In printing devices that utilize liquid ink, the flow of ink can result in splashing. As the ink splashes, it can adhere to some parts of the printing device. Over time, the carrier liquid is evaporated and the accumulated layers of concentrated ink (or sludge) can block or limit the further flow of the ink. This, in turn, can result in malfunctions and breakdowns.
Cleaning the parts that contain the accumulated ink can be time-consuming and costly. In particular, removing the accumulated ink can be difficult without disassembling the device, which sometimes makes this option unworkable in the field.
Throughout the drawings, identical reference numbers designate similar, but not necessarily identical, elements.