How to Install a Drag Chain to Your DTF/DTG Printer

Organizing your DTF (Direct to Film) or DTG (Direct to Garment) printer setup is crucial for efficient and error-free printing. One effective method is installing a drag chain to keep your DTF tubes organized and free from getting caught while the printhead moves. This guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of installing a drag chain on your printer, ensuring a neat and efficient setup. At BCH Technologies, we offer all the materials you'll need, and our video below demonstrates the process.

How the Drag Chain Works

Understanding the drag chain is the first step. A drag chain can only bend in one direction while remaining stiff in the other, which helps keep the tubes organized and prevents them from getting tangled. The drag chain has two ends that can be easily snapped off and reattached, allowing you to change the direction of the ends.

To adjust the length of the drag chain, you can use a small tool to pry off the end links and add or remove links as needed. When reassembling, make sure to press the end plates down securely to lock them in place. This flexibility makes the drag chain adaptable to various setups and printer models, such as the I1800 used in our example.

Decide if a Carriage Attachment is Necessary

Before proceeding, evaluate whether your printer requires a carriage attachment for the drag chain. Some printers come with a third-party bracket for the tubes, which may need to be removed if it interferes with the drag chain installation. Inspect your printer's carriage and decide if the OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) printhead carriage needs any adjustments or replacements to accommodate the drag chain.

In cases where the existing bracket doesn't work, removing it will expose the OEM carriage and make it easier to install the drag chain. This step ensures that the tubes will not get caught during the printer's operation, enhancing the overall efficiency of your printing process.

Insert the Tubes inside Drag Chain

Once you have decided on the necessity of a carriage attachment, it's time to insert the tubes into the drag chain. Determine which side of the drag chain will face up and which will face down. Disconnect all the dampers from the tubes to allow the tubes to pass through the drag chain easily.

Next, thread a rope through the drag chain, tie the tubes together using a cable tie, and pull the rope to guide the tubes through the chain. This method ensures that all tubes are securely and neatly enclosed within the drag chain.

You can install the drag chain on various parts of the printer, such as the front bar or top bar, depending on what works best for your specific setup. In our example, we use the front bar because it integrates well with the customer's printer casing.

Install the Carriage Attachment

To attach the drag chain to the printer carriage, begin by selecting the appropriate end from the drag chain that will snap onto the carriage. The end typically has a series of holes for adjusting the distance between the drag chain and the carriage.

Ensure that the drag chain remains parallel to the printer's movement path to avoid any operational issues. Use a tight screw to secure the drag chain end to the carriage. The exact type of screw needed will depend on whether you are drilling into plastic or metal. We recommend using a drill bit compatible with both materials for convenience.

Proper installation of the carriage attachment is crucial to maintain the drag chain's alignment and functionality during the printer's operation.

Install Bottom Holder Bracket

The next step involves deciding where to place the bottom holder bracket for the drag chain. Move the printhead back and forth to ensure it can reach both ends of its path without obstruction. Mark the positions where the drag chain needs support from the holder bracket.

Insert the holder bracket into the drag chain at the marked positions. Secure the bracket with screws using the same drill bit used earlier. Ensure the bracket is firmly attached to provide stable support for the drag chain. This stability prevents the chain from sagging or shifting during printer operation, maintaining a tidy and efficient setup.

Final Adjustments and Reassembly

After installing the drag chain and the bottom holder bracket, make any necessary adjustments to ensure everything is aligned correctly. Reinstall all the dampers and ensure that the tubes are properly secured within the drag chain.

Check the parallelism of the drag chain with the printer's movement path to prevent any operational issues. Once everything is in place and secured, your printer is ready to go. The organized tubes will significantly reduce the chances of them getting caught during printing, enhancing the printer's efficiency and reducing downtime.

At BCH Technologies, we provide all the materials needed for this installation. Visit us at bchtechnologies.com for more information and resources. Our video below shows the installation process in detail, making it easier for you to follow along and complete the setup on your own.