How to do Nozzle Checks for Sawgrass SG500 and SG1000 Printers
In the realm of Sawgrass printers, the nozzle check stands as a potent tool for diagnostics. It grants a visual glimpse into your print head's health and is invaluable for troubleshooting. Let's unravel the significance of nozzle checks and how they can maintain your printer's performance.
Nozzle checks are your guide to diagnosing issues. They aren't a regular printer maintenance task; instead, they come to the rescue when you suspect print irregularities or nozzle clogs. While not a daily requirement, running a nozzle check after periods of printer inactivity or low usage is advised. This aids in maintaining ink flow through the lines and prevents clogs. Despite daily auto maintenance, running a nozzle check contributes to optimal printer health.
Here's why nozzle checks matter: They can be performed on regular copy paper, sparing your sublimation paper. In case you notice color discrepancies or unwanted lines in your prints, a nozzle check is the go-to. It's your troubleshooter for color and line-related issues. The checks can be executed through the printer's LCD panel or the PrintMate utility, offering convenience based on your preference.
Running a nozzle check involves minimal ink usage – it's the printer's equivalent of a health check. The patterns consist of color grids with distinct features. Your goal is to ensure every line is filled; any gap signals a potential clog. In case of missing lines, a head clean is a remedy. A head clean channels ink through the print head, often restoring the missing lines. If persistent, two to three attempts may resolve the issue.
Remember, a nozzle check isn't just about fixing issues; it's about prevention too. Keeping your printer turned on and plugged in is crucial to its health, allowing the automated maintenance cycles to occur. To explore advanced troubleshooting, our care team is ready to assist through our website or care.sawgrassink.com. Their expertise ensures you get back to seamless printing.
Master the art of nozzle checks – a small practice with significant benefits. Keep your prints pristine, and your printer primed for brilliance.
Follow the procedure below to check whether the print head nozzles are clogged up or not by printing a nozzle check test pattern.
- Press the [Menu] button.
- Press the [▲] or [▼] button to display [Printer Features], and then press the [OK] button.
- Press the [▲] or [▼] button to select [List/Test Print], and then press the [OK] button.
- Press the [▲] or [▼] button to display [Nozzle Check Pattern], and then press the [OK] button.
- Press the selection button for [Print].
A test pattern is printed.
- Check the printed test pattern.
Printed Test Pattern
Using the test pattern, check for print head clogging and the number of the clogged head.
The number appearing above each color in the test pattern is the number of the print head.
The print head for Cyan and Black is [Head 1].
The print head for Yellow and Magenta is [Head 2].
Check which print head is clogged by referring to the following illustration.
Perfect Nozzle Check
When print heads are clogged
If the print head is clogged, perform Head Cleaning.
If the problem persists, perform Head Flushing.
If you are still experiencing issues or have further questions, please contact our Sawgrass Care Team for assistance