UV Ink Site Considerations
Code: UV008 | Revision: 8 | Publish Date: 3 December 2020
Light
- UV light triggers the curing process in UV inks which could lead to print head failures.
Windows & Doors
- Ensure there is no sunlight entering through windows and doors onto the machine.
- Ensure there is no sunlight reflected from any surfaces, including the floor, onto the machine.
Electrical Lights (LED & Fluorescent)
- Ensure light does not shine or reflect onto the print heads and faceplates.
- Ensure machine covers and doors are closed.
- When the carriage is in park position, ensure the print heads are lowered; do not ever leave in the upper position on standby.
- Where possible, use lights in the 2700–3500 K range; other ranges emit higher UV and can cause unwanted curing or reactions during ink handling, maintenance, or stray exposure.
Environmental
- Maintain room temperature between 18 °C and 27 °C.
- Control humidity between 50 %RH and 80 %RH to prevent static on substrates.
- Position air conditioning to avoid airflow directly onto the print bed or print-head faceplates.
- If using a humidifier, ensure it’s non-condensing and does not blow moisture onto the machine.
Ventilation
- Consult the product SDS, Section 8: Exposure Control, for specific exposure limits.
- Provide ventilation to keep airborne ink and solvent concentrations below SDS control parameters.
- Design airflow so that it always moves away from the machine, avoiding dead zones.
- Aim for 5–10 air changes per hour, adjusted for print mode and image density.
Chemical Contaminants
- Avoid airborne chemical mists (e.g., acid-based glass cleaners) that can deposit on print heads.
- Use correct substrate prep fluid—recommend IPA at ≥ 97 % purity.
- Use NUtec’s matched cleaning solution (CMF) around print heads; do not wipe the nozzle area with flush.
- Verify compatibility of any cleaning solution used for general machine cleaning.
Dust Particles
- Keep the print room as dust-free as possible to prevent settling on machine parts and substrates.
- Prevent dust ingress through ventilation, windows, or doors.
- Regularly clean any accumulated dust on print-head faceplates to avoid defects and extra maintenance.
Substrate
- Do not print on mirrors or highly reflective substrates (risk of UV reflection onto print heads).
- Monitor for media curl or bubbling from UV-lamp heat, which can cause head strikes.
- Control static-prone substrates by maintaining higher humidity or by using anti-static bars.
Contact
Technical Support: support@nutecdigital.com
Department: NUtec Digital Ink Technical Team
Disclaimer
- Information is based on current knowledge and does not guarantee product features or establish a legal contract.
- NUtec Digital Ink is not responsible for print-head damage resulting from improper capping fluids, flushing, or maintenance.
- Standards and compliance statements are valid for one year from the publish date and may change with formulation updates.