UV Print Head Maintenance Tips to Extend Lifespan & Improve Print Quality

Proper print head maintenance is critical for consistent print quality and extending the life of your UV printer investment. Whether you're using an entry-level cleaner or a professional cleaning system like the Print Head Doctor, following a routine maintenance strategy can save you time, money, and frustration.

Here are proven best practices for maintaining your UV print heads in optimal condition.

Daily UV Print Head Maintenance Routine

1. Run Daily Nozzle Tests

Print a nozzle test at least once a day to check the condition of your nozzles. If you notice any deflected or missing nozzles:

• Start by running your printer's built-in cleaning cycle.

• Repeat the nozzle test.

2. Wipe the Nozzle Plate

If the cleaning cycle doesn’t resolve the issue:

• Gently wipe the nozzle plate using a lint-free cloth moistened with one of our recommended soaking fluids (see list below).

• Run the cleaning cycle again and print another test.

3. Check for Air Bubbles

If issues persist, you might be dealing with air bubbles trapped inside the print head:

• If your printer has ink recirculation, allow it to circulate ink for a few minutes.

• Purge the system and print a few solid bars to help move the ink.

• Run the nozzle test again.

4. Soak the Print Head (if necessary)

If the nozzles are still missing or deflected:

• Soak the print head in one of our recommended soaking fluids for 30 minutes.

• You can do this:

  • In the cap of the capping station (if available)

  • Or by pressing a lint-free cloth soaked in the fluid against the nozzle plate

• After soaking, run the cleaning cycle and print another nozzle test.

Advanced Cleaning for Deeper Clogs

If none of the above methods resolve the issue, the clog may be deeper within the print head. In this case, you’ll need to remove the print head and proceed with one of the following methods:

Option 1: Using a Print Head Doctor (PHD) Machine

If you own a Print Head Doctor:

• Run a 10-minute “Easy” program using Recovery Fluid 4UV or S2.

• For models without a touchscreen:

  • Run the Mesh cycle for 3 minutes

  • Then the Forward cycle for 7 minutes

  • Use zero ultrasound

To remove the fluid:

• Run the Intake cycle for 10 seconds while holding the print head in the air.

Disconnect the print head and flush it using:

• A syringe filled with 10ml of Fluid 1DX or Storage Fluid

• Then a syringe full of air to push the fluid out

Reinstall the print head, purge it with ink, and run a nozzle test.

Important: Ensure the print head’s electrical contacts remain dry before reinstalling.

Option 2: Without a PHD Machine

If you don’t have access to a PHD:

• Soak the print head for a few hours or overnight in a soaking fluid.

• Push 10ml of the fluid into the head and rest it on a lint-free cloth soaked in the same fluid.

• Cap the ink ports during soaking.

After soaking:

• Flush the head with Fluid 1DX or Storage Fluid

• Purge it with a syringe full of air

Pro Tip: Soaking a print head before using a PHD can help loosen dry ink, making the cleaning process more effective.

Recommended Cleaning Fluids

1DX: A gentle solvent used before and after cleaning to flush ink or cleaning fluids. Very safe for prolonged contact with print heads.

Storage Fluid: Designed for long-term storage. It dries slowly, absorbs moisture, and is compatible with many inks and cleaners.

R-UV: Low-strength soaking/wiping fluid for UV print heads.

7UV: Medium-strength soaking/wiping fluid for UV print heads.

11UV: High-strength soaking/wiping fluid for UV print heads.

You don’t need to use all three (R-UV, 7UV, 11UV). Choose one that’s compatible with your ink.

How to Test Chemical Compatibility with Ink

Before using any cleaning or soaking fluid inside a print head, it’s essential to confirm that the fluid is compatible with your ink. Mixing incompatible fluids can lead to sediment or gel formation, which may block the nozzles and permanently damage the print head. In fact, chemical incompatibility is the most common reason a print head becomes irrecoverable.

Even when using intermediary fluids like 1DX or Storage Fluid, which we recommend when switching between chemicals, you must first verify that they’re miscible with your ink.

This applies especially before wiping a print head with stronger fluids such as 11UV, 7UV, or R-UV.

How to Test Compatibility

• Draw 5–10 ml of your ink into a syringe.

• Draw in the same amount of the fluid you want to test.

• Leave a small air gap in the syringe.

• Cap the syringe and shake well to mix.

• Let the mixture sit for at least 1 hour, ideally overnight.

• Attach a 3–10 micron filter to the syringe. You can use this type of filter for testing.

• Push the mixture through the filter.

  
  

Interpretation

• If you can push the syringe contents without applying much force, the fluids are compatible.

• If you encounter strong resistance or can’t push the entire contents through the filter, the fluids are not compatible with each other.

Click here to request a testing kit.

Final Thoughts

Consistent maintenance ensures high-quality output and minimizes costly downtime or head replacements. Even a basic cleaning routine can be very effective when paired with the right fluids and a little care.

Need help choosing the right cleaning system or fluids for your setup? Contact us — we're here to help.