Colour Change

[Maggie]

Eeeek! I am stuck. Am using exactly the printer, inks and press but am experiencing a colour change. Using the same file (just changing text) and same temperatures and time.
DF12 mug press | Ricoh SG3110 printer

Any idea how can this have happened? Can anyone help please?
The mug on left is how it is coming out now...the mug on right is how it should look :(
colour-change.jpg

[Martinx]

What has been the time distance between the two? Could be a combination of things.
Has the faded mug been taking from a cold environment?

I would first check ink levels and then try and bump up the temp by another 10-20 secs.

Martin

[Maggie]

Thanks so much for the reply Martin. As I newbie I am totally clueless.

Would say the time distance has been a couple of weeks.

The ink - the printer screen is showing 'low ink'. The C M and Y are low I reckon. Could this be the cause? I have never used this printer/ink before...does it not print true when levels are low? And the cartridges changed before empty?

Same environment (and I sit them on a heater before using)

Sorry, do you mean increase the time or temperature?

[Martinx]

That's ok, it's all trial and error in the early stages but this forum is fantastic if you have any questions.

I would always go through the cleaning process of any printer like Nozzle check, head cleaning etc. I'm not sure if your printer has that facility but it might be worth checking on the printer utilities. It may be worth topping up the ink levels for sure just in case.

Sorry totally confused you there, I would increase time by 10-20 secs. What temp have you got it set on?

[John G]

Are they the exact same make of mug and bought from the same supplier - at the same time?

[Maggie]

This forum is fab! Hope in time, I can give back.

Thanks again Martin. Will have a look for the nozzle check, etc - am sure this printer does. And might just bite the bullet and change the ink.
Thought it was the time, thanks for clarifying.

Temp is 338F (170) and was using 140 seconds.

John G - yes, exactly the same make, supplier and from same box

[Martinx]

Before you change the ink, I would push up the temp to 180 and increase the time to 180 seconds and see how you get on.

Let us know how you get on.

All the best

[Renniwano]

With the Sublijet inks.. I have mine at 160 idle time, 170 cooking temp and 175 cooking time.. if that's any help.. 140 seconds seems a little low at that temp..

[Maggie]

Thanks for your reply too Renniwano (just seen it)

Have tried at 180 temp and 180 seconds and still the same...except text is now bit blurry.

Am thinking it has to be the printer so off to do the nozzle check, etc.

[Scotty@BMS]

If your results have been good previously something has definitely gone awry somewhere! I always press at 170 degrees for no more than 120 seconds using the Ricoh. I'm not surprised the time of 180, 180 combo has blurred your text, that's a classic example of overcooking. Interested to see what the nozzle check shows...