Progressive Profitable Printing

Supplies Best Practice Guide for

HP Indigo W7200 Digital Press and
HP Indigo WS6000 Digital Press series
© 2011 Copyright Hewlett-Packard
Development Company, L.P.

Reproduction, adaptation, or translation

without prior written permission is
prohibited, except as allowed under the
copyright laws.

The information contained herein is subject

to change without notice.

The only warranties for HP products and

services are set forth in the express warranty
statements accompanying such products and
services. Nothing herein should be
construed as constituting an additional
warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical
or editorial errors or omissions contained
herein.

HP, HP Indigo Press, HP Indigo Press RIP,

and HP ElectroInk are trademarks or
registered trademarks of HP.

Adobe® PostScript® is a trademark of

Adobe Systems Incorporated.

MS Windows® and Windows® are U.S.

registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

All other products or name brands are

trademarks of their respective holders.

The HP Indigo press counter feature records

the number of impressions you make using
your press. The counter does not reflect any
previous use of the press or its age.

This English version of the information guide

must be used as the original instructions.

The HP Indigo press is a Class 1 Laser

Product containing high voltage power
supplies and laser light sources. There is no
danger to persons or equipment when the
system is operated in accordance with the
directions provided by HP in this and other
publications. All high voltage power
supplies and laser sources are located
behind protective covers. Warning labels
are attached to each protective cover. Do
not remove covers.

Part Number: CA394-08940

4AA4-1356ENUC Revision 00: August 2011

Table of contents

1 Introduction ...................................................................................................................... 1
Scope ..................................................................................................................................... 1
Environment ............................................................................................................................ 1

2 General Guidelines ........................................................................................................... 3

3 PIP ................................................................................................................................... 5
PIP general guidelines ............................................................................................................... 5
PIP installation guidelines .......................................................................................................... 6
PIP Enhancement Unit (PEU) ....................................................................................................... 7
PIP during printing .................................................................................................................... 7

4 Blanket ............................................................................................................................ 8
Blanket general guidelines ........................................................................................................ 8
Blanket installation ................................................................................................................... 9
Substrate jams and substrate stuck to blanket ............................................................................... 9

5 Charge roller .................................................................................................................. 10

6 HP ElectroInk .................................................................................................................. 11

7 BID (Binary ink developer) .............................................................................................. 12

General BID guidelines ........................................................................................................... 12
Weekly BID guidelines ............................................................................................................ 12
BID installation guidelines ....................................................................................................... 13
BID printing guidelines ............................................................................................................ 13
BID leak prevention ................................................................................................................ 13
BID troubleshooting ................................................................................................................ 13

8 Imaging oil filter ............................................................................................................. 14

9 Cleaning Station blade ................................................................................................... 15

CA394-08940 iii
 10 Media and Substrates ................................................................................................... 16
General media and substrate guidelines ................................................................................... 16
HP approved media ............................................................................................................... 16
Substrate storage ................................................................................................................... 17

11 Recycling System in the HP Indigo Digital Press ............................................................. 18

12 Maintenance ................................................................................................................ 20
Long term shutdown of the press .............................................................................................. 20
Initializing the HP Indigo Digital Press after long term shutdown ................................................... 20
Preventive Maintenance .......................................................................................................... 21
Recommended maintenance routines for the HP Indigo Digital Press ............................................. 21
Supplies replacement policy .................................................................................................... 22

13 Color Management ....................................................................................................... 23

Introduction to Color management ........................................................................................... 23
Maintaining color quality and consistency in color critical applications ......................................... 23

14 Working with White Ink ............................................................................................... 25

Appendix A Substrate Definitions ...................................................................................... 26

Appendix B Color calibration guide ................................................................................... 29

Appendix C Service and support ........................................................................................ 34

iv
1 Introduction

As the operator of an HP Indigo digital press, you depend on the overall performance of this press; at
the same time, the press is dependent upon your skilled care and expertise. This Supplies Best Practice
guide provides technical recommendations for getting the best possible press performance. Just a few
minutes spent following the steps outlined in the guide can prevent problems that affect productivity.
Consistent implementation of these simple and time-efficient operator routines, proactive maintenance
practices, and troubleshooting tips, will minimize operator time and maximize overall uptime of the
press.

This document provides the following:

● Operator routines
● Proactive actions
● Troubleshooting tips

NOTE: Regulatory notice for Isopropyl Alcohol (IPA) and imaging oil: Some regions, including
portions of California, prohibit the use of IPA and imaging oil as cleaning agents. Check your local air
pollution control regulations to determine if IPA and imaging oil are permitted as cleaning agents. Do
not use IPA and imaging oil as cleaning agents in California or other areas where the use of IPA and
imaging oil as cleaning agents are prohibited. For alternative cleaning instructions, go to the My HP
Indigo website.

Scope
This document is intended for press owners and operators who want to improve their productivity and
increase press uptime.
● HP Indigo WS6000 Digital Press
● HP Indigo WS6000p Digital Press
● HP Indigo W7200 Digital Press

Environment
All environmental and power requirements that are described in the Site Preparation Guide are critical
for the optimal operation of the press. These include; external temperature, humidity, power to the press
and chiller.
● The temperature and humidity required are:
◦ Temperature – 20 to 25 degrees C (68 to 77 degrees F)
◦ Humidity – 50% - 70%
● The press should always be operated within its normal specification in order to ensure proper
operation and maximize performance.

