To use effectively and get consistent performance from Sepiax aquares inks, there are three basic conditions which must be satisfied:

Printers and print heads

The current SEPIAX aquares inks have been developed exclusively for use with Epson printhead technology, specifically for use with printers based upon the Epson DX4 or DX5 printheads. Hence they work generally on eco-solvent printers as well as on aqueous models from Mutoh, Roland DG and Mimaki.

 

For further information about printing with alternative printheads but Epson please contact SEPIAX directly under office@sepiax.at

 

Media pre-heat devices

To obtain high print resolution and good adhesion, the media surface must be at the specified temperature as the inkjet droplets impact the media surface.  Hence SEPIAX aquares inks require print equipment with integrated thermal pre-heating device for media heating. These heaters should allow the pre-heating of the media to a surface temperature of 50-58°C for non-absorbent media, or 35-50°C for absorbent media. There is no need for post-heating!

 

With many roll-fed ecosolvent printers, the standard pre-heater equipment built into models from Roland, Mutoh and Mimaki is usually suitable to pre-heat the substrate. In order to guarantee constant heating temperature during the print process in some cases we recommend additional stand-alone heat devices.

 

For flatbed printers based upon Epson printheads, some additional modification is required. 

 

It is important to note that printing onto a cool or cold substrate, followed by strong heating, does NOT produce the desired results.  In fact, an additional after heater is not necessary and does not significantly contribute to the curing or drying process. 

 

 

Converting to SEPIAX inks

SEPIAX aquares inks can be installed into most ecosolvent and aqueous large format printers from Roland DG, Mutoh and Mimaki.  In principle installation is possible onto new printers, or onto working printers and older models.

 

However, SEPIAX inks are not compatible with regular water based dye or pigment inks, eco solvent inks, mild solvent inks, nor with aqueous textile inks, nor with the flushes and cleaners used with such inks.  The conversion and installation process differs according to the type of printer, and the ink or fluid that it currently contains.

 

To avoid any risk of damage to the printer - especially the printhead and ink train - it is essential that the correct conversion procedure is followed exactly.  Installations have to be carried out by SEPIAX staff or authorized SEPIAX partners and MUST follow the instructions in the SEPIAX Converting Manual.

 

Further Questions

For further questions in relation to printer, printhead and pre-heat requirements as well as conversion procedures, please either –

§         contact your designated Sepiax ink distributor, or

§         contact office@sepiax.at