When using a dtg printer, you should understand that your environmental elements (i.e. temperature, humidity,…) can play a role in how your printer performs. For example, shops with low temperatures or low humidity might experience more clogged nozzles. Also, areas that have a high level of dust will tend to receive a higher amount of errors associated with a dirty encoder strip. If you plan on taking your printer on the road to do event production, you will want to check out the weather forecast in advance and prepare for the climate at that location.
MAINTENANCE TIP: A good trick to help keeping the nozzles in the print head from drying up at night is to put a damp towel under the platen, load the platen directly below the print head and place a low-nap or lint-free towel covering up the top of the printer / platen. This will create a closed in area of humidity below the print head and will keep the nozzles moist.
I recommend that every dtg owner have a small digital temperature gauge to keep track of these items. Most dtg printers will operate efficiently when there is approximately 50% humidity.
Digital Humidity Gauge
Some shops may need to purchase a small humidifier to compensate for low humidity levels – especially during the winter months when heaters are used. When looking at a humidifier, you will want one that can last through the evening - so a large tank would be recommended.
Please contact your dtg manufacturer for the recommended level of humidity for your specific printer. Here are a couple of links to posts that talk about how the environment has affected some printers:
* http://www.inkjetgarmentprinters.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=4116
* http://www.inkjetgarmentprinters.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=4188