Scope 1
 ● Keep a well organized and clean work space with proper lighting conditions.
● Use of a room thermometer and humidity sensor is recommended.
● Excessive humidity:
◦ May cause print quality artifacts.
◦ Will deteriorate the ozone filter.
◦ Can cause erosion of parts.
● Insufficient humidity:
◦ Can cause static electricity which can result in multiple error messages and/or haze on the
print.
◦ Can contribute to ink adhesion failure on the substrate.
◦ Can affect color consistency.
● How to identify humidity issues:
◦ Does the press print better in the early morning and change behavior later in the day?
◦ Does the night shift experience the same types of production problems as the day shift?
◦ Is the substrate allowed to acclimate in the same environment as the press for at least 24
hours before it being used?
◦ Is the humidity input system large enough to keep the room within the recommended range?
◦ Do you have more problems during the winter season?
● Chiller temperature set point of water inlet to press:
◦ HP Indigo press ws4500: 7 + 2 degrees C (44.6 + 2 degrees F)
◦ HP Indigo WS6000 Digital Press with economizer: 1.5 + 1 degrees C (44.6 + 2 degrees F)
● For more information on this subject, refer to the Site Preparation Guide and the User Guide for
the specific press.

2 Chapter 1 Introduction
2 General Guidelines

The following guidelines will help reduce your downtime, improve the consistency of your prints, and
maximize the performance of your supplies:
● Maintain your HP Indigo press, grease and clean according to the maintenance guidelines, pay
special attention to the following:
◦ Replace the Ozone filters every 36 million impressions.
◦ Replace the imaging oil filter at the recommended intervals.
● Verify that the Chiller set point is correct.
● Clean the ink pump density sensor, Conductivity sensor according to the maintenance guidelines.
● Clean the charge roller on a weekly basis.
● Verify that the cleaning station functionality and cleanness.
● Visually verify that the IMO in the reservoir is clean (drain the IMO and replace if needed).
● Wipe the wipers blade every beginning and end of shift (and when replacing a PIP).
● Verify that the BCS is defined and check functionality.
● Wipe all the BIDs every end of day.
● Verify that the substrate is defined properly in the system according to the type of substrate (see
Substrate Definitions on page 26).
● It is recommended that you print and file a baseline job on a daily basis. The job should be
compared to the job printed the previous day to ensure no drift in print quality. The job should be
printed after performing color adjust or automatic machine LUT.
● Replace supplies when:
◦ There is a print quality defect caused by one of the supplies.
◦ Damage has occurred to the supply during press maintenance or operation.
◦ A press software message informs you to replace the relevant supply.
◦ The Remote Support Engineer or the Customer Engineer has suggested replacing it.
● Before replacing the supply item:
◦ Printing the Print Quality Assistant job guides the operator to the correct source of the issue
and reduces wrong diagnosis.
◦ Before removing a supply, always verify the age of the item. It is uncommon that a new or
relatively new supply item is faulty.
◦ If the supply replacement does not solve the problem, call the customer care center for
advice.

3
 ● Work in a humidity and temperature controlled environment. This improves substrate run ability,
reduces substrate jams, reduces PIP auto bias failures, and improves color consistency.
● PIP related-failures can often be distinguished from blanket-related failures by the number of
separations that exhibit the failure. If four separations exhibit the failure, then it is a blanket-related
issue.

4 Chapter 2 General Guidelines

3 PIP

PIP general guidelines

● Avoid replacing the PIP foil and blanket at the same time if blanket replacement is not necessary.
● Regularly clean the cleaning station blade, when the press is not in Print mode, with a wipe that is
wet with imaging oil. It is recommended to do this every 10,000 impressions. A dirty blade can
cause scratches seen on the prints.
● Avoid bypassing the cold start. The cold start includes a PIP conditioning process and other
important processes that occur before printing. These processes are necessary for high and
consistent print quality.
● Do not use the Idle or Pause modes too much. These modes age the PIP foil just as the Printing
mode ages the PIP foil. Extensive use of the Idle or Pause mode shortens PIP foil life span.
● Only replace the PIP foil and the blanket at the same time if it is absolutely necessary. Unnecessary
supply replacements reduce your productivity.
● Dirty imaging oil can cause scratches on the PIP foil and on the prints. Avoid bypassing the
imaging oil dirtiness sensor when the Replace the imaging oil filters message appears. Bypassing
the sensor blocks the appearance of the message.
● Every month, a Shared Maintenance operator must verify the calibration of the imaging oil flow to
the cleaning station. Imaging oil flow that is too low can cause scratches on the PIP foil. Imaging
oil flow that is too high can cause oil to drip on the prints.
● A defective sponge roller can cause scratches on the PIP foil and on prints. Therefore, replace the
sponge roller if one of the following occurs:
◦ The sponge roller is damaged.
◦ Dirt does not come off when you clean the sponge roller.
◦ The sponge roller has printed more than 1 million impressions.
● Control the ambient relative humidity in the press room. The ambient relative humidity should be
50 - 70%. Humidity control decreases autobias issues and ensures maximum color consistency.
● Do not bypass the imaging oil temperature control.
● Replace the imaging oil filter on a regular basis, and check the oil flow rate.
● Every month, clean the PIP grounding contact brush. This prevents errors with the auto bias
calibration.
● Clean the charge roller on a weekly basis.
● Perform Charge roller calibration wizard.
● Clean the BIDs, wipe the Developer using a lint-free wipe with IMO every end of day.
● Verify that the PTE is clean, using a lint-free wipe with IPA.

PIP general guidelines 5

 ● Check that the PEU is defined.
● Check PEU mechanical functionality.
● Check C.S IMO flow rate is calibrated properly.
● Always monitor the IMO dirtiness sensor.
● Visually verify that the IMO in the reservoir is clean (drain the IMO and replace if needed), if the
IMO was found dirty replace the IMO filters as well.
● Verify that the substrate is defined properly in the system according to the type of substrate, this
can reduce the effect of image memory (see Substrate Definitions on page 26).

PIP installation guidelines

● Do not use excessive force to pull a used PIP foil out of its slot.
● Do not expose the PIP foil to direct light.
● Cool down the ITM drum to below 60° C to prevent PIP foil burn marks.
● Before you install a new PIP foil, clean the PIP under layer with a lint-free pad soaked with imaging
oil. The PIP under layer can absorb small particles which can cause marks on the prints.
● Spray imaging oil under the PIP foil trailing edge to ensure that the trailing edge sticks to the PIP
drum.
● Remove the protective paper by inching the PIP drum. This prevents rubbing marks on the PIP foil.
Rubbing marks can cause print quality defects.
● Push the PIP foil until the marked lines on both sides are aligned and centered with the PIP drum.
Incorrect PIP foil installation can cause PIP foil skew and damage the PIP foil.
● Wipe the cleaning station blade during every PIP foil replacement.
● Wipe the cleaning station sponge and vetting rollers during every PIP foil replacement.

