QPS offers shutdown advice
While businesses around the UK are closing their doors to stay home and stay safe during the current coronavirus pandemic, the impact this shutdown could have on equipment is a cause for concern.
Wednesday, 15 Apr 2020 10:02 GMT
Printers can prepare now to avoid facing issues when business is back up and running
Chris Bailey, managing director of Quality Print Services has offered a word of advice for how wide- and large-format print companies can get ready to be back up and running after a business shutdown.
Bailey says: “Large-format printers are designed for heavy-duty use. Many businesses run their systems not just nine-to-five but 24/7, left to work unattended overnight before pulling a shift during the day, and manufacturers bear that in mind when designing various elements.
“Ink circulations, printheads and heating systems are all intended to work practically non-stop. This means that when printers are left idle or in standby mode for lengthy periods, they may suffer damage. This could result in costly repairs but can be avoided with some pre-emptive action.”
To prepare for this, Bailey recommends establishing checking user manuals to find out whether to switch to standby or shut down completely.
Some large-format printers need to be in standby mode to facilitate automatic cleaning features, whereas other manufacturers could advise to disconnect all external devices such as computers and scanners. “Ignoring advice could void your warranty or service contract so it’s important to follow it,” Bailey says.
Remember that you will be back working again soon. If you can take care of all those small maintenance jobs, repairs, cleaning and tiding, now is a great time”
Another factor to consider is stagnant ink. Bailey advises checking that ink already installed has a shelf life longer than the duration of the shutdown, and if a printer has an ink recirculation system, to check carefully the guidelines on what is needed to maintain this.
For printheads, Bailey says the best thing to do is to follow advise from the manufacturer as different types of printheads require different maintenance. UV for example, may need extra protection.
Bailey adds: “Remember that you will be back working again soon. If you can take care of all those small maintenance jobs, repairs, cleaning and tiding, now is a great time. Prepare your equipment and workplace now to hit the ground running at the end of lockdown. And if you need any type of advice, there is support available.”
Based in Lancashire, Quality Print Services provides a one-stop-shop for wide-format print and is a distributor of Nazdar digital inkjet ink products and DuPont Artistri textile inks. The firm also provides new and refurbished wide-format printers and finishing equipment.
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