How to protect the ILP-4200 print head from drying out using a damp cloth or sponge inside an airtight container.

Basic Principle

• The goal is to create a slightly damp environment; avoid using a water bath or allowing water droplets to form on the print head.

• Under no circumstances should the contacts or electronics get wet, as this can cause short circuits and corrosion.

Preparation

• Use distilled water, not tap water (lime, salts, bacteria).

• Use a lint-free cloth or paper towel without loose fibers.

• The container must be clean and as airtight as possible.

Preparing the print head

• Remove the print head and gently wipe the nozzle surface only if visible ink residue is present (do not scrub).

• Cover electrical contacts and connectors with tape, e.g., Kapton tape or painter’s tape, to prevent direct contact with moisture.

How to place the print head in the container

• Lightly dampen the cloth with distilled water: it should be damp, but not dripping wet.

• Place the cloth in the container, e.g., along the edge or on the bottom, but position it so that the print head does not sit directly in the wet spot.

• Place the print head in the container with the nozzles facing down or to the side; The nozzles should hover just slightly above the damp surface, not directly in a puddle.

• Seal the can airtight.

Storage conditions and duration

• Store at 15–30 °C if possible; do not store in direct sunlight or near a heater.

• This is fine for breaks ranging from a few days to a few weeks.