6 Chapter 3 PIP
PIP Enhancement Unit (PEU)
● Avoid bypassing the PEU. The PEU enables you to print more impressions on one PIP foil by
maintaining a high level of print quality throughout the life span of the PIP foil.
● The PEU performance is affected by the press mode. It is preferable to use the Suspend mode
rather than the Idle mode:
◦ Suspend mode - The PEU cleans the PIP foil at the end of the print queue.
◦ Idle mode - The PEU cleans the PIP foil at the end of the print queue. However, scratches may
appear on the first few pages after the PEU stops. If this happens, clean the cleaning station
blade with a wipe that is wet with imaging oil. Then print 10 - 15 pages of any job until the
scratches disappear.
◦ In both press modes, make sure that the print queue does not exceed 8,000 impressions. If,
occasionally, the print queue must exceed 8,000 impressions, manually activate the PEU
through the PIP Polish wizard.
● Replace the PEU roller when the Replace the PEU roller message appears. Update the Replace Part
screen to reset the counter. The PEU removes contaminants from the PIP foil surface that
accumulate over time. For best performance, periodically change the PEU pad that collects
contaminants and dirt.

PIP during printing

● If the PIP foil has slipped from its holder, contact the customer care center to arrange a customer
engineer visit to correct it.
● Close the press doors when performing the Auto Bias and Color Adjustment wizards. Verify that
there are no scratches mark on the prints, if scratches are found stop the press, remove the Wipe
blade and wipe it using a lint-free wipe with IMO, install back the blade, resume printing and
verify that the scratches are gone.

PIP Enhancement Unit (PEU) 7

 4 Blanket

Blanket general guidelines

● Avoid replacing the PIP foil and the blanket at the same time if the PIP foil replacement is not
necessary.
● Substrate jams increases the risk damaging the blanket, consult with your customer care center if
you are experiencing ongoing substrate jams.
● Avoid using a non-HP Indigo-approved substrate, this may reduce blanket performance.
● Avoid bypassing the cold start. The cold start calibrates the second transfer pressure after a
blanket is replaced. Avoiding this calibration can cause ink transfer issues.
● Always run the Print Cleaner wizard with a substrate of same size as (or larger than) the largest
substrate that you plan to use when you switch the substrate size. If you use a smaller substrate,
you may encounter issues when you switch to a larger substrate because of dirt accumulation on
the blanket around the substrate area. This dirt can also increase the amount of substrate jams.
Run the Print Cleaner wizard before shutting down the press at the end of the day.
● Use an optimal workflow design. In general, smaller images can cause an image memory effect
on larger images. Printing in the correct order minimizes image memory issues. For example, print
images from largest to smallest, print substrates from largest to smallest, and print light coverage
before heavy coverage.
● Long run jobs may increase the memory effect on the blanket, try to mix short runs with long runs
when possible.
● Verify that the BCS is defined and check functionality.
● If running high coverage jobs, define the BCS to engage more frequently.
● If you experience mild substrate jams or loss of ink releasability, wait 3 to 5 minutes for the
blanket to recover and try again. This may eliminate the need to replace the blanket.
● Always run the Print Cleaner wizard with a substrate of same size as (or larger than) the largest
substrate that you plan to use when you switch the substrate size. If you use a smaller substrate,
you may encounter issues when you switch to a larger substrate because of dirt accumulation on
the blanket around the substrate area. This dirt can also increase the amount of substrate jams.
● Run the Print Cleaner wizard before shutting down the press at the end of the day.
● Before long breaks, it is recommended to manually clean the blanket by wiping it with a lint-free
tissue that is wet with imaging oil. This can increase the blanket life span.
● Use an optimal workflow design. In general, smaller images can cause an image memory effect
on larger images. Printing in the correct order minimizes image memory issues. For example, print
images from largest to smallest, print substrates from largest to smallest, and print light coverage
before heavy coverage.

8 Chapter 4 Blanket
 ● Every time you replace the blanket, run the First Transfer wizard. The first transfer pressure must be
adjusted separately for each blanket to obtain high print quality and to minimize image memory-
like issues. Calibrate the first transfer pressure according to the on-screen instructions.
● Every time you replace the blanket, run the First Transfer wizard. The first transfer pressure must be
adjusted separately for each blanket to obtain high print quality and to minimize image memory-
like issues. Calibrate the first transfer pressure according to the on-screen instructions.
● Clean the ITM drum shoulders and impression drum shoulders every week. This ensures accurate
temperature readings. Inaccurate temperature readings impact adhesion of ink on substrate,
image memories, and substrate transport.
● Only replace the blanket and the PIP foil at the same time if it is absolutely necessary. Unnecessary
supply replacements reduce your productivity.
● Verify that the substrate type is defined properly in the system, this can reduce the effect of image
memory (see Substrate Definitions on page 26).
● If you experience transfer issues, perform 2nd transfer calibration, followed by first transfer
wizard.

Blanket installation
● Install a new blanket using only the blanket installation wizard.
◦ ITM drum should be clean from any dirt or imaging oil residue.
◦ During blanket installation, apply a slight force against the drum rotation to stretch the
blanket around the drum.
◦ Correctly installing the blanket ensures blanket functionality and may improve the blanket life
span.
● Every time you replace the blanket, run the First Transfer Calibration wizard. The first transfer
pressure must be adjusted separately for each blanket to obtain high print quality and to minimize
image memory-like issues. Calibrate the first transfer pressure according to the on-screen
instructions.

