Ink Storage and Handling

Guidelines for Storage and Handling of White Inks

The Melco white ink will provide excellent results when stored and handled properly. The following storage and handling practices are require to ensure consistent quality and performance of the white ink.

Product Storage Guidelines

Store the ink and ink cartridges in a clean, dry area with temperatures between 50°F and 86°F (10°-30°C).

Handling of white ink in bottles

Keep bottles on mechanical rollers while storing or vigorously shake the bottle manually every 3-4 days and before filling the bulk system.

Shelf life of white ink

With constant rolling: 1 year

With weekly agitation: 6 months

If sedimentation occurs, do not use a paint shaker. This will break the sediment up and will form particles that can be caught in the print head or damper and restrict the ink flow. Light swirling or shaking of the bottle will be enough to agitate the ink into its usable form. Hard material settle on the bottom of the bottle should not be mixed back in. Soft sediment can be easily mixed back in with minimal energy stirring or rolling.

A rock tumbler like the one found at http://www.harborfreight.com/dual-drum-rotary-rock-tumbler-67632.html would work to constantly roll the bottle of ink.

Handling of ink in ink cartridges and printer tubes

Shake ink cartridges vigorously for 3-5 seconds before use and weekly. First, make sure to remove the rubber seals from the cartridges in order to release the pressure. When restarting after one or two days, we recommend performing a cleaning cycle before starting production.

Remove white ink during long time of inactivity

Remove the white ink from the ink system and flush out the print head with distilled water or cleaning solution. The print head should remain filled with distilled water or cleaning solution until the printer is ready to be refilled with white ink.

Disposing of Waste Ink

DO NOT DISCARD INTO ANY SEWERS, INTO ANY BODY OF WATER, OR ON THE GROUND. Treatment, storage, transportation, and disposal must be in accordance with applicable Federal, State/Provincial, and Local laws and regulations.

Check with your local regulations for the proper disposal of waste ink.