Loading the New G2 White Ink

With the release of the new white ink, some steps are required to ensure a successful transition.

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RICOH DTG's newest white ink technology sets a new standard for quality and performance. RICOH White ink Type G2 is a direct improvement over the previous formula.​

Some of the benefits include:

• Increase in vibrancy between prints​
• Less settlement within cartridges and ink lines ​
• Improvement in nozzle jetting performance ​
• Improvements in durability to environmental conditions

When switching to the new Ricoh Type G2 ink there are a few things to consider. ​

All cartridges must be switched at once. We can NOT have different white ink (Type G1 and G2) cartridges in the same machine.  Print results will not be good and it may lead to nozzle loss. This means all white ink cartridges should match.​

Previously White ink Cartridges for the Ri 2000 were:
[342520] RICOH Garment Ink Cartridge White 1 Type G1
[342521] RICOH Garment Ink Cartridge White 2 Type G1
[342600] RICOH Garment Ink Cartridge White 1 (Hi Yield) Type G1
[342601] RICOH Garment Ink Cartridge White 2 (Hi Yield) Type G1

The new improved ink cartridges are:
[342836] RICOH Enhanced Garment Ink Cartridge White 1 Type G2
[342837] RICOH Enhanced Garment Ink Cartridge White 2 Type G2
[342812] RICOH Enhanced Garment Ink Cartridge White 1 (Hi Yield) Type G2
[342813] RICOH Enhanced Garment Ink Cartridge White 2 (Hi Yield) Type G2

Needed for recommended flushing:
QTY 2 [342526] RICOH Cleaning Cartridge White 1
QTY 2 [342527] RICOH Cleaning Cartridge White 2

Option 1 (RECOMMENDED) - Fully flush out the old type G1 white ink prior to loading the new type G2 white ink. This will allow you to enjoy all the benefits of the new white ink right away. This means you will need cleaning cartridges to flush the machine. You will need full cleaning cartridges for W1B and W2B and at least 50% for the W1A and W2A to perform the two-step flushing process described later.

Option 2 - You can also perform just the 1st flush prior to refilling with White Type G2 ink which requires less cleaning fluid but does not fully flush the lines. Depending on the age of the printer or carriage this may be adequate. 

Option 3 - Alternatively, you can skip the flushing process and just put in the new Type G2 white ink cartridges. This will require at least 5 strong cleans on all white heads to be performed after inserting the new cartridges. This will not harm the machine, but you may notice nozzle loss and might need to flush the lines to attempt recovery.

Flushing and Refilling

1. Check the level of the waste tank - if it is near full then you will need to empty it to prevent the flushing process from failing. In this case, make sure you empty your waste ink bottle and reset the counter.
   
2. Remove the old cartridges (G1) from the printer, then insert the cleaning cartridges in their place.
   
3. Go to the settings menu and select ink path control, then select cleaner charging, then choose only the white carriage.
   
   
4. The first flush will take about 30 minutes and will pull only a small amount of cleaning liquid into the tubes but will not clear the entire line of ink. If left in this state, the machine will continue to perform head cleans in your white channels. This can be helpful when dealing with clogged nozzles. Over time (days) the head cleans will clear the entire ink line and fill it with cleaning solution making the tubes fully transparent. In this state you can run head cleans and nozzle checks with cleaning fluid.
5. Running a second flush is recommended if you are storing the machine and powering off or switching inks. The printer will allow you to perform the flush a second time which will fully flush the ink lines. After about an hour, when the second flush has been completed, your ink lines should now be clear. In this state the printer will not perform auto maintenance and will not allow to print nozzle checks.
6. After flushing is complete, check that the white lines are clear.
   
7. Shake the new cartridges for 100 seconds before inserting to mix the ink that may have settled while stored. Insert the cartridges once shaken.
   
   
8. Return to the settings tab, select ink path control, then ink charging. Select the white carriage to initiate filling of the new ink.
   
9. Once the lines have been filled (usually taking around 50 minutes), print a nozzle check. If there are any missing nozzles, run a strong head clean to try and clear them. Once you have a good nozzle check, you are ready to start printing with the new ink.