Minimizing Ink Wastage during Digital Printing

Digital textile printing has been nothing less than revolutionary for the textile industry. Since digital printing is efficient, fast and achieves better results, its demand throughout the world has grown considerable. And because of its low cost, several small-scale companies have joined the industry as well.

Ink wastage can be serious problem if you do not manage your digital printing operations efficiently. It is an environmental hazard as well, as could contaminate the land that you are operating in.

However, there are several ways you can reduce your ink wastage, and ensure that your operation remains environment-friendly.

How is ink wasted?

Before you know the methods of conserving ink, it is important to understand how ink is actually wasted. Usually ink gets wasted when it is trapped in the nozzles and dries up. This mainly happens when the ink has to cover a large layout of print, and the printer is being used for printing other things as well.

Another way ink is wasted is when there is ink trapped in various places in the printer during the printing process. This mainly happens in the older printer models, so if you are using an old printer, then you are likely wasting a lot of ink.

Here are some methods to reduce ink wastage:

Avoiding air bubbles

When air is trapped inside the nozzle, it is necessary to get rid of them otherwise it could result in blurry images.

However, it is important to be careful when sucking out the air, as it can create bubbling. Air bubbles are difficult to get rid of, and air may remain stuck in the nozzle, thereby wasting not just your ink but your fabric as well, by giving you blurry prints.

Remember that it is important to discharge the air, as well as manage it the right to minimize ink wastage. 

Reusing Ink

This option is not available with all printers. In older printer models, ink gets wasted at different stages of the printing process, and renders the ink unusable.

However, newer versions of printers come with a pumping system, which allow the ink to flow backwards. This allows the wasted ink to be reused.

Using Complete Cartridge

Another advantage of using printers with a pumping mechanism is that it allows the cartridge to be used fully.

Cartridges develop high level of pressure inside them when they are constantly used, and require cleaning to get rid of them. However, to avoid the hassle of cleaning, many manufacturers prefer changing the cartridge.  This results in wastage of ink because there is still a considerable amount of ink left in the cartridge.

The pumping system allows the pressure to reduce, making use of the entire ink in the cartridge. 

If you are looking for a reliable supplier of ink for digital printing, get in touch with Guangzhou JD Digital Technology. They are one of the leading dye sublimation ink manufacturers and suppliers.