Substrate jams and substrate stuck to blanket

● Clean the blanket as quickly as possible to remove ink residue. Use a lint-free pad and imaging
oil. Wipe any oil residue with a dry pad.
● Use the rubber scraper (supplied with the press accessories) to remove any substrate residue from
the hot blanket.
● Verify that the IMP drum is clean.
● Verify that the PIP wasn’t damaged and that there’s no paper stuck on it.
● That there are no pieces of paper stuck around the ITM (air knife, ITM suction,BID’s)
● Run the Print Cleaner wizard. Repeat several times, as needed.
● Never remove the two empty sheets in the Print Cleaner wizard, as they are needed to reduce the
blanket stickiness.

Blanket installation 9
 5 Charge roller

● Remove dirt from the charge roller surface using a wipe soaked with IPA. IPA is a better cleaner
than imaging oil. Use IPA up to twice a week. If you need to clean the charge roller more often,
then use imaging oil instead. Dirt affects the uniform charging of the PIP foil.
● Every week, and whenever you replace the charge roller, clean the balancing roller with IPA. Dirt
on the balancing roller modifies its performances and causes an electrical stress on the charge
roller.
● Replace the imaging oil filters when the Replace the imaging oil filters message appears. Dirty
imaging oil can cause imaging oil trails (in which particles get stuck under the cleaning station
blade), which affect the performance and durability of the charge roller.
● Store the charge roller in its box until it is installed on the digital press. After you open a charge
roller box, store it in a humidity controlled room. The charge roller rubber is sensitive to low
humidity.
● Do not use the Pause mode too much. This mode ages the charge roller just as the Printing mode
ages the charge roller. Extensive use of the Pause mode shortens the charge roller life span.
● Replace the charge roller when the Replace the charge roller message appears. This ensures high
and stable print quality. Update the Replace Part screen to reset the counter.
● To avoid a failure of the Charge Roller Calibration wizard, correctly install the PIP foil and the PIP
under layer. An incorrect calibration can cause the charge roller to bounce at the PIP foil leading
edge. This can disturb the electrical charging of the PIP foil, cause the charge roller to pick up
imaging oil, and lead to print quality issues.
● Regularly clean the cleaning station blade, when the digital press is not in Print mode, with a wipe
that is wet with imaging oil. It is recommended to do this every 10,000 impressions. Particles
trapped under the blade can cause oil trails, which disturb the uniform charging of the PIP foil. Oil
trails also cause long term damage to the charge roller surface.

10 Chapter 5 Charge roller

6 HP ElectroInk

● Every month, wash the ink pump filter and the TIC board with imaging oil to remove residual ink
buildups. Thoroughly clean the density and conductivity sensors. Severe ink buildup can clog the
ink pump filter, cause insufficient ink to flow to the BID, and interfere with the TIC board sensors
readings.
● When you rebuild the ink, always use a calibration cartridge. Rebuilding ink from a standard ink
cartridge is not an accurate way of reaching the target density level. This can cause various print
quality issues.
● After you rebuild the ink with a calibration cartridge, make sure that no ink remains in the
calibration cartridge. Then run the Ink Density Calibration wizard using 1.70 for the density
values. This re-calibrates the density sensor and removes the old density sensor calibration values.

11
 7 BID (Binary ink developer)

General BID guidelines

● Before shutting down the digital press, and before a break of over two hours, run the Dry BID
wizard for all BIDs that are configured on the digital press. This prevents dry ink residue from
accumulating on the roller surfaces, which can cause print quality issues (such as stains).
● Only remove BIDs from the digital press when necessary. Install BIDs smoothly and keep the BID
as horizontal as possible during the installation. Installing BIDs can damage the developer roller
surface and the PIP foil.
● Do not bypass the ink parameters (level, conductivity, density) or the BID diagnostics. It is essential
that BIDs work with inks at nominal conditions to ensure BID durability and ensure best print
quality. Bypassing BID diagnostics can cause print quality issues.
● Avoid unnecessary BID removal from the HP Indigo press, since the BID roller is sensitive to
mechanical damage.
● The BID unit is carefully monitored by the software, and automatic recovery is assumed when
needed. When an error occurs, it is important to follow the guidelines suggested to recover the
fault.
● If the BID is replaced as part of a troubleshooting process and found to be OK, it is important to
store it properly for later reuse.
● An unused BID should always be stored in its original styrofoam box for up to a year, and reused
with the same print quality. Before storing the BID, it is important to clean it in the BID washer, if
available, or clean any ink residue from the developer using a lint free wipe soaked with Imaging
Oil. Follow the directions in the BID Reuse Guide.
● Clean the ink pump density sensor, Conductivity sensor and charge roller on a weekly basis.
● Check the BID’s electrode and developer voltage and current during print, this will give you an
indication that the Ink Density and conductivity are ok. (the electrode and developer voltage and
current during print should be in the green zone)

Weekly BID guidelines

● While manually rotating the BID, clean the rubber developer roller and the metallic squeegee
roller with a lint-free wipe soaked with imaging oil. Clean the rollers until no ink residue remains.
This prevents dry ink residue from accumulating on the roller surfaces, which can cause print
quality issues (such as stains).
● Make sure that the BID draining hoses are not bent. This prevents BID draining issues and leaks
from the BID tray.

12 Chapter 7 BID (Binary ink developer)

 ● Every two weeks, run the Full BID Engage wizard. This prevents the BID from bouncing at the PIP
foil leading edge, which results in poor ink transfer.
● Make sure that the BID cooling fans work. This ensures the reliability of the BID motor.

BID installation guidelines

● Do not use any sharp tools to remove the BID packing and wrapping material.

BID printing guidelines

● Perform a BID drying procedure before a long break, do not wait for the 20 minute timeout.
● Clean the BID on a weekly basis using the BID washer if available.
● Some missing ink coverage caused by BID pressure may be resolved by using the BID Engage/
Disengage wizard - especially for leading edge issues.
● Check that the BID cooling fan is working properly on a weekly basis.
● Drain the water from the solid add compressor on a regular basis to avoid water leakage into the
ink system.

