Inkjet printer

The main printer is a continuous inkjet printer that prints the batch number and expiry date on every bottle. It is controlled from its touchscreen. Menu names below match the printer screen; exact wording can differ between software versions.

Home screen

Changing the batch number and expiry date (before every batch)

1. 1Confirm the previous batch is finished and its bottles have left the printer.
2. 2Tap Login and log in with your operator password if the printer asks for one.
3. 3Tap Jobs and select the job for the product (e.g. HEMP BOTTLE).
4. 4Open the message for editing and select the batch number line.
5. 5Enter the new batch number exactly as written in the BPR.
6. 6Select the expiry line and enter the new expiry date exactly as written in the BPR (format e.g. EXP112027 = November 2027).
7. 7Save the message and load the job so the new code shows on the home screen preview.
8. 8A second person checks the screen against the BPR: batch number, expiry date and format.
9. 9Print test bottles. Check the actual printed bottles, not just the screen.
10. 10

Moving the code left or right

1. 1Tap Adjust, then the Move (four-arrow) icon.
2. 2Press the left or right arrow to shift the code along the bottle.
3. 3Print test bottles and check the code sits in the specified position.
4. 4Save the setting in the job (see P-16).

Making the code larger or smaller

1. 1Tap Adjust, then the Scale icon.
2. 2Press + to make the code larger, or − to make it smaller. Reference width: 50.
3. 3Print test bottles: the code must be fully readable and fit inside the print area.
4. 4Save the setting in the job (see P-17).

Print head cleaning at the cleaning (wash) station

The printer has a cleaning station beside the line: a holder that takes the print head, with a waste bottle underneath. Clean the print head at the end of each day, before a long stop, and whenever print quality drops (P-20).

1. 1Pause or stop printing so no bottles are being coded.
2. 2Wear gloves and safety glasses; the cleaning solution is a solvent.
3. 3Remove the print head from its bracket on the printing conveyor. Note its position and distance from the bottle so it can be refitted exactly.
4. 4Place the print head in the cleaning station holder, nozzle pointing down into the waste bottle.
5. 5Apply the company-approved cleaning chemical to the print head as the printer manual describes. Use only the approved cleaner for this printer.
6. 6On the printer screen, open the cleaning function in the printer settings (Tools) and start the print head clean.
7. 7Let the automatic clean run. The screen shows the cleaning time and counts down; do not remove the head until it finishes.
8. 8When cleaning is complete, remove the print head from the station and wipe the outside with a lint-free cloth if required.
9. 9