Will my Printer Keep Perforated Dreamscape Media Flat During Printing?

 

The answer is Yes, in many cases.

The best system for printing pre-perforated media is, of course, to use a printer equipped with a mesh kit. Users of printers not equipped with a mesh kit have shared some pre perforated media printing techniques with us.

We have condensed these tips into some simple categories.

A basic solution related by some users is simply to increase the level of platen vacuum to a point where the media remains flat during printing. While this may be effective on some equipment, not all vacuum systems will be adequately strong to keep the media flat, additionally, this technique is risky as it presents a potential for ink to accumulate in the vacuum ports as well as the vacuum system itself.

We are aware of two successful options addressing both media flatness and ink accumulation. Both use tape to block some or all of the vacuum ports, but each is different in method depending on the architecture of the machine in use:

  1. The platen is approximately the same width as the print head array. A solution we have learned for this case is first to protect the entire vacuum array with tape, disable the vacuum system, then use media tension controls to keep perforated media flat during feed transport and printing. The security of the tape on the platen should be tested before attempting to run production. It is important to assure that vacuum is disabled if all ports are covered with tape.
  2. The platen vacuum ports are arranged in an array that is wider than the print head array. Some users have reported placing a band of tape over only those vacuum ports that are directly under the print head array. As always, vacuum and tension are adjusted so that the media remains flat both during carriage travel and feed transport. The vacuum ports before and after the live printing area will help keep the media flat. The tape will serve to keep ink that passes through the perforations out of the ports and out of the vacuum system.

 

In all cases, it is important to assure any tape placed under the moving media is secure and will remain secure over the full production run. When printing multiple rolls, always remove and replace tape between runs. Always inspect tape to assure that it is securely bound to the platen and not at risk of being removed by media transport.

 

Please contact us If you have tips or information to share about printing pre perforated media.