Entrapped air bubbles- Dimatix Starfire Print Heads

[Luvy712]

Hello folks,
Fairly new here.

We have a very unique application- we are digitally printing on painted steel.
We have a SACMI Printer ( UV Cured Inks) , It has 4 color bars- CMYK. Each color bar has 26 print heads, each print head has 1024 nozzles.
It is similar to ceramic tile printing setup but we print on continuous steel coil.

We are currently seeing air bubbles in the Magenta Bar and we have thrown the kitchen sink at it but we are unable to troubleshoot this issue. The air bubbles are causing missing nozzles, ink starvation and poor ink jetting.
We have replaced the degasser, replaced print heads, check hoses but within a few minutes of production we see air bubbles occurrence.

Any potential insight from the community. We lack printing expertise as we are a steel mill with a unique production line.

I can share pictures of the issue ,if need be.

 

[Ink stained Fingers]

I'm not familiar with the type of printing you are doing, but there are a few questions nevertheless.

Isn't there any service from the manufacturer of this type of printer ?

How long does the problem exist - since the time of installation or later ?

Air bubbles are a problem for any type of inkjet printer so finding the leak is most important - are there any joints or connectors which could be a problem ?

 

[The Hat]

We are currently seeing air bubbles in the Magenta Bar and we have thrown the kitchen sink at it but we are unable to troubleshoot this issue.

All I can think of is to check the filter unit for clogs or leaks..
This printer is very sturdy, so the problem your having should materialise itself with more examination, take it slowly.. Sorry can’t be more helpful..

 

[Luvy712]

All I can think of is to check the filter unit for clogs or leaks..
This printer is very sturdy, so the problem your having should materialise itself with more examination, take it slowly.. Sorry can’t be more helpful..

Thank you folks.
Will follow the advice.

We have the technical team of the manufacturer for over a week but still no resolution at this point

 

[Ink stained Fingers]

We have the technical team of the manufacturer for over a week but still no resolution at this point

I would take some more drastic measure to the problem , disconnect the printheads and block the connections and put some pressure on the ink supply system from whereever the inks are coming - tanks ? - and see if and where a leak becomes apparent. And test the printhead assembly separately that way.

 

[Luvy712]

I would take some more drastic measure to the problem , disconnect the printheads and block the connections and put some pressure on the ink supply system from whereever the inks are coming - tanks ? - and see if and where a leak becomes apparent. And test the printhead assembly separately that way.

Understood.
I will relay this to the team on your test methods.

Thank you again.