Damper Collapse / Intermittent Dropout
high
ink-delivery
maintenance
Dropouts appear after short runs then recover at rest; dampers implode under vacuum.
Likely Causes
Damper membrane fatigue: Implodes under sustained draw.
Pump pulling too hard: Over-vacuum collapses dampers.
Quick Checks
- Observe line bubbles while printing.
- Check damper age vs OEM interval.
Step-by-Step Fix
Replace suspect dampers — Prevents vacuum collapse
Verify cap/pump health — Stabilizes supply pressure
Acceptance Criteria
- Stable nozzle test and 10-minute print without dropout