Why nozzles get clogged?
- Vian
- Jan 8, 2024
- 1 min read
Updated: Feb 14
The nozzles in Epson's microscopic piezo printheads have a diameter of about 20μm. These minuscule nozzles create small, round, and consistent dots that measure approximately 40μm (0.04 millimeters) in diameter. For comparison, human hair typically has a visible diameter ranging from 50-75μm, highlighting that the printhead's precision is significantly finer than the width of a human hair.
Due to the extremely small size of Epson's microscopic nozzles, there is an increased risk of clogging. Minute particles in the air, such as dust, lint, fine dry powder, and dirt, can be attracted to the printhead by static electricity. This attraction may lead to the entry of these particles into the ink passage, ultimately resulting in the blockage of the nozzles.
There are a few ways to reduce the likelihood of printhead clogging and maintain its freshness. These methods include:
Regular printhead cleaning: clean the printhead regularly, but be careful when choosing a cleaning liquid. Only use a cleaning solution specifically designed for this purpose.
Appropriate cleaning materials: during manual cleaning, avoid using paper towels or any type of paper. Instead, use lint-free cloths to ensure a gentle and effective cleaning process, which won't leave anything behind
Regular printer use: use the printer on a regular basis, even if you don't have a customer's job to do. Regular printing promotes a consistent flow of printer ink, preventing the accumulation of negative air pressure inside the printhead. This continual flow helps keep dust out and prevents the ink from drying.
check out our range of cleaning solutions, lint-free cloths, and tools to assist you with printhead cleaning (link below):
