Switching from UMS to Eco ink for ValueJet (revised)

This article will explain step by step how to switch from Universal Mild Solvent Inks (UMS) to Eco solvent inks for the 2nd generation ValueJet printers.

220/440ml Eco ink cassette set-up

When working with a VJ-1324(X)* use 220ml cassettes:

• Switching from UMS (Universal MS) set-up to Eco 220 ml cassette set-up for VJ-1324(X)

When working with a VJ-1604X, VJ-1624(X), VJ-1638(X), VJ-2638(X) use 220ml or 440 ml cassettes:

• Switching from UMS (Universal MS) set-up to Eco 220 or 440ml cassette set-up for VJ-1624(X), VJ-1638(X), VJ-2638(X)

1L ink adapter Eco ink set-up

When working with a VJ-1604X, VJ-1324(X), VJ-1624(X), VJ-1638(X)  VJ-2638(X):

• Switching from UMS (Universal MS) set-up to Eco 1L ink adapter set-up for VJ-1604X, VJ-1324(X), VJ-1624(X), VJ-1638(X), VJ-2638(X)

Managing VOC's

The Solvent selection in our  UMS inks was put together with a very responsible mind guarding an optimum balance between performance, the operator health & safety and environmental responsibility.

You have to take into account that also a printer with UMS ink will contribute to the exhaust in the working environment, as it is the case for the other installed equipment.

• Local health & safety regulations on exhaust vary from country to country. For UMS inks, the ventilation requirements are identical to those of Eco inks. In case of doubt, please contact a local consultancy agency.
• The size of the room in which the production equipment is setup has a big impact on the concentration levels of the different exhaust of the customer’s production equipment. 
• With any equipment producing exhaust, it is recommended to separate the production environment from the finishing environment.

Terminology used in this document

• Cassette 220ml or 440ml
  
  • Working on VJ-1604X, VJ-1324(X)*, VJ-1624(X), VJ-1638(X) or VJ-2638(X)
    
    

    (*) Note: The VJ-1324(X) officially does not support 440 ml ink cassettes. If you wish to use Eco inks: or use 220ml cartridges or use the 1L ink packs. If the printer is running on very old firmware, upgrade to the latest version. Make sure to update the heater firmware first before installing the main firmware and starting the ink-conversion!

• Ink pack adapters
  
  • Working on VJ-1324(X), VJ-1604X or VJ-1624(X) (1 set required)
  • Working on VJ-1638(X) or VJ-2638(X) (2 sets required)

Background information - Moving from UMS to Eco 

• The present document is intended to explain the conversion process from UMS ink.
• No flushing liquid is required
• Uni- & Bidirectional alignments need to be verified
• UMS and Eco are not 100% chemically compatible. Mixing large quantities of ink is not recommended
• Printers without subtanks VJ-1324(X):
  • No "Long Store" required
  • Eco can be loaded immediately after UMS
• Printers with subtanks VJ-1604X, VJ-1624(X), VJ-1638(X) and VJ-2638(X):
  • Changeover via "long store"
• Next to the physical ink switch however, there is another topic requiring attention:
  • The C,M,Y,K colors of Eco are close to but not identical to the colors of UMS.
  • Usage of dedicated Eco profiles is strongly recommended to get the maximum performance
  • When creating profiles we strongly recommend to use the recommended print modes for UMS printing. For more information, please click the following article: XpertJet 1641SR & 1682SR Printmodes
• Eco inks (220ml, 440ml cassettes and 1L ink packs) are available with Eco type chips. When replacing UMS inks no extra action is needed for the smart chips.

Switching from UMS to Eco cassette set-up

When you want to switch from UMS to Eco ink you need to order the following items:

Furthermore you also need to order a periodical maintenance kit of the corresponding machine.

Please follow the procedure as described below

For VJ-1324(X)

For VJ-1604X, VJ-1624(X), VJ-1638(X), VJ-2638(X)

Switching from UMS set-up to 1L ink adapter Eco set-up

When you want to switch from Universal MS (UMS) ink to Eco ink you need to order the following items:

Furthermore you also need to order a periodical maintenance kit of the corresponding machine.

Please follow the procedure as described below

For VJ-1324(X)

For VJ-1604X, VJ-1624(X), VJ-1638(X), VJ-2638(X)

Periodical maintenance

• After completing the ink switch, proceed with a periodical maintenance for the corresponding machine. This kit contains all parts which have to be replaced:
  • Capping station
  • Wiper assy
  • Dampers (if available on the corresponding machine)
• While proceeding with the periodical maintenance, make sure:
  • That the drain tubes are empty and free of ink residue
  • To remove any dried ink residue and media fibres from the left and right print head protection ramps
    
  • to clean the Spitting box (+ replace the sponge if needed)
  • there are no fibres or dried ink on the sides of the spitting box
  • to clean the media retainers
  • to clean the optical parts such as the encoder strip, etc. with isopropy alcohol
  • to lubricate the mechanical parts (Y-rail, etc)
    
    

For detailed information, please refer to the maintenance manual of the corresponding machine.