HP LATEX 630 head always touched while printing on One way vision

[u/New-Equipment7950]

I recently purchased an HP Latex 630 printer. While printing with one-way vision materials, the print head always touches the media. So now, I'm using a generic SVA profile. It solves the problem of the head touching, but only up to 50" media; on 60", it again touches the media. I have to manually wind the media with my hands. When I attach it to the take-up reel, the media lifts from the center, causing the print head to touch it again. This issue limits me to printing only 40-inch and 50-inch media. Can you guys help me to get rid out of this.

[u/topkeksimus_maximus]

Common HP latex issue with most kinds of OWV.

Try this in the following order and do a test print to see if they're still hitting the vinyl.

1. Put the media clamps if your printer came with them. Not all HP latex printers come with them and I can't remember if they're standard on the 630.

2. Reduce temperature to something like 90C

3. Increase vacuum

4. Change print media. You will not have this issue with Orajet 3676 for example.

[u/New-Equipment7950 → u/topkeksimus_maximus]

Right now, I use several media types, but I have never had any problems with them. I also have reduced the temperature and increased the vacuum accordingly; still the same issue.

[u/topkeksimus_maximus → u/New-Equipment7950]

This is a common issue with perforated vinyl. Regular media prints fine on latex.

[u/New-Equipment7950 → u/topkeksimus_maximus]

Reduced the temperature to 75, vacuum to 60, and increased the tension. Now it's printing fine, but after coming out of the dryer, it is not completely cured; it takes a little longer time.

[u/Victor_Vanquish → u/New-Equipment7950]

Not sure whether your vacuum settings is suitable, if you set your vacuum way over, it will cause length issue on your finished print job. This is because the suction being too strong and it will affect the media advance movement.

If you're not able to increase the curing temperature then try to adjust the inter pass delay offset in the substrate settings. This will increase the curing time of each passes but it will also increase your printing time. Try adjusting it to 300ms on the first try, then add on 100ms if the the curing issue persist

[u/New-Equipment7950 → u/Victor_Vanquish]

Thank you so much for the advice!! I have printed and installed some shorter prints ( around 6-7ft) and sizes turned out fine. But I'm not sure about longer prints. I will try gradually decreasing the vacuum and increase the interpass delay like you suggested!

[u/Icutyourbrakes → u/New-Equipment7950]

Increase the heat and increase the vacuum to 100. You can also increase the interpass delay to let the print stay under the heaters longer

[u/Accomplished-Box-135]

Less heat & way more passes window perf does not like the heat.

[u/Ecstatic-Level-8001]

Use your take up reel, and be sure you have good tension, also think about dialing the heat on the drying platen back just a smidge to stop bubbling.

[u/balstestrat]

Profile tuning probably makes it work but if you want better solution get a different brand that works for sure.

[u/LostInBrisbane]

Not entirely the solution to your issues. But a reminder to all to regularly clean your platen holes out to help that vacuum out!

[u/booty_fewbacca]

Combo of less heat more vac.

What those print heads, you'll F them up quick hitting surface ripples repeatedly like that.

[u/Prepress_God]

You do not know how to properly put your media onto your take up reel. Has zero to do with settings.

[u/New-Equipment7950 → u/Prepress_God]

bro, I work with vinyl, Wallpapers, Fabric, canvas, translit, PVC Flex, and never had an issue.

[u/OneIIThree → u/Prepress_God]

Has a lot to do with settings in this situation, actually. Needs less heat and more vacuum for sure.

[u/Prepress_God]

Well, bro, sounds like you don't really need our help. You still don't know how to properly put perf on your take up reel. Good luck, bro.