Should we use Ultrasonic Cleaner to Unclog Printheads?

[@edgelordreapermain4098]

Thank you. You just helped me bring my Epson i1600 UV printer back to life after I thought I wasted $13,000

[@Tankwiper]

Hi. I have an issue with the same printhead. What liquid did you use?

[@edgelordreapermain4098]

@@Tankwiper the fluid for printhead maintenance is what I started with. Then you can also try denatured alcohol too

[@Tankwiper]

@@edgelordreapermain4098 Thanks. And you did use an ultrasonic cleaner?

[@edgelordreapermain4098]

@@Tankwiper yes just a basic one

[@celsiusswatt6021]

I tried to use ultrasonic cleaner on Epson R280/L800 printhead after I exhausted all other methods to unclog dried printhead to open more than 80% of nozzles. The printhead was from the printer manufactured in 2008. I used the combination of windex cleaner, distilled water and isopropyl alcohol as a cleaning solution as recommended on KZbin. The first 2 minutes of cleaning nozzle plate down was sufficient to kill it - due to delamination of the nozzle plate from glass substrate. The ink chambers are leaking into each other now. I am not sure that this happened only during cleaning, but the leakage was not present before cleaning. I took the nozzle plate off after that to inspect. The entire glass substrate is covered with very thin grey epoxy layer, which can be scratched by exacto knife to reveal glass. The nozzle plate back side is absolutely clean, with no signs of adhesive. It looks that ultrasonic penetrating the metal destroyed the adhesive layer. I would not recommend anyone to repeat this experiment, and looking for advice (?) how to glue the (perfectly cleaned) nozzle plate back to the printhead. In particular, the glue used for these heads is Epotek 301-2FL or Epotek U300 (these adhesives are filling the gaps due to capillary force), but I have no idea where to get it and if the repair is really possible.

[@colt5189]

I wonder if you had just used distilled water if the UC would have still destroyed the printhead? I wonder if the windex and alcohol may have been what caused the damage?

[@mccrain1514]

Did you manage to glue the nozzle plate?

[@oliverer3]

Epson uses piezoelectric printheads on the majority of their printers which would be way more susceptible to damage from ultrasonics than the thermoelectric printheads on pretty much all other consumer inkjet printers. I'd advise against this on Epson print heads.

[@typosim]

End of the day whether you found any method to seal it back... whichever method like silicon, i guess the your gasket glue is torn off, This print head is very sensitive , I have a unit from customer, the yellow got tainted with black in and the light cyan also a bit... I haven't go with experiment how to seal it back.

[@celsiusswatt6021]

I doubt that it can be sealed back outside of factory environment, because it is a 3-layer of different glues and there is a patent on how to do that. It is too "microscopic". I was planning to put together a video "how NOT to clean Epson printheads", mostly explaining what are the problems in recommendations on KZbin... But did not have time. In quick summary - it might be rather safe to use vacuum to clean them, but not safe to use many methods seen on the web.

[@MrCharlieCom]

Well informed video. Thanks for the advice. I never knew an ultrasonic cleaner could eat holes in aluminum foil. I tried it and it worked. From now on I'll be more careful what I put in an ultrasonic cleaner.

[@blasterfelix85]

Hello, a question so to clean an epson et2721 printer head in the ultrasonic tank I can't immerse it all? Or are there gaskets that would break? What temperature can it be set at?

[@donnaperyginathome]

I see that you have the integrated cartridges face down. Do you have the epson type face up? Can you submerge the entire epson type printhead?

[@billchambers6316]

When I was trained as Technician, we were always told never to run an ultrasonic leaner less than 3/4 full of cleaning fluid, as to do so will shorten the life of the unit.

[@OWK000]

I've tried using my sonicare toothbrush rubberbanded to a soaking cartridge. I don't think it had the bubble effect, just vibration. I didn't have good success. Good to know the vibration can destroy printheads. I did destroy that integrated cartridge, but I thought it happened when I touched the contacts with wet fingers.

[@BCHTechnologies]

Try to wipe the contact points dry and re-insert again. The cartridge may not be bad.

[@OWK000]

@@BCHTechnologies I think there is nothing wrong with the Hp cartridge, except the HP cartridge system is on a counter. (HP counts everything..). . . and I exhausted my times of taking the cartridge in and out of the printer and got my cartridge locked out.. This never used to happen on my early oughts HP. I think the only way to do refill ink on the HP these days is with a ciss installed on a virgin cartridge and just use it a lot to keep the printhead clean, because you cannot take it out without using up counts before lockout. Cartridge modification might work if you are very aware of how many times you take the cartridge in and out and accept that you will eventually get locked out. The nice nearly new Envy 5530 I picked up for free has bad cartridge holders that make if difficult (but not impossible) to ciss. Hp has gone nazi against refillers.

