Ink & Fluid Management
      Back to home
      1. Cyklop Needham Knowledge Hub
      2. CIJ Printer Maintenance & Troubleshooting
      3. Ink & Fluid Management

      How do I prepare my CIJ printer for shutdowns or holidays?

      Learn how to drain, fill the mixer, and park your CM750 correctly to prevent ink from drying or gelling during extended downtime.

      Why shutdown prep is critical for CIJ printers

      Leaving your printer idle without flushing ink from key components is one of the fastest ways to cause nozzle blockages, pump strain, and system contamination. Whether it’s a weekend stop or a long holiday, your CM750 has built-in routines designed to protect the system during downtime.

      If you're not using the Drain, Fill Mixer, and Park functions, you're risking expensive maintenance and lost production time.

      When to run shutdown procedures

      Use this routine if:

      • Your production line is stopping for more than 48 hours

      • The printer will be unpowered or unplugged

      • You’re sending the unit for service or relocation

      Three key routines to run before shutdown

      1. Drain

      This clears ink from:

      • Ink system lines

      • Mixer

      • Return path

      Steps:

      • Go to System > Maintenance > Drain

      • Follow on-screen prompts

      • Wait until all ink is evacuated

      • Dispose of waste fluid according to your local regulations

      2. Fill Mixer

      Replaces residual ink in the mixing chamber with solvent. Prevents thickening or solidification during idle time.

      Steps:

      • Navigate to System > Maintenance > Fill Mixer

      • Ensure solvent tank is full

      • Press Start and allow it to complete (approx. 5 mins)

      3. Park

      Safely closes valves, stops pressure systems, and prepares printer for storage.

      Steps:

      • Go to System > Maintenance > Park

      • Follow the display instructions

      • Turn off the printer only after parking is completed

      What happens if you don’t do this?

      • Ink will dry and block the nozzle or umbilical

      • Pumps can seize from crusted ink

      • System flush will take 10x longer—and may still fail

      • In worst cases, you’ll need to replace multiple components

      Extra tips for long-term shutdowns (1+ weeks)

      • Run the full Clean Ink System if you're not returning soon

      • Keep the printer in a temperature-controlled room (10–35°C)

      • Label the system with shutdown date and status

      • Cover printhead with a clean, dry bag or protective cap

      Need support restarting after downtime?

      Contact our technical team