Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Version: B
Date First Published: July 6, 2017
Date Released: July 11, 2017
Audience: All Audiences
Affected Printers: VUTEk h3, HS125 Pro, HS100 Pro, HSr Pro, VUTEk LX3 Pro (GS3LX),
GS3250LX Pro UltraDrop, GS3250LX Pro, GS3250LX, GS3250 Pro, GS3200 Pro, GS3250,
GS3200, GS3250 Pro-CP, GS3250 Pro-TF, GS2000LX Pro UltraDrop, GS2000LX Pro,
GS2000LX, GS2000, GS2000 Pro, GS2000 Pro-TF, GS2000 Pro-CP, H2000 UltraDrop,
QS2 Pro, QS3 Pro, QS3, QS2, GS5500LXr Pro UltraDrop, GS5250LXr Pro, GS5000r,
GS3250LXr Pro, GS3250r, H1625 LED, H1625-RS, H1625-SD
Document Overview
1.0 Understanding Ink Curing
1.1 Factors that Affect UV Curing
1.2 Effects of Cure on Ink Drop Characteristics and on General Coating Attributes
2.0 Guidelines for Evaluating UV Ink Curing Issues
2.1 Situation-Specific Questions
2.2 Primary Checks
2.3 Troubleshooting
2.3.1 System Checks
2.3.2 Substrate
2.3.3 RIP
2.3.4 Ink
2.3.5 Lamps
2.3.6 Cutter
2.3.7 Adhesion Tests
2.3.8 Possible Improvements
2.3.9 If Issue is Still Unresolved
Revision History
7/6/2017 Rev. A • First revision
7/11/2017 Rev. B • In 2.2 Primary Checks updated Lamp Cure Energy values to Low: 40%, Medium: 60%,
High: 80%, Maximum: 100%
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Field Technical Procedure
1.2 Effects of Cure on Ink Drop Characteristics and on General Coating Attributes
Hardness
Gloss
Feel
Spread
Adhesion
Flexibility
Overall coating look and feel (texture)
Detrimental effects on media
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Field Technical Procedure
FTP-00950, Rev. B © Copyright 2017 | ELECTRONICS FOR IMAGING, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Page 4
Field Technical Procedure
Print Gap should be 0.060 inch, unless using a specialized application, such as MEG (Material Edge Guide)
Mode: Bidirectional or Unidirectional?
DPI?
How many layers? What are they?
Carriage speed: Standard or Maximum?
2.3 Troubleshooting
2.3.1 System Checks
The performance characteristics of both vary between LED and Mercury Arc curing but a basic system check may define the complaint.
Start with confirming the system is to specification following these guidelines:
Check main facility air quality is equal to or better than described in the Customer Advisory Bulleting, Compressed Air Quality
Specifications, https://inkjet.support.efi.com/doc.php?doc=975
Check/adjust main air pressure to be stable and meets the minimum air pressure as described in the Printer Specifications
Check/adjust Nitrogen regulator (90 PSI)
Check/replace Nitrogen filter (3 months)
2.3.2 Substrate
As the customer, be sure the vendor has tested the substrate in question for compatibility and application intended. See CAB-00617,
Media Handling Best Practices https://inkjet.support.efi.com/doc.php?doc=3486
What is the substrate? e.g. Coroplast , styrene or Lexan .
o Supplier’s name and address
o Product name and grade
o Product Data Sheet
o Is there a digital grade?
o Type of surface treatment (matt, gloss, corona treated)
o Dyne Level of surface (minimum 35 dynes/min, if a dyne pen test kit is available, use it to obtain actual values)
o Follow instructions online at https://inkjet.support.efi.com/doc.php?doc=3750.
o Watch the video on the Dyne Test Overview, also online at https://inkjet.support.efi.com/doc.php?doc=3749.
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Field Technical Procedure
o Thickness of media
o Storage (In-plant: cover sheet, ambient dust, temperature, humidity)
o Cleaning (Is substrate cleaned prior to printing? e.g. dry wiping or wiping with IPA)
2.3.3 RIP
Which RIP program is being used?
What is the total ink percentage? To get blacker blacks, printers have increased the 'Total Ink' (CMYK build to make the maximum
black) during the linearization-profiling process. (Some printers increase the total ink used such as CMYK black, which makes curing
more difficult.)
2.3.4 Ink
Be sure the proper ink for their printer and contract is being used, as well as recommended best ink set for the application and
substrate in question.
2.3.5 Lamps
Assess the condition of the UV lamps:
o What is the age of the lamps? How many hours?
o Are the lamps clean? Refer to each printer Maintenance Guide for proper cleaning instructions;
o Review updated Cleaning LED Lamp Window instructions with technicians, https://inkjet.support.efi.com/doc.php?doc=2143.
2.3.6 Cutters
Gather information on the cutter, manufacturer, type, model, etc.
Automated Digital Cutters have a variety of blades, depth and speeds that can be optimized for clean cuts. Be sure blades are not dull.
Guillotine cutters must have sharp blades and proper holding and cutting action. Using a CNC cutter with a router can chip the edges.
A CNC cutter with a blade works better. Also consult with the customer’s applications team.
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Field Technical Procedure
Perform an ASTM scratch test immediately after printing, and again after 24 hours;
o Refer to Ink Adhesion Test Procedure, https://inkjet.support.efi.com/doc.php?doc=3779, for acceptable test methods.
EFI’s outdoor warranty is written in terms of “normal sun exposure” for areas in the US north of 35.0° latitude and “extreme sun
exposure” in areas south of 35.0° N latitude.
The calculated average correlation for 35.0° N latitude in the United States is approximately 1,550 hr in ISO 18930 / year.
The ASTM- D3359-B adhesion test is the adopted test for EFI. This test has been conducted using a few grades of tape with various
tack and more aggressive grip.
Note: Fingernail tests are not very useful when determining Adhesion.
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Field Technical Procedure
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