[@fabio.1]

Can we do that with EPSON printheads? Only using the 120kHz or the small machine using a basket?

[@Atetus94]

Hi, how about EPSON WF-7610 printhead? Can I use 45kHz cleaner?

[@ryanjohnquest5664]

Did you try it?

[@user-pe8ir4iy1e]

can we use this for epson large format print piezo printheads?

[@irys5735]

Hi, can i use ultrasonic on konica km512 solvent printhead? Thanks

[@saudiboy5136]

is the jewelry cleaner safe for L1800 head?, pls advise..i bought a cheap jewelry cleaner just to try it..how long should i clean let it stay in the cleaner?..pls advise

[@TCougar1]

Hi Kevin, would a printhead from a Epson stylus R2000 handle a ultrasonic cleaning ? sadly I have no access to high frequency Cleaner only the more standard 42Khz

[@speedraycer25]

I went to BCH website but they no longer have ultrasonic cleaners for sale, any other sites that have 75kHz?

[@qepaxhiu]

I have a spare clogged epson i3200 a1. Can i use ultrasonic cleaner?

[@Sergyggg]

it's for declogging the DYE inks (nice/simple/low-cost Canon printheads). But what with PIGMENTS? Aka Epsons 8-, 10-channels printheads (HP too, but they low-cost one- or two-colors HP's printheads I love (for 12-colors Z3100 etc.)

[@danilocruz4265]

how many minutes if canon printhead in ultrasonic cleaner?

[@DrmSeki]

Hi, can I use this cleaning process for HP latex 570 printheads? (Latex 831 printhead). In addition, I can not find the smallest products of 120khz. Is there a place where I can find small size (enough to fit the printhead) (maybe max 2 liters).

[@DMOCllc]

I cant find a 75khz printer for a good price. Thoughts on a Gen4 printhead on 40khz?

[@GaryTaylorvw]

Hello, can an ultrasonic cleaner be used on epson dx6 solvent head? I have a sc-s50600 and on head 2 the c1 and c2 is completely blocked, all others are perfect, thanks

[@BCHTechnologies]

No. Don’t do it .

[@filipinodiynot]

what ultrasonic solution can be used?

[@stuartist]

Would it be okay for HP 64 cartridges? You mentioned 63 and 65.

[@BCHTechnologies]

Yes.

[@apostolisioannou4073]

Ok it is safe for the head, but does it unclog the difficult nozzles?

[@nitrousman8882]

what about Epson printers? Can the R1800 and P600/3000 print heads be cleaned with US? Thanks for sharing this.... very informative!

[@BCHTechnologies]

No, don’t do Epson.

[@ottonero5801]

Ciao, ho una testa epson dx5 completamente riempita con inchiostri di pigmenti tessili, c'è un modo per sbloccarlo? ha solo 1 mese. Grazie

[@BCHTechnologies]

Ultrasuoni non dovrebbero essere usati per DX5, a meno che tu non sappia cosa stai facendo. Non è possibile utilizzare macchine ad ultrasuoni regolari e la macchina ad altissima frequenza costerà oltre $ 1000 USD. Inoltre, non è possibile eseguire il processo di pulizia fino a quando HP o Canon. Quindi, se non l'hai già fatto prima, ti suggerisco di non farlo.

[@TU-TOF]

thank you very much.

[@bheejayquines2608]

Will this work with DX5 eco solvent printhead?

[@BCHTechnologies]

No

[@lemuel5390]

Grazie per questo video. Volevo farti alcune domande: Gli inchiostri DTF causano ugualmente l'otturazione degli ugelli se non si usa spesso la stampante? In caso affermativo gli ugelli si possono pulire più facilmente rispetto all'inchiostro tradizionale per stampa su carta? Il metodo della pulizia ad ultrasuoni si può utilizzare solo su testine sottili come quelle integrate canon o hp? Quindi credo che non si possa fare la stessa cosa su testine epson R200 giusto? Da quanto ho capito la testina deve essere sottile come nel tuo video giusto? Posso utilizzare solo acqua distillata per la pulizia? Grazie mille.

[@КанатКалыков-ь9п]

Да, можно чистить ультразвуком + чистящая жидкость для печатающих головок, сообщи мне о своих результатах

[@marcussimpson9755]

Kevin, not sure if you still read this thread! I really appreciate your work and will be reaching out to BCH for future ink systems. I have an Epson 9900 printhead that is clogged, very persistent. I've already done one flush with 'Printhead Hospital' cleaning fluid (before discovering your site), unsuccessful, no change in the nozzle check. All colors perfect except for PK or MK (mostly clogged). I removed the printhead and reinstalled successfully without damage 1x. So, I'm thinking about trying your other techniques, ultrasonic or steam with distilled H20. Do you have any suggestions for the Epson 9900 printhead?

