Mimaki LUS UV Ink Complete Replacement Operation Tutorial (Universal for Eco Ink Bag Models: JV150/CJV300/UJF Flatbed / UCJV Roll-to-Roll)
I. Preparation Before Ink Change (Safety Ink Pre-treatment, Mandatory)
1. Protection and Environment
1). Wear nitrile gloves safety goggles, ensure workshop ventilation; UV ink irritates skin and eyes, bare-hand contact is prohibited.
2). Ambient temperature 18–25℃, keep away from light, machine remains powered on in standby mode (LOCAL ready interface).
3). Preparation: Lint-free paper, Mimaki original UV cleaning solution, trash can (waste ink is hazardous waste, store separately).
2. Ink Verification and Shaking (Key to preventing printhead clogging)
1). Match verification: Confirm the machine is compatible with LUS-120/150/170, the ink packaging model matches the machine model, and do not mix LH/LF/SS solvent inks.
2) Check the expiration date, and let the ink stored at low temperature return to room temperature for 3 hours.
3) After opening the bag, shake it horizontally left and right ≥20 times (1–2 minutes) to fully disperse the sediment; shake evenly and let it stand for 2 minutes to remove bubbles before opening.
3. Enter ink replacement mode on the machine
1). Screen LOCAL interface → Press [FUNCTION / Menu] → [Maintenance] → [Replace Ink]
2) The device automatically moves the printhead to a safe position and unlocks the ink tank; strictly prohibit forcing the cover open during printing or cleaning.
II. Single-channel same-model LUS ink replacement (daily ink replacement when exhausted, no full machine cleaning required)
Step 1: Remove the ink tank box
Press the side latches of the ink tank, smoothly pull out the entire Eco ink tank tray, place it on a flat surface.
Step 2: Remove the old ink bag
1. Press the 4 latches of the ink tank to open the top cover, pull out the old ink bag with the interface facing up to prevent residual ink from flowing back and mixing colors in the tubes.
2. Peel off the IC chip attached to the ink bag, discard the old ink bag; wipe the residual ink inside the box clean with lint-free paper.
Step 3: Install the new LUS ink bag
. Tear open the seal of the ink bag, place the double-sided adhesive side facing down, and fully snap the front connector into the slot until you hear the latch click into.
2. Smooth out the wrinkles of the ink bag, peel off the yellow release paper on the back, and stick the ink bag flat to the bottom of the box to it, avoiding air suction and ink interruption.
Step 4: Install the dedicated IC chip (identification core)
1. Each ink bag comes with an independent IC. Install the chip into the chip slot with the metal electrode facing up, ensuring it fits tightly without gaps. Do not install it backwards.
2. Do not touch the metal contacts with your fingers; fingerprints will cause ink recognition errors.
3. Snap the ink cartridge cover shut and press the clips at the four corners to lock it.
Step 5: Reinstall into the machine
Gently push the entire ink cartridge tray back into the machine's slot, pushing it all the way to the bottom until it clicks into place.
Step 6: Machine initialization and testing
1. Close the ink tank outer cover. The machine will automatically recognize the IC chip. Wait 30 seconds for the ink recognition to complete.
2. Perform 1 standard printhead cleaning; do not perform multiple continuous deep cleanings.
3. Print the printhead test strip: check for broken lines or ink splashing; if white ink lines are broken, you can perform a white ink circulation cleaning separately.
4. If there are slight air bubbles or ink breaks, let it sit for 15–30 minutes before performing a light cleaning.
III. Cross-series ink replacement (Old LH/LF UV → LUS, deep cleaning required)
Different UV ink chemical systems conflict; replacement will cause gelation and clog printheads and lines. Strictly follow the procedure below:
1. Remove all old series ink bags, fill with UV-specific cleaning solution, perform heavy on all channels line circulation cleaning 3–5 times with 10-minute intervals, until the discharged liquid is completely colorless.
2. Replace the entire machine' filters: ink line filter, printhead pre-filter (residual old ink will continue to react and clog the head).
3. Drain the cleaning solution, load the shaken LUS ink and perform multiple ink filling and air purging cycles.
4. Continuously print multiple full-page test strips until no mixed colors or sediment particles appear.
IV. Replacement steps for the large-capacity bottled ink supply system (OPT-J external ink tank)
1. Enter the ink replacement mode from the and stop the ink supply pump.
2. Disconnect the ink supply tubing, hang the tubing to prevent dripping, and remove the empty ink tank.
3. Shake the ink tank thoroughly, tear off the sealing cover, and install the matching IC chip.
4. Connect the ink supply tubing; the machine will automatically fill the ink and bleed the air. for the automatic ink supply to complete (maximum 3 minutes).
5. Clean the printhead and print a test strip for verification.
V. Common Errors and Troubleshooting
1. Ink Type Error: IC chip installed backwards / Model mismatch / Ink on contacts; remove and wipe the chip before reinstalling, and verify the LUS model.
2. Ink Cartridge Unrecognized: Chip fingerprint contamination, buckle not pressed tightly; wipe the metal contacts with dust-free paper and re-snap the chip into pl
