TL;DR
Wash-up that does not clean completely leaves ink contamination for the next job. Check the wash-up cloth web feed, blade contact pressure, and the wash solution pump before repeating the cycle.
What you might see
- ink residue visible on rollers after wash-up cycle completes
- wash-up cloth advancing only partially
- wash solution not dispensing during the cycle
- next job print showing ghost or color contamination
Likely causes
Wash-up cloth roll depleted or jammed in the feed mechanism
Wash-up blade not contacting the roller due to actuator fault or worn blade
Wash solution pump not delivering fluid due to empty reservoir or pump fault
Ink viscosity too high for the wash solution formulation, requiring a different solvent
Required tools
- Nitrile gloves
- Replacement wash cloth roll
- Replacement wash-up blade (if worn)
Safety first
- Wash solvents are flammable. Keep away from ignition sources and maintain ventilation.
- Keep hands clear of rotating rollers during press operation. Lock out before re-threading the wash cloth.
Procedure
- 1
Check the wash cloth indicator on the press control panel. Confirm the cloth roll is not depleted.[1]
- 2
Open the wash-up unit access cover and inspect the cloth feed mechanism. Look for a jammed or twisted cloth web. Re-thread if needed.
- 3
Check the wash solution reservoir level. Refill if low. Verify the pump runs by listening for pump operation during the wash cycle.
Warning: Wash solvents are flammable and may be irritating to skin. Use nitrile gloves and maintain ventilation when handling wash solvents. - 4
Manually trigger the wash-up blade actuator from the service menu. Confirm the blade makes firm, even contact with the wash roller.[1]
- 5
If the blade does not contact uniformly, inspect the blade for wear and the actuator for correct travel. Replace the blade if worn.
- 6
Confirm the wash solution type matches the current ink type. Vegetable oil-based inks and UV inks require different wash solutions.
- 7
After resolving the root cause, run a full automatic wash cycle and visually confirm roller cleanliness before loading the next job.
Sources
Heidelberg Heidelberg Speedmaster XL 106 / CX 102 Offset Press (Sheetfed / Web) general technical documentation, Heidelberg
Offset press ink roller wash-up unit maintenance, general offset printing practice (general)
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