[@colt5189]

What did you end up doing on this? I've got an Epson printhead that the yellow is partially clogged and I've not been able to fully unclog all of the yellow ports. I've got the bottom of the head now sitting in cleaning solution. Not sure if ultrasonic cleaner would destroy the bottom of the printhead.

[@zeroumashi2947]

Try warming the solution, then sit the print head in it and attach a syringe to the nozzle and try lightly pulling the fluid through. just keep pulling the fluid through in several passes until you stop pulling diluted ink. If you get too much resistance, stop as you risk destroying the membrane.

[@harryshector]

Will this method work with an Epson WF 3640? Could you perhaps show how to remove the print head from this model printer in one of your videos? I confess that I'm a rank amateur with printers. I've used them for years, of course, and have been very dissatisfied with all but the Epson i currently own. I've HP - a very large machine, which was a disaster. HP support was terrible. After windows updated from Vista to W8, it was necessary to reinstall the software. The original was not compatible with W8, and the revised driver available on line did not include all of the needed files. There was one in particular, which was only available on the original install disk, which I threw away because W8 immediately reported it as incompatible. People complained about this continually in the HP forums, and HP never responded - nor did they make any effort to make the needed files available. Therefore, should I live to be 1000 years old, I'll never own another piece of HP equipment. Never. I don't print a great deal, so they tend to get clogged up. So, I tend to end up just trashing them. This is wasteful, and very annoying. I had a laser printer many years ago, and it worked fine until the thin plastic thing that transferred the powder to the paper tore, and I found it that would cost about the same as a new printer. And, of course, it was only black and white... Print head clogging has been an issue with every one of the ink jet printers I've had. I would like to get to the point where I can deal with these maintenance issues confidently, and your videos have certainly helped educate me regarding the procedures. Kudos also for the droll humor you inject into the narratives.

[@BCHTechnologies]

We have tried 85 kHz for 30 minutes. The higher the frequency the less power (safer). Most cleaners are 40-45 kHz and there ARE reports that UC destroyed Epson printheads. However, they didn't specify what frequency they used. Our video (for cleaning T252) is here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/qne7cqWkfqyld6M

[@abeditani8293]

Yes I try it on some print Head and get destroyed . And some did not . You need to not pass more than 60second and to do it with many time if need it but not for long time

[@DrmSeki]

One last question, if it's a printhead, how many minutes should I apply?

[@BCHTechnologies]

It depends. If it's Canon or HP's integrated cartridge, I would use any kind of ultrasonic cleaner (even low frequency like 45 kHz) for 20-30 minutes. If it's Epson, I will only use low power high frequency (>75 kHz) for 2-3 minutes. Epson's printhead shouldn't be ultrasonically cleaned unless you know what you are doing.

[@DrmSeki]

@@BCHTechnologies Thank you for your answer. In my previous comment I tried to give details about printhead, I guess you haven't seen it yet. I want to repeat my question. Can I use this cleaning process for HP latex 570 printheads? (Latex 831 printhead). In addition, I can not find the smallest products of 120khz. Is there a place where I can find small size (enough to fit the printhead) (maybe max 2 liters).. Thank you for helping.

[@BCHTechnologies]

@@DrmSeki The Kyocera is also a PiezoJet, like Epson. It uses chip on film technology so the quick answer is NO. However, if you can find a good high-end ultrasonic machine (over $1,000 for 75 kHz+) and do it carefully, you may be able to pull it off. It should be used as the last thing you want to do.

[@DrmSeki]

@@BCHTechnologies Thank you for your answer. I hope it will help. I found such a PCB from this awebddress " www.bjultrasonic.com/shop/120khz-60w-ultrasonic-transducer-120khz-60w-ultrasonic-pcb-generator/ " I decided to make 120khz small cleaner myself because I couldn't find the product I wanted in small sizes. I have more than 20 unused HP Latex 570 printheads. I'il try. I hope I'm successful in cleaning the HP 570 latex printhead with 120 khz. I will inform you about the results by writing here. Please tell me if you want to make a suggestion before you start cleaning. Thanks for your help

[@DrmSeki]

@BCH Technologies , hi My test results were very successful. I used a 135 khz cleaner, all printheads were successfully cleaned and ready for use.Thanks for the help

[@smithderf]

Instead of using an ultrasonic cleaners vibration just use a spare heating pads 60hz vibrator mechanism. Worked for me.

