How to Fix an XP600 Printer That Runs but Won't Print: A Complete Troubleshooting Guide

When working with an XP600-based printer-especially in DTF or DTG environments-it can be incredibly frustrating when the printer appears fine, yet nothing prints. You may run cleaning cycles, perform ink loads, or even reset the machine, but the printhead produces no output. Fortunately, one of the most common reasons for this issue is surprisingly simple: an improperly seated or misaligned capping station assembly.

This guide walks you through how to diagnose and resolve this specific problem. The process is beginner-friendly and includes easy steps to follow. And for visual learners, we also have a video below to show how it's done. Whether you're troubleshooting at home or in a repair shop, this method can save you hours of guesswork and unnecessary part replacements. As always, BCH Technologies provides the tools and supplies to keep your printers running smoothly.

Recognizing the Signs of a Capping Station Problem

When an XP600 printer doesn't print despite appearing operational, the capping station is one of the first components to inspect. During a cleaning cycle or ink load, the capping station's job is to pull ink from the printhead through two ink tubes. This suction is essential for priming the head, clearing clogs, and maintaining ink flow.

A healthy capping station should visibly draw ink through the tubes during maintenance. However, if you run a cleaning cycle and notice that ink is barely moving-or worse, only drizzling with lots of air bubbles-this indicates a suction imbalance or a seal misalignment. These symptoms are commonly mistaken for printhead failure, but the underlying cause is often far simpler.

When the capping station is misaligned, the motor can run perfectly, yet no ink gets pulled. The suction breaks before it reaches the printhead, and the printer cannot prime. Fortunately, you can quickly confirm the diagnosis with a simple test.

Performing a Quick Diagnostic Test

Before disassembling anything, you can use a hands-on test to confirm the issue. After starting a cleaning or ink-loading cycle, gently press on the top of the capping station. If doing this instantly causes the ink to start flowing-even briefly-then your capping station alignment is off.

This manual pressure temporarily restores a proper seal, allowing the pump to draw ink correctly. When you release the pressure and the ink flow stops again, it becomes clear that the issue is mechanical rather than electronic.

This is a reliable and fast diagnostic step that helps eliminate guesswork. Instead of replacing expensive parts unnecessarily, verifying the issue first ensures you're addressing the real cause.

Preparing Your Printer for Adjustment

Once you've confirmed the problem, it's time to prepare the printer. Start by turning the power off to avoid accidental movement of the carriage. Then, remove the printer's carriage covers. These covers protect the internal components, but taking them off will give you full access to the capping station and ink tubes.

After removing the covers, manually move the printhead carriage to the center. This position allows you to reach the capping station area comfortably and safely without interfering with the printhead or damaging the rails. The XP600 carriage moves freely once the printer is powered off, so you should be able to slide it gently without resistance.

Locating and Loosening the Adjustment Screws

The capping station is secured in place with several screws. Three of these screws act as primary mounting points: one on the left side, one on the right side, and one on the top. Begin by loosening these screws slightly. Do not remove them completely-just loosen them enough to allow gentle repositioning of the capping assembly.

Next, locate the two additional screws positioned at the bottom of the ink tubes. These screws help fine-tune the alignment of the suction pads and ink pathways. Loosen them slightly as well, again without removing them. Leaving the screws partially engaged helps maintain structural stability while allowing the necessary adjustments.

This gradual loosening safeguards the assembly from shifting unpredictably, ensuring smooth alignment adjustments.

Adjusting the Capping Station for Proper Suction

The goal of this adjustment is to realign the capping station to restore proper suction. Depending on your diagnostic result, the assembly may need to be shifted slightly to the left or right.

If applying pressure caused the ink to flow, that pressure simulated the alignment correction, meaning the assembly wasn't sealed tightly enough against the printhead. In this case, gently push the capping unit to the right while facing the printer. Once positioned, hold it in place and tighten the screws securely, beginning with the side screws and then the screws near the ink tubes.

If you found the opposite-where pulling was needed to restore suction-then move the assembly slightly to the left instead. The adjustment range is small, but even a tiny shift can dramatically improve suction performance.

The XP600's capping system relies heavily on precision. Its suction pads must sit flush against the printhead in order to generate enough vacuum. When off by even a fraction of a millimeter, the pads lose contact, and ink flow drops dramatically. This repositioning resolves the issue by re-establishing a tight seal.

Reassembling the Printer After Adjustment

Once you've tightened all the screws and feel confident in the alignment, you can reassemble the printer. Replace the top screws first to secure the mounting bracket. Then reinstall both the left and right screws. Make sure each screw is firmly tightened but avoid overtightening, as that can warp the plastic housing.

Next, slide the carriage back to its original position and reinstall the carriage covers. Ensure that all cosmetic panels snap into place correctly. After reassembly, power the printer on and perform another cleaning or ink-loading cycle.

You should now see ink moving smoothly through the tubes with strong suction and no visible air bubbles. If the ink flows properly, you've successfully corrected the issue.

Preventing Future Capping Station Misalignment

Although this misalignment issue isn't uncommon, it can be prevented with proper maintenance. Over time, vibration, carriage movement, dried ink, and environmental factors can gradually shift the capping station. To reduce the chances of this happening again:

• Keep the printer on a stable surface to minimize vibration.

• Clean the capping pads regularly to avoid crust buildup that may alter alignment.

• Use high-quality maintenance fluids and inks, such as those from BCH Technologies, to prolong component life and reduce clogs.

• Inspect the screws periodically to ensure none have loosened over time.

Consistent maintenance ensures long-term reliability and reduces the frequency of mechanical problems.

Why This Fix Works

The XP600 printhead depends on the capping station both for sealing and suction. When the suction is compromised, the head cannot prime, resulting in poor or nonexistent ink output. Aligning the capping station restores vacuum strength, ensuring that the printhead receives proper ink flow during cleaning cycles.

This fix is mechanical rather than electronic, meaning no firmware updates or electrical replacements are required. In most cases, it resolves the issue immediately. It's a simple yet effective approach that often fixes what appears to be a major printer failure.

Final Thoughts on Repairing XP600 Capping Station Alignment Issues

A non-printing XP600 printer can cause understandable concern, but the solution is often more straightforward than it appears. By checking suction, testing the capping station, and making a precise adjustment, you can restore ink flow quickly and reliably. This method helps avoid unnecessary part replacements and long downtimes.

With the steps outlined above-and the helpful video included below-you can perform the repair with confidence. And when you need dependable maintenance supplies, BCH Technologies offers a full range of products to keep your equipment running at its best.