Why Non-Linting Polyester Wipers Are Key for Large Format Printers

Large format digital printers are high-precision machines that are sensitive to dust, dirt, and lint. Even the smallest speck of debris can bring your printer offline or ruin an entire print job.

To avoid costly downtime and potential warranty issues, it’s crucial to follow the maintenance guidelines recommended by leading equipment manufacturers like HP®, Canon®, FUJIFILM Dimatix®, and Ricoh®.

These manufacturers recommend using non-linting polyester wipers as the only appropriate material for cleaning and maintaining sensitive printer components. These specialty wipers are engineered for critical applications and ensure that your equipment stays clean without adding particles that could cause malfunctions.

The Importance of Printer Head Maintenance

Printing high-resolution graphics—such as banners, architectural blueprints, vehicle wraps, billboards, and wallscapes—relies on complex and expensive equipment.

Unlike smaller desktop printers, large or wide format printers use inkjet heads that rely on semiconductor technology. Instead of electrical current, these inkjet semiconductors have fluid running through them. This precision technology allows for the sharp, high-quality prints that large format printers are known for.

Small inkjet heads create very fine ink droplets, which results in more dots per inch (DPI). While a higher DPI contributes to superior, high-resolution prints, it also makes inkjet heads more prone to clogs. As a printer’s DPI increases, the need for specialized cleaning tools, like polyester wipers, becomes even more critical.

Common Causes of Inkjet Clogs

Clogs can happen for a variety of reasons, and regardless of the cause, they can significantly impact print quality and lead to long-term damage and downtime:

• Improper cleaning: Wiping down an inkjet head with a hand towel, shop rag, or any material that contains cellulose (paper) can leave behind fibers and particles. While these contaminants may not be visible to the naked eye, they can still clog inkjet nozzles.
• Ink buildup: Printer ink is dense, and over time, small amounts of ink can accumulate on the printhead surface. If not addressed, this buildup can lead to clogs.
• Dry ink: In low-humidity environments, ink can dry out more quickly, leading to blockages in the inkjet heads.

Visible clogs can often be cleaned with a pre-saturated, lint-free wiper, but some clogs may be harder to identify and could require professional assistance.

Preventing Downtime with Proper Cleaning

When a large format printer malfunctions, fixing it isn’t always simple. In many cases, the printer needs to be sent back to the manufacturer, or a specialized technician must be called for on-site service. This downtime can be costly—both in terms of repair fees and lost productivity.

To avoid these disruptions, routine cleaning with the right tools and material is crucial in preventing issues before they arise.

Make sure to incorporate these essential cleaning tasks into your regular maintenance schedule:

• Inkjet heads: Clean regularly to prevent ink buildup and clogs.
• Feeder rollers: Remove dust and debris to maintain smooth paper feeding.
• Optical sensors: Keep sensors clean for accurate print alignment.
• Interior components: Clean the inside of the printer as needed. Dust from toner cartridges and paper can gather, which can interfere with performance.

Using cleaning materials recommended by the printer’s manufacturer is critical for maintaining optimal performance.

Why Valutek Wipers Are the Right Choice

Valutek specializes in lint-free, low-particle-count polyester wipers. Trusted by leading manufacturers of large and wide-format printers, Valutek wipers are also used in critical industries such as semiconductor, aerospace, pharmaceutical, and medical device manufacturing, where cleanliness is paramount.

Our soft, non-linting wipers are approved for cleaning printheads, optical sensors, internal components, and stainless-steel enclosures – helping to keep your printer in top condition.

By choosing Valutek’s lightweight, laser-sealed polyester wipers (Part # VTPNWLWLS-99), you can keep your large format printer performing at its best and ensure your print jobs are always on track.

Valutek polyester wipers are used by: