How to Replace a Mimaki Cloth Wiper: Step-by-Step Maintenance Guide
Keeping your Mimaki printer properly maintained is one of the best ways to protect print quality, prevent unexpected downtime, and extend the life of your equipment.
One maintenance task that's easy to overlook is replacing the cloth wiper. Found on several Mimaki UV, dye sublimation, and other professional inkjet printers, this component plays an important role in keeping the printhead cleaning system operating properly.
In this Blue Ridge University tutorial, we walk you through how to replace a Mimaki cloth wiper, including accessing the maintenance station, removing the old wiper, installing the replacement, and completing the process through your printer's maintenance menu.
Watch our step-by-step Mimaki cloth wiper replacement tutorial below.
Watch the Mimaki Cloth Wiper Replacement Video
What Does a Mimaki Cloth Wiper Do?
The cloth wiper is part of your Mimaki printer's automatic printhead maintenance system.
During printing, small amounts of excess ink and debris can accumulate around the printhead nozzles. If that buildup isn't properly managed, it can contribute to clogged nozzles, inconsistent printing, and additional maintenance requirements.
Unlike traditional rubber wipers, Mimaki's cloth wiper system uses absorbent cloth material to help remove excess ink and contaminants.
As the printer operates, the system advances the cloth to provide fresh material for cleaning. Over time, the available cloth is used up and must be replaced.
Regular cloth wiper replacement helps:
-
Maintain consistent print quality
-
Reduce excess ink buildup around the printhead
-
Support automatic cleaning operations
-
Reduce the risk of avoidable printhead maintenance issues
-
Keep your printer operating efficiently
How Do You Know When to Replace Your Mimaki Cloth Wiper?
Many Mimaki printers equipped with a cloth wiper system automatically monitor wiper usage.
When the cloth reaches the end of its usable length, the printer displays a "Wiper End" message, indicating that it's time for replacement.
You don't need to guess when your cloth wiper is running low. The printer's maintenance system helps track usage and alerts you when replacement is necessary.
Keeping a spare cloth wiper available is a good idea, especially for businesses running their printers daily.
How to Change a Mimaki Cloth Wiper
Replacing a cloth wiper is a relatively straightforward maintenance procedure. However, proper installation is important to ensure that the cloth advances correctly and the cleaning system continues functioning as intended.
Before beginning, have the appropriate replacement cloth wiper and manufacturer-recommended safety equipment available. Always follow the instructions and safety precautions for your specific printer.
Step 1: Access the Maintenance Menu
Start at your Mimaki printer's control panel.
Navigate to:
MENU ā Maintenance ā Station Maint. ā Replace Wiper
Select the replacement function and press Enter.
The printer will move the carriage into the appropriate position to allow access to the maintenance station.
Always use the designated maintenance function rather than manually forcing the carriage into position.
Step 2: Open the Maintenance Area
Once the printer has completed its positioning sequence, open the maintenance cover on the right side of the printer.
Inside, you'll find the maintenance station containing the printhead caps and cloth wiper assembly.
Locate the cloth wiper housing before proceeding.
Step 3: Release the Cloth Wiper Cover
The cloth wiper assembly is protected by a cover secured with retaining tabs.
Locate the two tabs at the front of the wiper cover and carefully release them.
Lift the cover to expose the cloth wiper assembly underneath.
Avoid forcing the plastic components, as these tabs are designed to release without excessive pressure.
Step 4: Remove the Used Cloth Wiper
With the cover open, carefully remove the used cloth wiper following your printer's maintenance instructions.
Take note of how the cloth is positioned and routed through the assembly. This will make installing the replacement much easier.
Dispose of the used cloth wiper according to Mimaki's instructions and applicable waste disposal requirements.
Step 5: Clean the Wiper Area
While the cloth wiper is removed, take the opportunity to inspect the surrounding maintenance components.
Using appropriate Mimaki-approved maintenance supplies, remove accumulated ink or debris from the areas specified in your printer's maintenance manual.
Avoid aggressive scrubbing or using unapproved cleaning chemicals that could damage the components.
Step 6: Install the New Cloth Wiper
Remove the replacement cloth wiper from its packaging.
Carefully prepare and position the cloth according to Mimaki's instructions.
Important: Mimaki specifies that approximately three wraps of cloth must remain around the spindle. If the cloth is completely unwound, it may detach during operation.
Install the new cloth wiper into the housing, following the correct orientation for your printer.
Make sure the assembly is seated correctly and the cloth is not twisted or improperly routed.
Step 7: Close the Wiper Assembly
After installing the replacement, close the cloth wiper cover and make sure the retaining tabs are securely engaged.
Check that the assembly is properly seated and that no material is caught in the cover.
Close the printer's maintenance cover.
Step 8: Complete the Replacement Process
Return to the printer's control panel and press Enter to complete the replacement procedure.
The printer will reset its cloth wiper usage counter, allowing it to track the remaining cloth on the new wiper.
Your cloth wiper replacement is now complete.
Which Mimaki Printers Use Cloth Wipers?
Mimaki uses cloth wiper systems across several professional inkjet printer families, including UV, dye sublimation, and other wide-format printers.
Below are compatible models, with direct links to available printer listings at Blue Ridge Screen Products.
Mimaki UV Printers
-
Mimaki UJV200-130
These printers are compatible with cloth wiper maintenance systems. Be sure to confirm the correct replacement part for your specific model.
Mimaki Dye Sublimation Printers
-
Mimaki TS330-1800
Important: TS330 dye sublimation printers use different cloth wipers depending on the ink configuration. Models using Sb ink use the SPC-0905 Cloth Wiper Kit, while certain TP ink configurations use SPC-0932. Verify the appropriate part before ordering.
Additional Mimaki Printers
The following Mimaki wide-format printers also use cloth wiper systems:
-
Mimaki JV330-130
-
Mimaki JV330-160
-
Mimaki CJV330-130
-
Mimaki CJV330-160
These models use the SPC-0919 Cloth Wiper G Kit.
Find the Correct Mimaki Cloth Wiper
Not all Mimaki printers use the same replacement cloth wiper.
The Mimaki Cloth Wiper G Kit (SPC-0919) is used by several Mimaki printers, including the UCJV330, UJV200, UJ330H, JV330, and CJV330 series.
Shop the Mimaki Cloth Wiper G Kit (SPC-0919)
Always confirm the correct part number and compatibility for your specific printer before purchasing.
Keep Your Mimaki Printer Running with Blue Ridge Screen Products
Routine maintenance is an essential part of owning any professional printing system.
Replacing consumable components like cloth wipers helps your equipment perform consistently and reduces the risk of unexpected maintenance interruptions.
At Blue Ridge Screen Products, we provide Mimaki printers, genuine replacement parts, inks, maintenance supplies, and professional technical support to keep your shop running.
Need a replacement cloth wiper or other printer maintenance supplies?
Shop Mimaki Dye Sublimation Printers
If you're unsure which cloth wiper your printer requires or need help performing maintenance, our team is here to help.
For more equipment tutorials, maintenance walkthroughs, and printing tips, visit Blue Ridge University and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
