Proper Storage of Epson Stylus 1390 Printhead: A Step-by-Step Guide

Question:
I recently purchased a new Epson Stylus 1390 printhead from BCH, and it works perfectly. However, I need to store it properly for a couple of weeks. Should I clean it with distilled water, use a storage solution, or flush warm distilled water through it? I want to ensure I don’t ruin it.
 
Answer:
Thank you for reaching out and for your kind feedback! I’m thrilled that your new printhead is working great, and I appreciate your trust in our products. Let me apologize for not responding sooner, as I understand how crucial it is to address printer concerns promptly and thoughtfully. At BCH Technologies, we are committed to supporting your printer needs, and your engagement, including with our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies), is incredibly valuable.
Here’s a detailed guide to storing your Epson Stylus 1390 printhead for a couple of weeks:
 

1. Store the Printhead in the Printer

Keeping the printhead inside the printer is the safest option. Removing it unnecessarily increases the risk of damage. Storing it in place also ensures the capping station, tubes, and dampers are maintained alongside the printhead.
 

2. Flush and Prepare the White Ink System

White ink tends to settle and clog quickly. To prevent this:

• Empty the White Ink Tank: Remove all white ink from the tank and clean it thoroughly.
• Flush the System: Rinse the tank, tubes, and dampers with distilled water.
• Refill with Maintenance Solution: To keep the system hydrated and clog-free, mix distilled water with a printhead maintenance wetter solution (https://bchtechnologies.com/products/print-head-maintenance-wetter-solution-prevents-clogging).
• Reinstall Dampers: Attach the dampers filled with this maintenance solution to the printhead.

3. Properly Park the Printhead on the Capping Station

To ensure optimal sealing:

• Turn On the Printer: Let the printhead naturally settle onto the capping station while the power is on.
• Check for Proper Seal:
  • Attach a syringe and tube to the printer’s waste line.
  • Gently draw 2 ml of air, beginning with 1.5 ml.
  • If you feel resistance, the nozzles are open. If you draw only air, there’s either a misalignment or a leak in the capping station seal.
  • If resistance is too strong, the capping station may be clogged, which must be resolved before storing the printhead.

4. Flush and Prime the System

• Print a white design until water flows freely from the nozzles with no white ink visible.
• Could you clean the light shoe-shine and flush the capping station?
• Fill the capping station with water to “wet cap” the printhead. This ensures the nozzles remain hydrated.

5. Maintenance During Extended Storage

If the printhead will be idle for more than two weeks:

• Have someone print a small design weekly to ensure water flows through the nozzles.
• Could you fill the capping station with water as needed?

For a step-by-step demonstration, check out our detailed tutorial on YouTube (https://youtu.be/aPbPyNpGSxQ).
 

Additional Notes

Addressing printer issues and maintenance is inherently hands-on. Unfortunately, remote troubleshooting or support for repairs is limited. However, our facility offers an in-person diagnostic and repair service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to high demand, services are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and repairs may take a few weeks to process.
We also encourage self-help through online resources like our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies), where you can use the search function to find videos specific to your needs. If you’re searching for videos about particular topics, the YouTube algorithm might also suggest relevant content from other channels that could be helpful.
Thank you again for your question and for choosing BCH Technologies. Your trust motivates us to continually improve and provide the best support for your printing needs!