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Gerber Edge 1 from Omega 1.56 software
Hi
I’m running a Gerber Edge 1 from Omega 1.56 software. I’m printing onto white vinyl and during a printing run of around say 5m or so (rarely do I need longer runs than that) of standard lettering decals the print quality deteriorates. The first couple of meters are good, just what you’d expect, but the last few toward the end are poor quality. The colour fill to the design looks like it has scrub streaks or skid marks on it, where the foil colour has not completely been fused to the vinyl. I’m hoping somebody can give a few tips. I’m hoping it’s not a new printer head…gulp!
thanks in advance
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6 Replies
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Hi Jim, sorry it is the print head. You could try raising the print temp but it is unlikely to make much difference. You could just run shorter lengths. Do you have a maintenance contract with Spandex?
Mine is on its way out as well. Have you cleaned it with the thermal cleaning wipes?
jason
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On my FX i make sure the vinyl is clean and always clean the head after 2 or so metres of print otherwise mine is patchy as well. I Once cleaned it’s fine.
I also print in 600 dpi mode which seems to help.
Al. -
Jim what is the material and foil – are they Gerber or something else?
make sure the head is clean.
When the streaks start, stop the print and start is again quick.
Does it streak right from the start or good for awhile?
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Hi Tony
The foils and vinyl are aftermarket not gerber. Foils are SignFoils or Duracoat and the vinyl is Avery 501. Yes the streaking starts after a couple of meters of printing.
Where is the best place to obtain the proper wipes?
Any idea of the price and availability of a new head or head refurb for gerber 1?
Thanks for the feedback guys.
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HI Jim, Spandex for the wipes, these are the best. PrintOne also do a pack which is okay as a backup. A new head is about £1300 – £1400 plus fitting I think (£450??).
If you haven’t cleaned the head then hopefully that is the problem, we clean ours everyday as a guide.
Regards
Jason
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Get the wipes and clean the head. I do not think the head is bad.
Since you are using non Gerber materials I’m sure that that whatever firings your using (Gerber settings for material / foil) are too hot so after a few meters the head is real hot and begins to transfer everything, or at least attempts to. Maybe Avery or SignFoils could suggest what Gerber firings would be better but it seems that you need less heat. In GspPlot in the "Print Options" dialog there is a "Settings" button, you should set the firings to "lighter" and see what happens, or you can pick a different material, say Static Cling and try it as it uses lower heat.
It would be nice if another user on the board who uses this combo would chime in….
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