Printer Shutdown

Before rushing off to enjoy your Summer or Christmas break, it is important to prepare your Roland or Mimaki machine for the downtime so when you return you can get up and running with no fuss. Safely shutdown your Mimaki or Roland printer with these tips. 

When not using your Mimaki for a while it is best to follow these tips to ensure your printer remains in good condition. If you're leaving the machine for an extended period of time such as Christmas, please follow the instructions for extended storage below.

Solvent Printers

Leave the printer plugged in and ensure the main power is on.

Automated cleaning cycles will maintain the printer during it’s downtime.

Check ink levels. If levels are below 10%, automated cleaning may no operate. Install a new cartridge if levels are low. (The nearly empty one can be reinstalled at a later date.)

Check and empty waste ink tank. Reset the waste ink counter.

If the printer is going to be powered down completely, which is never recommended, perform a nozzle wash and set the timer to 1 minute. Add the appropriate cleaning solution to the caps. After the head carriage is on the cleaning station and the timer starts, power off the printer using the main power switch. Leave the printer in this condition until normal business operations resume.

Cutting Plotters

Mimaki cutting plotters can be turned off and unplugged if required.

UV Printers

Leave the printer plugged in and ensure the main power is on.

Automated cleaning cycles will maintain the printer during it’s downtime.

Check ink levels. If levels are below 10%, automated cleaning may no operate. Install a new cartridge if levels are low. (The nearly empty one can be reinstalled at a later date.)

Check and empty waste ink tank. Reset the waste ink counter.

If the printer is going to be powered down completely, which is never recommended, perform a nozzle wash and set the timer to 1 minute. After the nozzle wash is complete, turn off the printer using the main power switch. Leave the printer in this condition until normal business operations resume.

In addition to the recommendations above, UV printers should be covered or kept away from direct sunlight if long term, unattended storage is required.

Follow these Roland Safe shutdown instructions to keep your Roland Machine happy during an extended break.

Perform a normal clean and check test draw. Repeat this step if required to achieve a full nozzle test draw.

Perform daily maintenance, as usual, replacing wiper if necessary. Wiper blades should be clean to allow them to clean the print heads effectively. Make sure ink cartridges have sufficient ink in order to be able to circulate through the machine. Cleaning cartridges should also be checked.

The machine should be kept plugged in with the power switch turned on at the back. It should be kept in standby mode to allow the printer to perform automatic maintenance whilst not being used.

Remove media from the printer to prevent any pressure marks from being left on the roll from the pinch rollers.

If using white in your Roland, the cartridge should be shaken before leaving for your break. Whilst the printer is turned on, remove the cartridge and tip back and forth several times, and put it back in. You can then leave the machine switched off on the front panel with the main power switch left on.

Upon your return, the white or metallic cartridges should be gently shaken. Perform a nozzle text print and clean if necessary.