BID leak prevention

● Run the Ink Flow Calibration wizard. Set the flow to the minimum value allowed by the wizard.
Increasing time (in seconds) reduces the ink flow.
● Check the foam level in the ink tank, if it exceeds more than 80 mm during printing, rebuild the
ink.
● If the BID return pipe is blocked or kinked, it can result in BID leaking.
● Check if the fluid interface (FI) is blocked or kinked, it can result in BID leaking.
● Verify that the BID hose adapter carriage is clean from any sludge build-up. Use imaging oil and a
lint-free wipe (or a brush if available).

BID troubleshooting
● Some printing problems that appear to be caused by BID defects may actually be caused by other
press components.
● Do not replace a BID unless it is absolutely necessary to do so.
● The BID Replacement wizard scans and analyzes a special test job, and suggests the root cause
for the printing problem. Use this wizard to troubleshoot printing problems and to determine
whether they are caused by BIDs or other press components.

BID installation guidelines 13

 8 Imaging oil filter

● Replace the imaging oil filters when the Replace the imaging oil filters message appears. Imaging
oil filters remove particles from the cleaning station imaging oil. This prevents scratches from
appearing on the PIP foil and on the prints. Particles can also clog the heat exchanger, which
reduces its cooling efficiency and the imaging oil flow to the cleaning station. Heat exchanger
clogs eventually lead to PIP foil overheating and scratches. Do not bypass the imaging oil dirtiness
sensor because bypassing this sensor prevents the appearance of the Replace the imaging oil
filters message.
● Once a month, clean the imaging oil dirtiness sensor. This ensures consistent readings. Large
particles can block the optical sensor and cause incorrect readings.

14 Chapter 8 Imaging oil filter

9 Cleaning Station blade

● Clean the cleaning station blade regularly, when the press is not in Print mode, with a wipe that is
wet with imaging oil. It is recommended to do this every 10,000 impressions. If necessary,
change the blade edge. If you have already used all four blade edges, replace the blade. When
the digital press is operating, dirt particles can get stuck between the cleaning station blade and
the PIP foil. The particles can make scratches on the PIP foil and on the prints.
● Replace the imaging oil filters when the Replace the imaging oil filters message appears. Imaging
oil filters remove particles from the imaging oil.

15
 10 Media and Substrates

General media and substrate guidelines

● The HP Indigo press optimizes itself for each substrate according to the substrate definitions. To
avoid ink adhesion, ink transfer, color plane registration issues, and substrate jams, enter the
exact substrate definitions for each substrate:
◦ Width: accuracy of 0.1 mm
◦ Thickness: accuracy of 10 microns
◦ Optimized transfer parameters (Standard, Coated Gloss, Coated Matte, or Uncoated)
● To reduce substrate transport issues, do the following:
◦ Several hours (preferably 24 hours) before printing, acclimate substrates to the printing
conditions in a humidity-controlled environment.
The optimal ambient temperature is 20 - 25° C.

The optimal ambient relative humidity (RH) is 50 - 70%.

◦ Store the substrate in its original moisture-barrier wrapper.
● Check and update the gloss level parameter of the substrate. Note that uncoated substrates can
have a high gloss level that is similar to coated gloss substrates. Updating the gloss level
parameter of the substrate ensures consistent colors and maximum print quality.
● For substrates that are coated on only one side verify that the substrate is threaded at the correct
direction (coated side facing up). Verify that you are working with an HP approved substrate .
● If the substrate is coated/treated in house, verify that the coating/treating of the substrate was
done properly and that the coating/treating is in good quality, you can apply checking methods
for verifying the quality of the coating/treating. It is very important not to load poor quality
coated/treated substrate on to the press, it can cause image transfer issues, ink would not be
transferred properly onto the substrate causing the ink to stick to the blanket.
● Avoid using offset powder in the same room as or near an HP Indigo press. Avoid using offset
powder on any substrate that will run through an HP Indigo press. Offset powder can contaminate
the blanket and appear on prints.

HP approved media
● The HP Indigo Media Partners program ensures customer access to a wide variety of qualitative
substrates.
● HP Indigo approves substrates according to:
◦ Run ability
◦ Ink-substrate interaction

16 Chapter 10 Media and Substrates

 ◦ Ink transferability
◦ Blanket-substrate compatibility
◦ Blanket temperature operating window

Substrate storage
● Keep wrapped and labeled.
● Rewrap unneeded substrate.
● Store substrate in a way that you can easily see the label.
● Store in a clean, temperature and humidity controlled environment with these recommended
ranges:
◦ Temperature: 20 - 26° C
◦ Relative humidity (RH): 50 - 70%
● Storage temperature should be the same as print room temperature.

Substrate storage 17
 11 Recycling System in the HP Indigo
Digital Press

● The oil recycling system in the HP Indigo Digital Press reduces imaging oil consumption.

Figure 11-1 Recycling system in the HP Indigo Digital Press

● During the printing process, oil used as an Electroink carrier is separated from the image by
evaporation.
● A blower draws the vapor and ambient air into the cooler which condenses the oil and water
vapor.
● The oil recycling system separates the oil from the water. Ink additives are added to the recycled
imaging oil as needed, and the recycled oil is then fed back into the press for use in the printing
process.

18 Chapter 11 Recycling System in the HP Indigo Digital Press

● The water generated during the separation process is clean enough to qualify for disposal in the
municipal drainage system.
● The Oil recycling system requires minor maintenance, as described in the HP Indigo WS6000
Digital Press User Guide (CA394-00810) or HP Indigo W7200 Digital Press User Guide
(CA394-02371).

19
 12 Maintenance

Long term shutdown of the press

Preparing the HP Indigo press for a long-term shutdown If the HP Indigo press will be inactive for four
days or more, follow these steps to prepare the HP Indigo press for the long shutdown:
● Dry the BID units.
● Drain ink from the ink tanks into a clean container - Store this container for after shutdown.
● Remove the ink tank assembly.
● Refill the ink tanks with 3.8 liters of imaging oil. Do not rebuild ink.
● Remove the BID units from the HP Indigo press to avoid BID deterioration when the BIDs are not in
use.
● Clean the developer and squeegee rollers. Perform the procedure on all BID units.
● Store the BID in its original styrofoam container.
● Shut down the system.

