Epson 1390 UV Printer: How to Troubleshoot Ink Flow and Printhead Issues
- By Kevin Day
- On Nov 06, 2024
- Comment 0
Question: My Epson 1390 UV printer is not pulling ink through the printhead or sending ink to the waste. I’ve cleaned all pipes, checked the station, and tried support from various sources, but still no luck. Could BCH Technologies provide guidance?
Answer: Thank you for contacting us, and we’re sorry for the delay. We understand how critical it is to keep your printer running, especially with UV printers and their specialized requirements. We appreciate your engagement at BCH Technologies (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) and are glad our videos have been helpful. Your feedback is valuable and contributes to improving our support resources.
Let’s take steps to help identify the cause of your ink flow issues.
Once parked, gently pull 2 to 3 ml of air through the waste tube with a syringe. You should feel a slight resistance, which indicates that the capping station is correctly installed and can create a seal around the printhead. If there’s no resistance, the capping station is not forming a proper seal, possibly due to misalignment.
Thank you once again for your trust in BCH Technologies. We’re here to support your printing needs and hope these steps guide you to a successful resolution.
Answer: Thank you for contacting us, and we’re sorry for the delay. We understand how critical it is to keep your printer running, especially with UV printers and their specialized requirements. We appreciate your engagement at BCH Technologies (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) and are glad our videos have been helpful. Your feedback is valuable and contributes to improving our support resources.
Let’s take steps to help identify the cause of your ink flow issues.
Step 1: Verify the Capping Station Function
When you mention pulling air through the capping station without getting ink, this suggests that the capping station might not be clogged, which is a positive indication. Next, park the printhead on the capping station by turning on the printer and allowing it to sit on the station naturally. This helps the printer form a natural seal.Once parked, gently pull 2 to 3 ml of air through the waste tube with a syringe. You should feel a slight resistance, which indicates that the capping station is correctly installed and can create a seal around the printhead. If there’s no resistance, the capping station is not forming a proper seal, possibly due to misalignment.
Step 2: Check for Printhead Clogging
If you feel the resistance but still don’t see ink moving into the waste line, it could indicate a clogged printhead. If the printhead is clear when pulling air, you should notice ink entering the tube. If not, the clog might be severe enough that standard cleaning won’t clear it. You may need to try advanced cleaning techniques, such as flushing the printhead with a specialized cleaning solution.Step 3: Inspect for Air Leaks
If your capping station is correctly sealed but you continue hearing air, check for possible leaks in the tubes or fittings that might prevent suction. A compromised vacuum can lead to issues like these, where the system pulls air instead of ink. Ensure all tubing connections are secure and the capping station fits snugly against the printhead.Additional Tips
- Use High-Quality Cleaning Solutions: If you suspect clogging, use a high-quality printhead cleaner formulated for UV inks, as UV clogs can be particularly stubborn.
- Check Ink Levels and Dampers: Air gaps in the ink lines can sometimes cause flow issues. Ensure your ink levels are sufficient, and check the dampers for any trapped air blocking the ink flow.
Thank you once again for your trust in BCH Technologies. We’re here to support your printing needs and hope these steps guide you to a successful resolution.