We’ve finished printing and we seemed to have avoided any major printing clogs by adding in a few steps. I am posting our modified printing protocol in case that it can prevent problems for others. Our rationale is that by changing the pH gradually after printing on the substrate, we can prevent precipitation from the drastic changes in pH from the acidified metal solutions to the basic “ink base”.

We have carried out the following order with each different combination of metals. (So, these steps were carried out once each day since we print one combination a day.)

1. Ink base (storage)
2. Acidified ink base
3. Metal nitrate solutions – print on substrate

To store, after printing:
4. Acidified ink base
5. Water
6. Ink base (storage)

All steps consist of a nozzle check. We also wipe down the puncturing pin which opens the cartridge valve with a kimwipe. If necessary, a head cleaning is used - but sparingly. Usually we move on to carry out a head cleaning only at steps three and six (when it is most important to check that the entire nozzle pattern is present).

I hope that all is going well for everyone else.
Best wishes from Ithaca College!