Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of daily maintenance do I need to perform?

A Care and Maintenance guide is provided with each printer and can also be downloaded via our website at https://mimaki.com/download/. Please refer to this guide for detailed instructions on how to conduct proper maintenance.

How do I establish heat and time settings for sublimating a print?

Heat and time settings can vary depending on the ink type, transfer paper, ink saturation and heat press. We recommended testing all variables before running production to achieve the desired results.

How do I select the right fabric for printing?

The best result will be achieved by using properly pre-treated fabric that suits your application.

Can I print without using the tension bar?

While it is possible to print without using the tension bar, we recommend using it for optimal feed stability.

What is the Mimaki Advanced Pass System?

Mimaki Advanced Pass System (MAPS) is a core technology that utilizes an advanced algorithm pattern to reduce banding by printing boundaries between swaths, giving you beautiful quality prints with a uniform appearance.

What does the Nozzle Recovery System do?

The Nozzle Recovery System allows the user to re-map nozzles that are clogged and possibly unrecoverable. Remapping disables the affected nozzle(s). A pre-determined algorithm in the firmware then remaps the nozzle pattern based on the print data being processed, effectively allowing continued print operation. However, under certain print conditions, remapping nozzles may be partially or completely ineffective.

What is UV Printing?

UV printing is the immediate curing and adhesion by UV radiation using UV-curable inks.

How does UV printing process work with UV radiation and UV-curable inks?

The UV-curable ink is cured and adhered to the media or substrate by UV radiation. The print is already dried/cured when it comes off the printer, allowing a short delivery request to be met. Printing on non-absorbent materials, such as plastic, glass and metal, is available. To give shape to ideas, Mimaki offers a range of UV-curable ink products to meet demands from various industries, ranging from decorating and architecture to industrial design.

Mimaki UV-curable inks: LH-100, LUS-120, LUS-150, LUS-170, LUS-175 and LUS-200 are GREENGUARD Gold certified by UL LLC of third-party Institution of safety science of the United States.

What is the impact of UV printing for the environment?

UV printing offers environmental advantages with low emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and ozone-free UV-LED light. The color components of the ink are directly cured and adhered to the media or substrate by UV radiation, and the ink emits very low levels of VOCs. The light-emitting diode (LED) light does not radiate short wavelengths that generate ozone. Use of Mimaki UV-curable ink demonstrates our consciousness of the environment and the health of our users.

What types of UV printing are out on the market?

There are two types of UV printing on the market currently using Metal Halide Lamps and LEDs.

What is the benefit of printing with LEDs over Metal Halide Lamps?

Mimaki first adopted the use of LED light to solve all the problems associated with metal halide lamps, such as long warm-up or restrike times, high power consumption, large bulbs, short lamp life and high temperatures. The UV-LED ink curing system not only provides high-quality printing with speed, but also meets various demands from users with high media compatibility.

How does printing with LEDs become more beneficial with different types of media over printing with Metal Halide Lamps?

Due to the low heat generation of UV-LED light, Mimaki UV ink is capable of printing vibrant and beautiful colors on heat-sensitive materials, such as acrylic board, PVC, PET, etc. The low heat generation also helps prevent media buckling, warping and/or yellowing.