METHOD FOR CONTROLLING A DIGITAL INKJET PRINTER

A method for printing a digital image in swaths with a swath time corresponding to the width w1 of the digital image on the image receiving medium 2 in the main scanning direction X. The print controller 10 issues a trigger that a spitting action for at least part of the printing elements 8 of the print head 4a, 4b, 4c, 4d, 4e needs to be performed. A swath time of subsequent swaths is gradually increased until the print head reaches a maintenance tray 11 at a side of the print surface 1. The print head stays at the maintenance tray 11 until air between the print head and the maintenance tray 11 has approximately reached a standstill. Then the at least part of the printing elements 8 of the print head are spitting marking material in the maintenance tray 11. After the spitting the swath time of subsequent swaths is gradually decreased until the swath time is corresponding again with the width w1 of the digital image on the image receiving medium 2 in the main scanning direction X. The invention further relates to a digital inkjet printer configured to perform the above mentioned method.