Since I am using Diamatix Cartridge( nozzle dia=21 micrometer) for printing of solution based ink more frequently nozzles are getting clogged. After purging with DI water several times nothing was improved, Also I tried ultrasonication but it could not resolve the issue.
I would say, firstly, check if you can use ink that has particle size of maximum 3.1um. To do that you can filter with 3.1um filter. Secondly, try to make a more stable ink. If it still clogs the nozzle, I usually purge the ink or if that does not work I take the cartridge out, open the print-head and jet some ethanol with the help of a syringe and a small pipe that fits tightly with the print-head. But remember to do this very slowly as a high pressure jet can break all the nozzles, specially when they are blocked. hope it helps :)
From our experience, it would always be best if:
- the ink composed of high-boiling-point solvent, so that any blocking can be avoided. (water is a relatively low boiling point solvent~)
If you can't find proper high-boiling-point solvent for your ink:
- try to filter it before printing
After blocking happens:
- purge the cartridge several times
If that still does not help, then you should consider about replacing the cartridge for a new one and try again. Or change your solvent system and lower the ink concentration.
Hope this helps!
Choose any solvent according to your material. dip the nozzle in the solvent for some time and then you can easily unblock your nozzle
choose the same solvent of your ink solution, soak for some time until and check regularly till the nozzle completely un blocked
Most methods show the problem, that they try to put the clogging material through the nozzle.
We disassemble the cartridge, ad a small piece of PTFE tube to the print head inlet and ad an empty 20 ml syringe with a luer slip tip to the tube. Then place the printhead in an appropriate solvent with some spacers, so the nozzles don’t touch the ground and then pull back the plunger. The vacuum in the syringe will suck in the solvent slowly and particles/agglomerates are moved backwards through the head and not forward. This gives better results for e.g. polymers than pressing solvent in printing/flow direction through the head.
Give it a try.
Maybe you already solve your problem, but this is my method..
I clean print head with same solvent as I used for ink preparation (for example I use Acetic acid based inks, so I clean cartridges with acetic acid) immediately after printing.. For cleaning use micro pipette as you can see in picture and don't have any problem with clogging..
(I know this is an old post but maybe useful for other people)
If you submerge the nozzles (just the tip of the cartridge) into water while sonicating would help.
I know this is an old post but i have problem with cPVP ink. I tried different concentrations of ink, but the symptom is the same. The nozzles works 3-4 days (despite cleaning after each day of printing) and I can not use it again because no nozzle works. I have tried the methods described above, but to no avail. What am I doing wrong? The problem is only with cPVP dielectric ink.
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