Model-specific support for inks, make-up fluids, cartridges, printheads, sensors, service parts, storage records and critical-spares planning.
Use the exact machine model, serial number, controller, printhead and approved ink or cartridge reference. Industrial inkjet consumables are not interchangeable simply because the colour or container looks similar. Chemistry, viscosity, electrical characteristics, nozzle design, seals, drying behaviour and substrate approval all depend on the installed system.
Provide the Lancing model, serial number, controller and printhead arrangement. Include photographs where the identification plate or installed configuration is unclear.
Record the full ink, make-up fluid, cartridge, cleaner, filter or part number already approved for the application. Do not rely on colour or a shortened description.
State the pack material, print position, storage environment, line speed and any change in packaging supplier, coating or cleaning process.
Compare the complete consumable route for the quoted machine, not only the purchase price of one bottle or cartridge.
| Coder type | Typical consumable categories to confirm | Key control question |
|---|---|---|
| Continuous inkjet (CIJ) | Model-approved ink, make-up fluid or solvent, cleaning materials and scheduled filters or service parts. | Which fluid references, storage conditions, service interval and waste route apply to the exact model and duty? |
| Thermal inkjet (TIJ) | Approved cartridge chemistry, colour, nozzle or printhead format, protective cap or cleaning material where specified. | Has the exact cartridge been tested for adhesion, drying, contrast and restart behaviour on the production pack? |
| Large-character inkjet | Ink supply, filters, cleaning materials and printhead-related service items matched to porous or non-porous cases. | Does the ink remain legible on the real carton colour, coating, dust level and storage route? |
| Handheld inkjet | Approved cartridge, charging accessories, guide rollers or application jig and model-specific cleaning items. | Can the operator maintain a controlled print distance and motion without contaminating or damaging the cartridge? |
A critical-spares list should be based on failure consequence, part lead time, shelf life, storage requirements and the site's recovery plan. Depending on the installed Lancing configuration, the relevant supply route may include approved cartridges or fluids, printheads, sensors, encoder components, cables, mounting items, conveyor belts, motors and routine service parts. The final list must be checked against the machine serial number and quotation.
Identify components whose failure stops production and cannot be safely bypassed. Consider whether a configured spare, exchange unit or documented temporary production route is more effective than holding many unverified parts.
Use the supplier label and safety data sheet for temperature, orientation, expiry, ventilation and segregation requirements. Rotate stock and do not transfer unidentified fluid into unlabelled containers.
Where settings, messages or network details are needed, a physical spare alone may not restore production. Keep current backups, software versions, wiring information and approved templates with the recovery plan.
Record which machine each part belongs to. Similar-looking sensors, printheads, filters or cartridges may have different electrical, software or material compatibility.
Printing inks and cleaning products can contain hazardous ingredients, and controls depend on the specific product and task. The Health and Safety Executive advises employers to assess and control exposure, use the supplied safety information and provide suitable instruction and training. The safety data sheet informs the assessment but does not replace it.
Keep the current SDS accessible for each approved ink, make-up fluid and cleaner. Check handling, storage, first aid, spill response and disposal information before use.
Assess the real replenishment, cleaning, leak and waste tasks. Controls may include ventilation, enclosure, avoiding skin contact, spill management and suitable protective equipment.
Where flammable solvents are present, the site's DSEAR assessment may need to cover storage, ventilation, ignition sources, spill response and any classified area. Do not assume a standard coder is suitable for a hazardous zone.
See the HSE guidance on COSHH and printing products, safety data sheets and DSEAR. Final controls remain application- and site-specific.
| Information to send | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Model, serial number and installed printhead | Confirms mechanical, electrical and software compatibility. |
| Full existing consumable or part reference | Prevents substitution based only on colour or appearance. |
| Photograph of label and connector | Helps identify variants where the written reference is incomplete. |
| Pack material and approved print sample | Protects the adhesion, contrast and drying result already accepted. |
| Production criticality and required quantity | Allows a risk-based discussion without making unsupported stock or delivery promises. |
| SDS and storage constraints | Confirms the site can receive, store and handle the product correctly. |
Do not substitute an ink or cartridge until compatibility has been confirmed for the exact printer and application. A substitute can change adhesion, drying, colour, viscosity, nozzle performance, seals, safety controls and warranty or service responsibility.
Consumption depends on message size, dot density, print frequency, line speed, starts and stops, cleaning, purge behaviour and the installed technology. Compare suppliers using an agreed production message and accepted-code output rather than an unsupported generic yield.
Many consumables have labelled shelf-life and storage conditions. Use the current manufacturer label and SDS, rotate stock and avoid purchasing quantities that cannot be used within the approved period.
Possible causes include a larger message, increased production, repeated purging, leaks, poor shutdown, unsuitable cleaning, environmental conditions or a developing fault. Compare consumption against operating hours and code count, then record recent changes before replacing parts.
The decision depends on production risk, part lead time, storage life, configuration and whether trained personnel can install and validate it. A spare that cannot be configured, fitted or approved safely may not reduce downtime.
Send the machine model and serial number, part reference, photographs, quantity, fault symptoms and delivery location. For a failed item, retain alarm history and installation evidence so the underlying cause is not missed.
Send the machine identification and current consumable reference for a model-specific response.
Request consumables or spares support