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Fill the Coolant Reservoir

Introduction

The coolant is a thermal fluid used to maintain the temperature of the ink in the printheads and ink reservoirs on the carriage. Temperature control of the ink is required in order to achieve the correct ink viscosity, which affects the jetting velocity of the ink and thus the quality of printed images. The coolant is pumped past a heater that has a thermostat to maintain the coolant temperature. The coolant flows in series through each of the printheads and then returns to the coolant reservoir. Each printhead has an internal sensor that provide temperature feedback. The reservoir block also has a sensor to provide feedback. The coolant reservoir contains an optical level sensor. A sight tube on the side of the gantry, at the opposite end from the carriage, displays the level of coolant in the reservoir. The operator must maintain this level.

Purpose

If the coolant level is low, the ink and printheads cannot be maintained at the proper temperature. Periodically check the level of coolant and add more coolant if it is below the center of the sight tube.

About this task

Check the coolant level sight-tube, located at the side of the gantry, to verify that the level is low. When filled to the proper level, the fluid will be at the center of the sight-tube. If the level of coolant is lower than the center, it is time to fill it. Keep the coolant at the correct level to maintain the proper ink temperature as the coolant is important to that process.

NOTE

Change the coolant fluid at least one time every 12 months with new coolant. Over time and with use, crystal deposits build up in the coolant and can impede the flow and result in pump damage. Consult your service representative for details.

Before you begin

Verify that the coolant level is below the center of the sight-tube. If it is at the center or higher, it is not necessary to add coolant. The sight-tube is located on the side at the right end of the gantry.

Syringe (supplied with Starter kit)

Wear gloves (coolant will not harm the skin, but gloves are recommended).

Coolant

Illustration

Fill Coolant Reservoir

Procedure

  1. Open the container of coolant fluid.
  2. Insert the syringe into the fluid and draw back the plunger until the syringe is almost full (leave a small amount of air so that you can expel it at the end to avoid fluid dripping from the fill nozzle.
  3. Wipe any excess fluid from the hose attached to the syringe (if the hose is wet it is difficult to perform the next step).
  4. Insert the hose into the fill nozzle above the coolant level tube.
  5. Press on the syringe plunger to inject the fluid. Inject the entire contents of the syringe. Repeat, if necessary, until the coolant level is above the halfway point on the sight tube.
    NOTE

    Do not overfill the coolant as this can cause temperature variations. If the coolant does not flow into the fill nozzle the printer may have a defective nozzle and this will require a service call.

  6. Remove the hose and store the syringe and the coolant fluid container until it is needed again.