QTR-Quadtone RIP

This is a bit off-topic for the QTR group, but it is on-topic for this 
thread.  I have a CIS for an R2400.  It's not a cheapie.  It works 
fine for a while, but after each (printer-initiated) head clean there 
are usually quite large gaps in the nozzle check pattern.  These gaps 
are hard to clear, and believe me I've tried everything.  Purge 
patterns, head cleans, automatic head cleans, raising the bottles, 
taking the lids of the bottles, install new dampers, etc.  Patience 
seems to work best, but there are regular head cleans with this 
printer, so there is frequent waiting between printing.

I can only conclude that air is getting in during the clean, either 
because the suction is too great or because the ink nipples are 
fractionally too small.   There is no sign of any air in the lines or 
any of the other problems mentioned by Paul.

I have found one other person with this problem, with a different 
brand of CIS (also a known quality brand).  My only guess is that both 
printers are slightly out of spec in some way.  Before I give up 
entirely and either ditch the CIS or the printer, does anyone have any 
ideas?

Brian Dwn


--- In QuadtoneRIP@yahoogroups.com, Paul Banks <failedthespian@...> 
wrote:
>
> Hi Myron
> 
> There are a number of factors affecting the performance of CI 
systems.
> 
> One of the most common problems with cheap CI systems is the quality 
(or lack of it) of tubing used.  Ink can evaporate through osmosis, 
causing air pockets within the tubing.  Additionally, the inside of 
the tubing wall can be rough, leading to a "thrombosis" condition due 
to the adhesion of small ink particles on the wall of the tubing, and 
eventual clogging.
> 
> It is important to use quality components when making a CI system, 
especially when it is intended for long term use and when there might 
be periods CI inactivity.  CI systems are at their best when used 
constantly.
> 
> Paul Banks
> 
> 
> 
> ----- Original Message ----
> From: Myron Gochnauer <goch@...>
> To: QuadtoneRIP@yahoogroups.com
> Sent: Monday, 29 September, 2008 14:00:43
> Subject: Re: [QuadtoneRIP] CIS: Ink Supply (MIS) vs Cone (Piezo)
> 
> 
> I have tried two different CIS systems for my R1800 and 2200, both 
> eBay cheapies (but more than Paul's $50!).
> 
> Both seemed to work well for two or three months, after which I 
could 
> not keep the supply tubes filled with ink.  Even with repeated 
priming 
> and repositioning the supply bottles, air would leak into the tubes 
> and eventually cause problems.
> 
> In both cases the problem arose in late winter, after several months 
> of low humidity in my house, but I can't see how that would break 
the 
> seal either around the attachment to the head or around the supply 
> line attachment to the damper/cartridge.
> 
> I'll probably give it another try this year, though...  hope springs 
> eternal.
> 
> Myron
> 
> On 26 Jan, 2008, at 1:05 PM, Paul Roark wrote:
> > >...
> > >I've been negative on the CIS idea for years due to all
> > >the bad reports, but my remaining 2200 has served well
> > >and I figure it's OK to take this risk ....
> >
> > I used to have a dim view of CISs also, but I'm changing my views. 
I 
> > bought
> > one of the $50 eBay "SuperJetUSA" CISs for my 2200, and it's been 
> > fine.  ...
> >
> 
>     
> 
> 
>       
> 
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>