust.
When the head gap is set wide
because fibers stick out of media
UV light can expose the nozzle when there is a lot of scattered mist.
Raise the refreshing level for drawing (Operation Manual Chapter 3
"Other useful settings"), and set the periodic wiping ( Operation
Manual Chapter 4 "Cleaning nozzle face automatically").
Increase performing frequency of every maintenance.
When the media that reflects UV
light well is used such as glasses
or glazed metal
When there is an infrequently-
used ink (print head)
An infrequently-used print head can be unstable to discharge ink
comparing with the other print heads. Raise the refreshing level for
drawing (Operation Manual Chapter 3 "Other useful settings") to
raise the usage rate of the head.
When printing on the media on
which static can be charged
Put humidifiers on to avoid charge. Static may collect mist or dust
around the printing area or the head. To print continuously for a long
time, set the periodic wiping. (Operation Manual Chapter 4 "Clean-
ing nozzle face automatically")
When printing in a dry place
(such as in winter)
When printing on a markedly
uneven media (or object)
To keep the head gap the same, set extra media outside the suction
area where a printing media is set. Leaving the head that has been
degraded by reflected light may cause failure that needs replacing of
the head.

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14. Maintenance when needed
(1) Cleaning of the LED UV unit
Remove ink or dust attached to the LED UV periodically.
(2) Removal of ink attached to the table
If necessary, remove ink attached to the table with an alcohol-impregnated cloth. Be careful not to scratch the
table face when removing cured ink.
(3) Removal of the vacuum hole clogging on the table
The vacuum holes on the table can be clogged with ink. Remove the ink in the vacuum holes when needed.
Be careful not to leave a part of cured ink on the table.
(4) Cleaning of the bottom of the carriage
Remove ink attached to the bottom of the carriage.
(5) Cleaning of the print head nozzle face with a cleaning swab
When an image is printed on a special media, or when this machine is not used for a long time, the nozzle
may not be cleaned only with a normal cleaning.
Soak a specified cleaning swab into the washing liquid, and wipe out things adhered on the nozzle face.
Perform this work under the direction of our service engineer.
A proper maintenance schedule is determined by the operator who observes throughout a period of
use of the printer.
• Some media need maintenance every time of printing.
• The maintenance schedule differs depending on the image to be printed. For example, when the image is
almost filled, perform maintenance frequently.
• Clean the LED UV with care in order not to scratch an irradiation part on the bottom of the unit. If there is
a certain amount of dirt or a light shielding object on the irradiation part, ink may not cure well and it may
cause banding.
Caution when using solvent
• Leaving the table after attachment of ink may make the ink removal hard with alcohol only. When using a
special solvent, contact our office before use. It may cause a failure of the machine.

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