HP Z3200 PS storage

[Lewando_Images]

         I have a 3 year old 44" Z3200 PS that works excellent and has only had a few head problems that were easily fixed by replacing the head. Now I have to leave it turned off for about 3 months. I'm worried about creating problems with this excellent running machine. I read in this forum a while ago about pulling all heads and ink cartridges and putting them in zip-lock bags. I have looked for this thread and can't seem to find it. I'm not sure of the process......does anyone have a link to the thread talking about storing the Z3200 or can you tell me what you have done when leaving it off for this length of time. Any suggestions would be deeply appreciated....

[plasakow]

If you can find the little protective orange clips that came with the printheads and covered the actual head and ink ports, use them and put everything in zip lock bags. Squeeze as much air out as you can (I would use the submerge method- google zip lock bags and Sous Vide steaks). If you can't find the clips, just use the bags but only put one PH in each bag so the actual heads don't get scratched.

I don't see any point in bagging the ink cartridges since they're pretty well sealed on their own. I've had cartridges sitting around for a year or more, partially used and not at all protected and they've done just fine. Can't hurt, though.

If you really want to be cautious, purge the ink system on the printer. When it's time to put it all back together, you'll have to use a primer syringe (call LPS) or the expensive little primer heads that HP sells. If you're not used to working on the printers, the syringe method might be intimidating but it's childsplay, really.

If you're in the US PM me your address and I'll mail you a set of orange clips if you want. I've got two Z3200s and run a volume business, so I've got a jar full of those things. Happy to do so internationally as well, but I'd appreciate the postage for that.

[Lewando_Images]

    Thanks so much for your reply. I have a set of orange clips. What I'm not sure of is the process of removing the heads and getting the carriage back to it's position on the docking station. I remember something about pulling the plug once the heads move out. But then how do you getting back on the docking station ? How do I go about removing the heads and shutting it down with everything in it's proper position ? I don't plan on purging the lines for it to be shut down for 3 months. My understanding is that the lines seal themselves when the head and ink is removed. Is this correct or am I just better off just leaving everything the way it is for 3 months and hoping it is a mess when I go to start it back up ?   

[neil snape]

One of the Z3200's I had was left offline for a year. I did notice that the gloss enhancer ink line was plugged likely dried out. I'd say keep the printer in a rather humid environment, certainly not hot and dry. The parc dampers and wipers will also likely get rather gummy. Three months though is likely not going to be any trouble if it is not hot>

[Lewando_Images]

  I live by the ocean .....so very humid environment. Plus it's winter so no worries about heat and it really doesn't freeze here often. The heat will be off the entire time.....most likely the inside temps will vary between the high 40's to maybe 60.

[plasakow]

    Thanks so much for your reply. I have a set of orange clips. What I'm not sure of is the process of removing the heads and getting the carriage back to it's position on the docking station. I remember something about pulling the plug once the heads move out. But then how do you getting back on the docking station ? How do I go about removing the heads and shutting it down with everything in it's proper position ? I don't plan on purging the lines for it to be shut down for 3 months. My understanding is that the lines seal themselves when the head and ink is removed. Is this correct or am I just better off just leaving everything the way it is for 3 months and hoping it is a mess when I go to start it back up ?

The carriage's position over the service station (I'm sure that's what you're referring to as the "dock") shouldn't be a factor. The reason one wants the carriage to be in its "home" position there is so the printheads are capped by the service station when not in use. You're removing the print heads, so it's moot.

I agree with Neil Snape's previous comment: as long as it's not in an extreme heat/cold/humidity environment, 3 months isn't much time. I suspect you could leave the Print Heads in place and as long as they're capped by the SS I'd bet they'll work just find when you plug it back in.  It's easy to clip 'em and bag 'em, though so there's no reason not to take that precaution. 

[plasakow]

  I live by the ocean .....so very humid environment. Plus it's winter so no worries about heat and it really doesn't freeze here often. The heat will be off the entire time.....most likely the inside temps will vary between the high 40's to maybe 60.

The temp is fine but if the humidity is very high (unlikely during the winter) I'd hang a pack of DampRid inside, then wrap the entire printer with lots of Dollar Store plastic food wrap. It doesn't need to be airtight, just an aid for the desiccant packs. Again, this is describing an action for an overabundance of caution and is probably not necessary. That said, I'd probably do it if I were in the same situation.

[Lewando_Images]

     Thanks all for your suggestions, I really appreciate your help. The humidity will most likely stay between 45 and 65 percent for the 3 months I'm gone. So I will probably leave it as it is.  I'll let you know how things work on my return.