Coders and inkjet printers are used on almost every production line: they print best-before dates, batch numbers, barcodes and QR codes onto packaging, bottles, tins, cables, pipes and components. However, the ink does not always stay where it is meant to. Splashes and mist end up on the print head mount, housing, conveyor belt, guides and photoelectric sensors. Dried-on ink interferes with sensors, contaminates products and makes codes harder to read.
Where ink residues form
- Continuous inkjet (CIJ) printers: Housing, print head mount, drip tray, area around the print head
- Thermal inkjet (TIJ) and piezo inkjet: Cartridge compartment, brackets, printing table
- Industrial inkjet systems: Labels, corrugated cardboard, ceramics, sheet printing on plastic and acrylic glass
- Conveyor belts, guides, photoelectric sensors around the printing station
- Products and packaging: Print errors, incorrect dates, smudged codes
What sort of ink is it?
The type of ink is specified in the ink’s safety data sheet or in the printer’s user manual.
| Type of ink | How to remove them | Might be suitable |
|---|---|---|
| Solvent-based CIJ ink e.g. MEK- or ethanol-based; marking on plastic, metal or glass | dries very quickly; loosen splashes with cleaner and wipe off | Plexinova |
| Water-based ink Cardboard, paper, thermal inkjet | Wipe with water whilst wet, then dry with a water-soluble cleaner | Microsolv NX |
| Pigment ink and contrast ink e.g. white or yellow on dark surfaces, cables, pipes | Pigments accumulate in grooves and joints; soak rather than scrub | Plexinova |
| UV-curable ink industrial inkjet, labels, panel printing | Wipe off with a cleaner whilst uncured; avoid skin contact; once cured, simply soak and remove mechanically | Topclean |
These suggestions are just a starting point. Inks vary considerably depending on the manufacturer. During our consultation, we’ll work out together which cleaner best dissolves your ink without damaging the casing, ribbon or product – usually with a free sample.
Important: Print head and ink circuit
The print head, nozzles, ink circuit and gutter tube of a CIJ printer are cleaned using the flushing or cleaning fluid specified by the printer manufacturer for the relevant ink. Using third-party cleaning agents may damage seals, alter the ink or invalidate the warranty. Eco-Nova cleaning agents are designed for use on all parts of the printer: the housing, brackets, conveyor belts, guides, machine components and bases.
Here’s how to do it
- Move the printer to the service position or switch it off, and cover the print head.
- Wipe up fresh spills straight away with a lint-free cloth.
- Moisten dried-up ink with a cleaning agent and leave it to work.
- Wipe off any loosened ink. Use a soft brush in grooves and joints.
- Wipe the light barriers and sensors down with a clean cloth at the end.
Printing errors on products and packaging
An incorrect date or a smudged code often has to be removed from the packaging before the product is reprinted. Whether this is possible depends on the ink and the packaging material: smooth plastics, glass and metal can usually be cleaned, whilst paper and cardboard absorb the ink. Printed or varnished packaging may be damaged in the process. You should therefore always test on a reject item first.
Why not acetone or isopropyl alcohol?
To remove ink, many businesses use acetone, isopropanol or the solvent contained in the ink itself, such as MEK. These substances are highly flammable and evaporate quickly. In the vicinity of running machinery and electrical equipment, this increases the risk of fire, and the vapours pollute the indoor air. The Hazardous Substances Ordinance requires an assessment to be carried out to determine whether hazardous cleaning agents can be replaced with less hazardous alternatives. Many of Eco-Nova’s cleaning agents are not classified as hazardous. Find out more: Acetone substitute without hazardous substance labelling.
Production lines in the food and pharmaceutical sectors
Where coders are used on food or pharmaceutical production lines, proof of the cleaning agent’s suitability is often required. Certificates are available for several Eco-Nova cleaning agents, for example from NSF or ISEGA. The article details which ones these are. Conformities, certifications and development of cleaners. We’d be happy to let you know what evidence is available for your application.
Marker ink? There’s a separate post on that: Removing permanent marker.
Always follow the instructions in the safety data sheet. The safety data sheet is available on request to existing customers and to customers who have received a sample or attended a demonstration.
The best way to find out which cleaner will remove your ink is to discuss it together. Please provide us with the printer model, manufacturer and ink name, as well as the surface type, if possible. Our technical advisers will recommend a cleaner and put together a free sample for you.