Initializing the HP Indigo Digital Press after long

term shutdown
● Replace the ink stored before shutdown or rebuild a new ink.
● Unpack the BID units, and clean them with clean, lint-free wipes dampened with imaging oil.
● Remove the imaging oil from the ink tanks.
● Imaging oil in the tank can be reused.
● Rebuild the ink in the ink tanks using calibration cartridges.
● If the ink stored before shutdown is still usable (free of particulate matter), fill the tank with it.
● Rebuild the ink in the ink tanks with clean imaging oil and new ink concentrate cartridges.
● Wipe the cleaning station blade with a lint-free wipe and imaging oil.
● Initialize the press system.

20 Chapter 12 Maintenance
Preventive Maintenance
● HP Indigo Digital Press preventive maintenance (PM) procedures must be adhered to in order to
ensure proper operation of the press.
● These PM procedures are described in the user guide provided to the customer with each press
and are included in the PM wizard on the press.
● In addition to the daily, weekly and monthly preventive maintenance procedures, there are
impression-based preventive maintenance procedures that include replacement of parts because of
normal wear.
● It is essential that all preventive maintenance procedures be done in order to ensure the optimal
operation of the press.
● Team leaders or Shared-Maintenance-trained operators should trigger the PM activity.
● PM procedures should be scheduled included in the production schedule.
● PM kit orders should be scheduled in advance to better control shipping costs.

The recommended preventive maintenance procedures are shown in the table below:

Frequency Duration Maintenance Description Reference

Daily ~10 min Start-of-Day User Guide

Daily ~15 min End-of-Day User Guide

6M Impressions ~ 3 hrs 6M 6/12 Million Impression-

Preventive Maintenance
guide

12M Impressions ~ 4 hrs 12M 6/12 Million Impression-

Preventive Maintenance
guide

Recommended maintenance routines for the HP

Indigo Digital Press
Start of the shift – (~10 min)
● Clean the cleaning station wiper with imaging oil and wipe.
● Remove any existing bypass to cleaner page or BCS.
● Verify that the substrate definition matches the installed substrate.
● Clean the charge roller with imaging oil, and clean the balancing roller with IPA.

End of shift – (~15 min)

● Clean the blanket using the Print Cleaner wizard.
● Check the imaging oil level, if necessary, add imaging oil to the tanks.

Preventive Maintenance 21
 ● Empty two waste tanks.
● Dry the BIDs.
Weekly routines – (~30-60 min)
● Clean WHS rollers with IPA and clean rubber nip rollers with a cloth soaked with hot water.
● Clean PTE lamp.
● Clean ITM drum, remove sticky parts.
● Clean external heating lamps.
Monthly routines – (~20-40 min)
● Change ozone filters–pop up in the maintenance screen every 36M impressions.
● Activate greasing system on ITM, PIP, impression drum – pop up automatically in software version
8.1.2 and above (if Night mode is not used).
● Clean carbon brushes slip ring, clean the sensor.
● Check/clean the cleaning station if needed.

Supplies replacement policy

● Change wiper side after 20 K impressions.
● Replace PIP only as a result of a print quality issue.
● Replace blanket only as a result of a print quality issue.
● Change imaging oil and imaging oil filter - only when receiving a dirty imaging oil error message.
● Replace charge roller – according to pop up message every 500 K impressions, or as a result of a
print quality issue.

22 Chapter 12 Maintenance
13 Color Management

Introduction to Color management

● A digital press operator has 2 methods for controlling job color. These tools should be used by the
operator only for small color corrections and for a very short time. Any other color changes or
corrections should be made in prepress.
◦ Digital change through the job look-up-tables (LUT), this should be the first option used.
◦ Color Match tab controls, should be used only as a second option.
● Keeping your digital press at calibration values can ensure color consistency (over time, and
between digital presses). If an accuracy issue arises for any reason (e.g. unacceptable Pantone
match), additional matching must be done at the pre-press stage.
● HP Indigo provides a number of color profiles in the DFE that can be used for different application
in the press (e.g. Pantone matching, photo applications, etc.). If the embedded color profile is not
suitable for customer needs, a new color profile can be defined and used according to customer
preferences.
● Make sure that your substrate type definition is correct (gloss, semi-matte, matte).
● Design a print quality (PQ) master file (house job) that will be printed and used as a reference to
check that your digital press performance is within PQ specifications. This file will serve as a
reference within and between sites, and help distinguish between prepress and press issues.
● You can optionally print your own Pantone swatch book using your most commonly used
substrate, and provide it to customers for reference.
● You can expand your color space/gamut by using additional HP IndiChrome colors on your
digital press.

Maintaining color quality and consistency in color

critical applications
Most of the color matching issues seen in the field are due to press calibration issues or the use of
different RIPs and different color profiles on the presses. As customers try to match their different presses
by manipulating color profiles, the issue of color matching between presses becomes critical. Customers
use different color profiles for a number of reasons - availability of various color kits, image
enhancement tools, profiling tools, the existence of different RIPs at the same site, etc.

Introduction to Color management 23

 Refer to Color Matching for HP Indigo Digital Presses How-to Guide (CA394-03840), which covers the
following subjects:
● The general concept of color matching used to achieve the best color matching results between all
the HP-Indigo presses.
● How to achieve and maintain color matching between different presses on the same site and
between different sites.
● Issues associated with using different Digital Front End (DFE) / RIP configurations with dedicated
color profiles and Pantone tables for each printed job. Color calibration procedures should be
carried out based on color accuracy level required by the customer. The guidelines provided in
Color-Related Guide for HP Indigo WS6000 Digital Press (CA393–04630) should be used to
determine when and which calibration procedures to perform.

