L1800 printhead problem

[Stuart21]

I have an Epson L1800 (mounted on a Chinese flatbed base), driven by an iMac, which cannot be aligned. Prints very well for a long time, then, when I try to align the printheads, they just go completely out of alignment - it becomes totally unusable.

This is the nozzle check, so all nozzles are firing.

However when I print the alignment sheet, this is what I get;

The first row prints quite well - however the second row is unusably light, while the third row is almost non existent.

Would anybody know what is the problem?

Also, it stands to reason that the alignment settings are stored on the printhead itself, rather than on the main board. Does anybody know if this is the case?

TIA!

 

[ruffin]

Do you use OEM Epson brand ink??

Here is Youtube video that may help:

 

[Stuart21]

No Ruffin, I am using an ecosolvent ink from Korea. I am printing on to hard ABS, so Epson inks wont adhere to the surface without surface coating.

 

[ruffin]

Stuart: Dont think print heads just go out of alignment. You certainly know better than I, since your printing was successful for some time. Good luck with it.