Why is my CIJ print stream unstable or drifting?

Fix an unstable or drifting ink stream caused by viscosity, pressure, restrictor wear, or mechanical vibration.

What a drifting stream looks like

  • Stream wanders or bends during operation

  • Poor drop formation

  • Charge faults or misaligned characters

  • Printer fails to reach print-ready state


Root causes & resolutions

Cause Fix
Restrictor partially blocked Replace restrictor and nozzle filter
Ink viscosity incorrect Run Viscosity Monitoring or Clean Ink System
Environmental vibration Stabilise printer and isolate from conveyor
Internal pressure cycling Check pump and filter for over cycling or wear
 

How to troubleshoot

  1. Observe stream using strobe or inspection window

  2. Run Clean Ink System if ink looks thick or sluggish

  3. Replace restrictor if stream is curling or arcing

  4. Check filter replacement schedule

  5. Reboot and test print once stable