Change Ink Filter

Introduction

Each ink color has a filter that removes any particulate matter from the ink as it is pumped from the ink bag to the printheads. The ink filters are located in an enclosure below the ink bays with each filter positioned below its ink bag.

About this task

An ink filter must be replaced after 50 liters of ink have been consumed or the effects of a clogged filter appear. If the Nozzle Check print shows one color weaker than normal, this is an indication that the ink filter for the affected color is clogged and the filter must be replaced. If an ink filter becomes clogged, it will trap color pigment and affect the color strength of printed images. If you notice that an ink reservoir takes a long time to fill, check the Maintenance tab in the user interface for when the filter for that color of ink was last changed; it may be time to replace it. Make sure that the ink tubing from that filter is not kinked. It is important to change the filter on schedule and before these symptoms occur; damage to the ink system may result.

NOTE

Ink filters contain air that must be released. If you don't bleed the filters you will see poor image quality. Air in the ink filter can affect the vacuum and result in dripping ink and deteriorated image quality as a result of nozzle dropout. Failure to bleed the ink filters can lead to an overflow of ink that will result in ink dripping from the carriage and you may need to place a service call. You will be notified by the printer Maintenance tab when it is necessary to change or bleed a filter.

CAUTION

Wear gloves when contact with ink or maintenance materials is possible. Gloves should always overlap sleeves. Follow the ink related Safety Data Sheets (SDS) guidelines carefully in order to ensure maximum safety. For example use Ansell Microflex 93-260 gloves, which offer a protection against UV inks and flush up to one hour. Pollution with other chemicals can shorten the protection time against UV inks and flush.

Wear eye protection as prescribed in this document when performing a task or action in this area.

Procedure

Disengage the ink bag for the ink color filter you will replace. To do this press the release tab on the left side of the quick-release ink bag coupler and then pull it out to disconnect the ink bag.
Use the color codes on the ink filter enclosure door to identify the correct ink bag and filter.

Remove Ink bag coupler
Push on the top of the ink filter enclosure door and it will flip forward to open and provide access to the filters.
Remove Ink Filter Enclosure Cover
Locate the bleed tube valve on the top of the ink filter you are going to change and wrap a lint-free cloth around the end of the bleed tube of the ink filter to catch any ink that may spray out when you release the pressure in the next step.
Ink bleed tube valve
Turn the bleed tube valve shutoff lever so that it is parallel to the bleed tube to open the valve and release any pressure, then flip the shutoff lever back to the perpendicular closed position after about 30 seconds.
CAUTION
The ink system is under pressure and so it is possible that some ink may spray out when opening the bleed tube valve. Keep the cloth wrapped around the end of the bleed tube so that any ink spray is contained.
Pull the target ink filter out of its metal retainer clip.
Unscrew the bleed tube cap from the old filter and thread it into the top connector of the new filter. Place the cap that came with the new filter on the old filter to prevent ink from leaking out of the old filter.
Repeat the previous step for the top and bottom connections.
NOTE
Wipe off any spilled ink.
Insert the new filter into the empty retainer clip and make sure the flow arrow on the filter points downward. Be careful not to pinch the ink lines.
Reconnect the ink bag and proceed to How to Bleed an Ink Filter (necessary to remove air from a new filter).