24 Chapter 13 Color Management

14 Working with White Ink

White ink is used in variety of applications, such as labels, shrink sleeves, and food packaging (with no
food contact). In most of the applications, white is used as a solid background for other colors. As a
result, there is a demand for white ink to have high opacity.
To achieve the required white ink opacity and style, operators should refer to Working with White Ink
on the HP Indigo WS6000 Digital Press How-to Guide (CA394-04320).

Download the document from the HP Indigo portal: go to My HP Indigo, and select Technical
Support > Labels and Packaging Presses > HP Indigo WS6000 Digital Press.

25
 A Substrate Definitions

1. In the Main Menu, select Substrate > Substrate List.

2. Select Properties > Edit.

3. In the General tab, verify that the following settings are correct:
● Type of substrate (for example, Labels)
● Substrate width (measure the substrate width)
● Substrate thickness (measure substrate thickness with a micrometer)
● Material type (coated, uncoated, Wine rough texture, etc.)
● Core size

26 Appendix A Substrate Definitions

4. In the Color Control tab, verify that the following settings are correct:
● If the substrate is not white, colored, or metalized, select the NON White Substrate
option.
● For White substrate, select the correct Gloss Level (Glossy, Semi matte, Matte).

NOTE: It is very important to set the correct Gloss Level for each substrate.

● Verify that Inherit color calibration from is NOT selected, and Label is selected (Label is
the default calibration substrate).
● Calibration substrate — used in color calibration process is selected.
● Measure the Optical Density (OD) of the substrate using X-rite and G mode. Enter the values
in the Optical Density boxes for each of the CMYK colors (OD differs for each substrate,
and for each Gloss Level).

NOTE: It is very important to set the correct OD values for each substrate.

5. In the Advanced tab, verify that the following settings are correct:
● Substrate tension (incorrect tension settings may cause scaling issues).
● Substrate Heat Resistance (automatically set according to the defined substrate type).
● Set point (automatically set according to the defined substrate type. Second transfer force can
be adjusted if scaling or transfer issues occur).
● Select the Conductive option ONLY if the substrate is conductive.
● End of roll diameter — use the default value, can be modified if needed.

27
 6. Click OK to save all the changes in the settings.
7. In the Substrate list screen, click Install to load the settings.

NOTE: If defining or determining the substrate type is not clear, follow the Color Matching for
HP Indigo Press How To Guide (CA394–03840)

28 Appendix A Substrate Definitions

B Color calibration guide

NOTE: The following tables are based on Color-Related Guide for HP Indigo WS6000 Digital Press
(CA393–04630).

Table B-1 Recommended frequency of color calibration related features for HP Indigo WS6000
Digital Press

Color calibration related Accuracy requirement

features
Very high High Normal (press default)

Short color calibration Not needed Only use Full Not needed Only use Full Only use automatic
color calibration color calibration calibrations (every 10,000
impressions)

Full color calibration Every 6,000 impressions Every 8,000 impressions Only use automatic
Before every color-critical job calibrations (every 20,000
impressions)

Quick ILD calibration This Every week Every 2 weeks Every 2 weeks
feature is replaced by Inline
Densitometer Calibration if
ILD Ceramic Tiles are
implemented

Full ILD calibration This Every month Every 2 months Every 4 months
feature is replaced by Inline
Densitometer Calibration if
ILD Ceramic Tiles are
implemented

Inline Densitometer Every month Every 2 months Every 4 months

Calibration Use this feature if
ILD Ceramic Tiles are
implemented

Ceramic Tiles Cleaning Every week Every week Every week

wizard Use this feature if ILD
Ceramic Tiles are
implemented

Substrate color hierarchy Perform the color calibration Perform the color calibration Perform the color calibration
on each substrate. Select the on the most commonly used on the highest gloss substrate
Calibration substrate - substrates per each group of that is commonly used. Other
used in color calibration type and material (such as substrates should inherit color
process option. Select the Labels/PE, Films/PET, and calibration parameters from
level of gloss for each Paper/Coated). Ensure that this specific substrate. Select
substrate. the other substrates inherit the Inherit color
color calibration parameters calibration from option.
from each group. Select the Select the level of gloss for
Inherit color calibration each substrate.
from option. Select the level
of gloss for each substrate.

29
 Table B-1 Recommended frequency of color calibration related features for HP Indigo WS6000
Digital Press (continued)

Color calibration related Accuracy requirement

features
Very high High Normal (press default)

Ignore history Always activate the check Before every color-critical job Not needed
box Before every repeated job

CCC Continuous Color Always activate CCC Before every color-critical job Before every long run job
Calibration Customers can choose to use
the CCC for long run jobs as
needed

Auto Bias during a job run If Always during color-critical Customers can choose to use Not needed
CCC is activated, ignore this long run jobs Every 1,000 the auto-bias procedure every
feature impressions 3,000 impressions during
long run jobs

V-electrode calibration After replacing a BID After replacing a BID After replacing a BID

Table B-2 Remarks and explanations of color calibration related features for HP Indigo
WS6000 Digital Press

Color Calibration related features Remarks and explanations

Short color calibration ● Make sure that you select all used screens.

This is automatically done during a cold start. Measures and ● Perform these calibrations after:
calibrates the solids optical density. Measures the dot gain of
◦ Replacing a blanket (perform the First Transfer
the HP Indigo Digital Press in three gray levels.
Calibration before the Color Calibration)
Full color calibration
◦ Replacing a PIP foil
Measures and calibrates the solids optical density. Measures
◦ Replacing a BID
the dot gain of the HP Indigo Digital Press in fifteen gray
levels. ◦ Rebuilding an ink tank

◦ Replacing substrate type

◦ When prompted by the press software

● It is recommended to perform a Full Color Calibration at

the beginning of each working shift.

Quick ILD calibration ● This feature only calibrates the substrate optical density.

This feature is replaced by Inline Densitometer Calibration if ● Measure the substrate OD with an external X-Rite
ILD Ceramic Tiles are implemented. Densitometer.

● Perform the Quick ILD calibration only on a glossy

substrate.

