Proper NC-CylinderElf-IV-A Ink Cartridge Replacement keeps your fourth-generation high-speed tumbler UV printer running without ink starvation, air ingestion, or color shift. The NC-CylinderElf-IV-A features an integrated ink cartridge system with cartridge cover, cartridge storage, cartridge valve, and an ink filter that traps impurities before they reach the printhead. Nocai’s official manual for the NC-CylinderElf series provides a dedicated “Analysis of Ink Cartridge” section and a “How to Add Ink” chapter. When the ink alarm indicator signals low ink, replace the cartridge promptly. Because UV ink is photosensitive and the printhead is highly sensitive to contamination, always power off before handling ink cartridges and use only Nocai original UV ink—non-Nocai ink voids the warranty.
Preparation
Power off the printer and disconnect the mains cable. Wear nitrile gloves to avoid skin contact with UV ink. Prepare a clean workspace with absorbent paper. You will need: a new genuine ink cartridge matched to the required color, a screwdriver if the sheet metal cover must be removed, lint-free wipes, and a small waste container. The NC-UVDTF60-PLUS manual—sharing the same Nocai ink system architecture—requires powering off before ink handling and mandates original Nocai ink and accessories.
Removing the Old Cartridge
Open the cartridge cover at the back of the machine. Refer to the “Analysis of Ink Cartridge” diagram to identify the cartridge structure. If a locking buckle exists on the ink tube, engage it first to prevent ink from leaking. Disconnect the float ball wire or ink level sensor if equipped. Carefully remove the old cartridge. If residual ink remains, pour it into the new cartridge to minimize waste—the Nocai UVDTF60 procedure explicitly recommends transferring leftover ink.
Installing the New Cartridge
Seat the new cartridge into its dedicated slot and secure it with the fixing screws. Reconnect the float ball wire or ink level sensor. Connect the new cartridge’s pre-fitted tube to the inline filter. Tighten the ink bottle cap properly. Add ink by the corresponding color as indicated by the diagram. Wrap the bottle mouth with paper or a paper towel to prevent ink from leaking and contaminating the shell sheet metal. Shake white ink thoroughly before filling, and add ink frequently but in smaller amounts to avoid overflow.
Manual Inking and Testing
In standby mode, press RIGHT → Equipment Maintenance → Manual Inking → Enter. Click OK to start pumping ink. Watch the waste ink bottle until ink is drawn out, confirming the ink path is clear and ink filling is complete. Then run Auto Cleaning: still in standby, press RIGHT → Equipment Maintenance → Auto Cleaning → Enter. Finally, press the TEST key to print a test strip. If there is color missing or ink breakage, continue with manual printhead cleaning until the test strip is fully printed—this indicates successful ink installation. Once the nozzle check shows even firing across all channels, the NC-CylinderElf-IV-A Ink Cartridge Replacement is complete and the printer is ready for production.
Post-Replacement Care
The ink shelf life is 3 months after opening. Stir ink regularly and enable the ink stirring function during use. If the printer will be idle for more than 3 days, add 3–5 drops of cleaning fluid into the cap top and seal the nozzle to protect the printhead. Maintain workshop temperature at 25–28°C and humidity 35–65% RH. Use only Nocai original UV ink and cleaning solution to maintain warranty coverage.