ET-8550 Printer Fix: Do You Really Need the Motherboard Cover?

Question:

I recently reassembled my Epson ET-8550 and forgot to put the metal plate over the motherboard. Should I reinstall the motherboard with the plate, or is it safe to operate the printer as is? I’m worried that removing and reinstalling the board again might increase the risk of failure.

Answer:

The metal cover on a printer’s motherboard plays a crucial role in ensuring the printer’s long-term reliability and performance. Specifically:

1. Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) Shielding: The metal cover acts as a shield to protect the sensitive components on the motherboard from electromagnetic interference. EMI can disrupt the electronic signals within the printer, potentially causing erratic behavior or errors.

2. Physical Protection: The cover prevents dust and debris from settling on the motherboard, reducing the risk of accidental short circuits caused by foreign particles or unintended contact with exposed components.

3. Thermal Management: The metal plate helps dissipate heat generated by the motherboard, maintaining optimal operating temperatures and prolonging the life of the electronic components.

However, based on our extensive experience, the absence of the metal cover does not always pose a critical issue, depending on the specific printer model and the environment in which it operates. For example:

• Models such as the L1800 and 1390 feature an open design without a complete metal casing, relying on minimal shielding and strategic component placement to prevent EMI and physical damage.

• The metal plate at the bottom of the motherboard mainly serves to elevate the board and prevent short circuits caused by contact with the casing. If the printer is housed in a clean and stable environment, these risks are minimized.

• During our own operations, we often do not reinstall the top metal plate on the mainboard, as its location is not particularly susceptible to significant EMI. Additionally, we use non-conductive holders to secure the motherboard and reduce the likelihood of accidental shorts.

Recommendation:

While it is generally safe to operate your Epson ET-8550 without the top metal plate, reinstalling it is the most cautious approach to ensure full protection and performance. If you decide to reinstall the plate, handle the motherboard carefully to minimize the risk of damage during the process. If you are uncertain or uncomfortable with this, seeking professional assistance would be advisable.

Additional Note:

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. So, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We offer an in-person evaluation and repair service via our local diagnostic facility (BCH printer repair service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service)). Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis. So, it might take a few weeks before we can get your printer to drop it off. Our services are structured to repair either a whole printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed. However, we acknowledge that our rates aren't the most economical. Thus, we highly recommend that you resort to self-help via online research. You can start by checking out YouTube or visiting our YouTube channel’s homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Look for specific videos using the search icon next to "About" on the right-hand side of the menu bar. I receive dozens of queries every day asking about videos for specific topics. Having created videos over the past nine years, it's challenging to remember every single one. Therefore, using YouTube's search function would be most efficient. Plus, YouTube might suggest relevant videos from other channels that could assist you.