Mimaki Printheads: Specs, Cleaning and Replacement

A Mimaki printhead is the piezo inkjet head that fires ink onto the media. Most print quality problems (missing lines, banding, color dropout) start at the head, and most can be fixed with cleaning and maintenance before you replace it. This guide covers Mimaki head specs, cleaning, errors and replacement heads.

Mimaki UJF-6042 MkII e printhead specifications

Specs from Mimaki USA. Mimaki lists the UJF-6042 MkII e head as an on-demand piezo head and does not name the head maker (such as Ricoh Gen4) in its specs; order heads by Mimaki part number.

How to clean a Mimaki printhead

1. Print a test pattern (TEST PRINT / TEST DRAW) and note which colors and nozzles are missing.
2. Run a normal head cleaning from the CLEANING menu and test print again. Avoid back-to-back hard cleanings; they use a lot of ink.
3. Clean the wiper, cap and the area around the head with a cleaning stick and the Mimaki maintenance liquid for your ink. Never wipe the nozzle plate itself.
4. Run a hard cleaning or nozzle wash for nozzles that stay out, then test print.
5. Check ink and dampers. A whole color dropping out usually means empty or expired ink, air in the line or a failed damper, not a bad head.
6. Use nozzle recovery (on models that have it) to cover a few dead nozzles while you wait for a part.

Mimaki printhead errors

Head errors on the panel (head temperature, head connection or head ID errors) usually come from a loose or damaged head cable (FFC/FPC), a head heater fault, or a slider PCB problem rather than a dead head. Power down, reseat the head cables, and note the exact error text before ordering parts. Call 480-229-7806 with your model and the error and we will match the part.

Replacement Mimaki printheads and head parts

• Mimaki print head for CJV30, JV33, JV5, TPC-1000, TS30-1300
• Mimaki print head unit for UJF-3042
• Mimaki 330 Series print head (UC)
• Mimaki solvent print head assembly
• Mimaki S print head assembly
• All Mimaki parts, printers and ink
• Mimaki maintenance: liquids, wipers and dampers
• Fixing Mimaki test print problems

Mimaki printhead FAQ

How do I clean a Mimaki printer head?

Run a normal cleaning from the printer menu and print a test pattern. If nozzles are still out, clean the wiper, cap and the area around the head with a cleaning stick and Mimaki maintenance liquid, then run a hard cleaning or nozzle wash. Never wipe the nozzle plate directly.

How do I fix a Mimaki printhead error?

Write down the exact error, power the printer down, and reseat the head cables. Many head errors come from a loose or damaged head cable, a head heater fault or a slider board, not the head itself. Call 480-229-7806 and we will help match the part.

Do Mimaki printers use Epson print heads?

Some older Mimaki solvent printers, such as the JV33 and CJV30, use Epson-made piezo heads, while Mimaki UV and newer models use other head suppliers. Either way, buy the head by its Mimaki part number so it matches your machine.

How many print heads does the Mimaki UJF-6042 MkII e have?

Four heads in a staggered layout, printing up to 1200 dpi with a 5 pl minimum drop.

When should I replace a Mimaki printhead?

Replace the head only when nozzles stay out after cleanings, wiper and cap replacement, fresh ink and a new damper, or when a head error stays after the cables are checked.