● This calibration can be performed via Print Care:

ILD Full Calibration Procedure

◦ Select "ILD without Ceramic Tile".

◦ Perform the wizard, and verify successful converge.

30 Appendix B Color calibration guide

Table B-2 Remarks and explanations of color calibration related features for HP Indigo
WS6000 Digital Press (continued)

Color Calibration related features Remarks and explanations

Full ILD calibration ● This calibration should be performed:

This feature is replaced by Inline Densitometer Calibration if ◦ When color difference problems occur
ILD Ceramic Tiles are implemented.
◦ When prompted by the press software

◦ When the inline densitometer (ILD) is replaced

◦ When the ILD ceramic tiles are replaced

● Verify that the external X-Rite densitometer (508 or 518

model is recommended) is:

◦ Calibrated using its own white ceramic patch

◦ In operating status "G"

◦ Set to "Absolute" mode

◦ Within the manufacturer's certification date

◦ Used over a white opaque substrate

● Verify that the white ILD shaft assembly roller (located

under the ILD) is kept clean.

● Perform the Full ILD calibration only on a glossy

substrate.

● Use a blanket and a PIP foil that do not have severe

image memories.

● This calibration can be performed via Print Care:

ILD Full Calibration Procedure

◦ Select "ILD with Ceramic Tile".

◦ Perform the Ceramic Tile Calibration wizard as the

last stage of the ILD Full Calibration procedure and
verify successful converge.

Inline Densitometer Calibration ● This feature is automatically performed after every 2,000
ILD measurements.
Use this feature if ILD Ceramic Tiles are implemented.
● The ILD moves to the front of the HP Indigo Digital Press
and reads the ceramic tiles.

● During this process, the ILD is calibrated by two ceramic

tiles (black and white), instead of the four printed solid
process colors.

Ceramic Tiles Cleaning wizard ● This feature allows the operator to manually clean the
ceramic tiles.
Use this feature if ILD Ceramic Tiles are implemented.

31
 Table B-2 Remarks and explanations of color calibration related features for HP Indigo
WS6000 Digital Press (continued)

Color Calibration related features Remarks and explanations

Substrate color hierarchy ● Measure the substrate optical density for cyan, magenta,
yellow, and black and insert the values at the Substrate
screen, Color Control tab.

● Make sure to insert a white opaque paper beneath the

substrate during the measurements.

● Select the substrate gloss level (glossy, semi matte, or

matte).

● For colored and metallized substrates, select Non-White.

● Define transparent films as semi-matte.

● Select other substrate-related parameters (such as

thickness, pressure, etc.).

● If the substrate type is unknown, follow the instructions in

Color Matching for HP Indigo Digital Presses How-to
Guide (CA394-03840).

Start with default parameters ● If color calibration fails, use this feature to troubleshoot
the issue.

Ignore history ● If "Ignore history" is selected, the measured LUT values

are not averaged with the previous LUT values. The HP
Indigo Digital Press uses only the current color
calibration results.

● Do not select the "Ignore history" when color calibration

is done in a middle of a job session.

● Select "Ignore history" based on:

◦ Recent press maintenance or baseline

◦ Type of printed job

◦ Customer experience

32 Appendix B Color calibration guide

Table B-2 Remarks and explanations of color calibration related features for HP Indigo
WS6000 Digital Press (continued)

Color Calibration related features Remarks and explanations

CCC ● The goal of CCC is to improve color consistency.

Continuous Color Calibration During a job run ● Calibration patterns are printed on the edge of the
format during the whole job’s run.

● CCC uses a 9 mm wide X 860 mm length printed strip.

● CCC contains solids and fifteen gray levels per

separation.

● CCC does not replace the Periodic Full Color

Calibration, because CCC does not include auto-bias,
V-electrode, single dot, or line-work calibrations.

● CCC analyzes target values when the algorithm starts.

During the run, CCC matches the target values by
changing the BID voltage and updating the machine LUT.

● CCC maintains color within a single job, but not

between repeated jobs that are printed at different times.

● The operator has the option whether or not to enable

CCC via job properties.

Auto Bias during a job run ● Auto-bias compensates for PIP foil aging.

● The auto-bias algorithm is performed as part of the

morning cold start, Short Color Calibration, and Full
Color Calibration.

● The auto-bias can also be manually initiated by the Auto

Bias wizard (when the press status is Ready or Print).

● To avoid color changes after auto-bias, it is

recommended to perform the auto-bias at suitable
frequencies per job.

V-electrode calibration ● This is automatically done during a cold start.

● If automatic color calibration is bypassed, make sure to

include the V-electrode calibration during the first daily
color calibration.

33
 C Service and support

To obtain service, please contact the customer care center within your country/region:

Europe:

Belgium: +32 (0)2 626 4803

France: +33 (0)1 57 32 41 07

Germany: +49 (0)69 38 07 89 193

Ireland: +353 (0)1 659 9760

Italy: +39 02 69430637

Luxembourg: +352 (0)24 87 13 98

Netherlands: +31 (0)20 547 6870

Spain: +34 9 12757781

UK: +44 (0)84 5604 7435

APJ:

Japan: +81 (0)3 3335 8440

Singapore: +65 6376 2941

Distribution Channels (DC): +31 (0)20 654 5543

North America: 1-800-204-6344

Israel: +972 (0)8 938 1818

North America International Israel APJ

Hewlett-Packard Company Hewlett-Packard Company Hewlett-Packard Company Hewlett-Packard Company

Indigo Division Indigo Division Indigo Division Asia Pacific Pte Ltd

165 Dascomb Road Limburglaan 5 Kiryat Weizmann No. 2 Boon Leat Terrace

Andover, MA 01810-5897 6221 SH Maastricht P.O. Box 150 # 04-01 Harbour Side 2

USA The Netherlands Rehovot 76101 Singapore 119844

Israel

34 Appendix C Service and support

Copyright © 2011 Hewlett-Packard Company

This is an HP Indigo digital print.

www.hp.com/go/indigo

PN: CA394-08940