Nozzle clogging and print defects are linked to how uniform the ink is, how it is stored and how the nozzles are cleaned. Based on Prism Technology's test data and product information, this article covers the basics of caring for ink and nozzles.
Uniform ink protects the nozzles
In Prism Technology's jetting tests, uniform ink jetted at a stable speed, caused little nozzle contamination or clogging and kept performing in continuous printing. Non-uniform ink, by contrast, jetted at an unstable speed and caused frequent nozzle contamination and clogging, until continuous printing became impossible.
| Uniform ink | Non-uniform ink |
|---|---|
| Little nozzle contamination | Heavy nozzle contamination |
| Little nozzle clogging | Frequent nozzle clogging |
| Stable performance in continuous printing | Printing fails in continuous printing |
The smaller the particles and the narrower their distribution, the less the nozzles clog. PRISM pigment ink has an average particle size of 91.7 nm (PDI 0.252).
Store ink away from light and evaporation
Ink is affected by light and evaporation. Light attacks the colorant, and evaporation changes the physical and chemical properties of the ink. This matters most where ink stays in a device for a long time, such as a continuous ink supply system (CISS).
Keep unused ink tightly capped, out of direct sunlight and within the storage temperature range (-15 °C to 60 °C). According to Prism Technology's data, inks keep for the following periods.
| Condition | Period |
|---|---|
| Room temperature, sealed | 2 years |
| Room temperature, opened | 1–3 months |
| Inside a CISS | 3–6 months |
Use a cleaning liquid for dried ink
Prism Technology's nozzle cleaning liquids dissolve dried ink and restore nozzles, and can be used with pigment and dye inks and most printers. The range covers different uses:
- PO-602 S-Cleaning — strong nozzle cleaning (Epson, Brother and others)
- PO-603 E-Cleaning — emulsifying nozzle cleaning (all nozzles and cartridges)
- PO-604 BT-Cleaning — for textile printers (Brother and Epson textile printers)
- PO-605 BTP-Cleaning — pigment and dye cleaning and emulsifier (all nozzles and cartridges)
- WR-536 — for eco-solvent printer nozzles (JV3, JV33, SS2, SS21 compatible)
How to use them can differ by product, so please check the product guides in our downloads or contact us.
Can it be mixed with OEM ink?
According to Prism Technology's R&D data, PRISM black (dye and pigment) and color (dye and pigment) inks — made with high-quality raw materials and our own nano dispersion — kept smooth ink flow and nozzle stability even when mixed with OEM pigment inks.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Which printers can the cleaning liquids be used with?
They can be used with pigment and dye inks and most printers. There are also products for specific uses, such as textile printers (PO-604) and eco-solvent printers (WR-536).
Q. How long can ink stay inside a CISS?
3–6 months inside a CISS, according to Prism Technology's data.
Q. At what temperature should ink be stored?
Store it between -15 °C and 60 °C, capped and away from direct sunlight and evaporation. Sealed at room temperature, it keeps for 2 years.