[@IanMcCrow]

Hello, what you mean with 'spare heating pads 60hz vibrator mechanism'? Is this a machine like ultrasonic cleaner? Thx and cheers M8

[@SianaGearz]

This has to be the most hilarious German writing i have seen so far. It is word salad but it almost has the proper sentence structure. I have this cheap EPSON scanner/printer combo that i bought 10 years ago, used for a bit, then put in a box and forgot i had it; now the black head still works because it had a high-quality third-party cartridge for $2 in it, but the 3 colour heads that still had the original EPSON cartridges in them are clogged pretty tight. I keep forgetting the model, i think the DX4050, but it runs on T071x cartridges. I also have an ultrasonic cleaner somewhere that i bought at ALDI or LIDL 20 years ago for probably about $15, which obviously means it's the highest quality product known to mankind. It should be 35W/40 KHz. Do you think it's a reasonably sensible idea to dismantle my printer and ultrasonic clean the head? What kind of liquids are most suitable? It's not like the printer is very valuable, i just enjoy fixing stuff, and if you happen to know or have a good suspicion whether they survive ultrasonic, that would be super helpful.

[@BCHTechnologies]

If it is a cheap Epson, it will have a higher chance to survive the ultrasonic. However, have you tried hot water (or cleaning solution)? The OEM cartridge is clogged solid may have something to do with its ink type. If it is the pigment ink, then unclogging is very hard. Try to put the printhead in hot water or cleaning solution, or flush it with a syringe and tube. We did the flushing at 13:30 of this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hWPJkqabicpmbtU

[@Colora2]

Hi, what do you recommend I do for an HP CN688A printhead?

[@BCHTechnologies]

It has a membrane inside. Therefore, I would try to flush (push) and suck from the bottom first. Make sure don't push too hard otherwise you will break the film. Ultrasonic is not good for printheads with a membrane unless you have a high frequency (>75 kHz, normally >$1,000) machines.

[@Colora2]

BCH Technologies thank you very much for your advice I will do that

[@Colora2]

BCH Technologies I was able to unclog the color nozzles but not the black ink one. It was actually working before but I used an expired black ink cartridge on it and now it’s extremely clogged. I’ve been trying and trying but with no success. On the other hand, the color nozzles are flowing beautifully now, and those were the problem before! I don’t know if I should keep trying or just give up. I’ve been using 91% isopropyl alcohol to unclog them. Do you have any tips for me? Also, Ive been using a large plastic meat injector syringe with some clear vinyl tubing attached to it to force the alcohol through the nozzles. It actually works very well just can’t get the black ink to budge.

[@anthonyjuan6726]

Hi will it work to clean Epson f2000 print head? Thank you so much! Your video is SO informative!

[@potatogaming8322]

will this work on epson L1800 printhead?

[@BCHTechnologies]

I don’t think so.

[@helmetsa4748]

Working perfectly

[@havefun8962]

boss what kind of water u use? we can use anykind of water?

[@BCHTechnologies]

It depends on the printhead. If it is less than $50, we will use regular tap water. If it is more expensive ones, we will use distilled water. Distilled water is relatively cheap in the US, less than $1 a gallon. If the printhead was clogged by Epson's OEM ink (pigment), then we may use cleaning solutions rather than water.

[@havefun8962]

@@BCHTechnologies my print head is for L1800 epson

[@BCHTechnologies]

​@@havefun8962 In this case, don't use ultrasonic. It looks like it's using dye ink, so you should be able to unclog by just flushing. No need to go ultrasonic. If everything fails and you have to use ultrasonic, try to get the highest frequency as possible. It's better to use 75kHz or even higher. Most cleaners are 45 kHz and will damage the printhead. The higher the frequency, the less power, and smaller the bubbles are. Also, only do it at a short time. Because the Epson uses chip-on-film technology, you may get the Piezo film damaged. Again, I am against using ultrasonic on this model, unless you have a lot of experience

[@havefun8962]

@@BCHTechnologies the printhead i have is L1800 Epson. And i ddnt use it in 5 years.. Then yesterday i put it on ultra sonic and normal water. Then i use strong air pressure. Then i see in the yellow dry ink in the hole its look like Clay stick comming outside while im sprying it with air Pressure

[@itfben]

@@havefun8962- so did it fix or not?

[@SevenDeMagnus]

New subscriber here, thanks for the honesty. I'll upgrade my ultrasonic cleaner (a small one) to BCH someday. God bless.

[@BCHTechnologies]

Welcome to the channel! I'm glad you found the content helpful. Upgrading to BCH sounds like a great plan!

[@SevenDeMagnus]

Coolness.

[@BCHTechnologies]

Thanks for stopping by!

[@BarrieBrown]

Deer Park that's good water! LOL

[@Govindan999]

alcahole is the villain. Its corrossive

[@doctorjoepawnshop3687]

excellent