Solving Print Quality Issues on the Procolored L1800 DTF Printer: What to Do When Lines and Misfires Occur

Question:
I’ve been using a Procolored L1800 DTF printer for over a year with no issues, but recently, it started experiencing serious problems. It began when the white ink became very thin and eventually stopped printing, coinciding with a drop in humidity to 30%. The printer stopped printing all colors despite starting a humidifier and performing standard maintenance like cleaning the capping station, checking for clogs, and verifying the ink tank. Eventually, it started printing only random colored lines with no proper images, and sometimes, the ink pools on the film.

To troubleshoot, I’ve replaced the printhead, cables, and F1 fuses three times, bypassed the backboard to connect the printhead cables directly to the motherboard, and ensured the capping station and waste line were working. The printhead height and alignment have been verified, and ProRip and the drivers have been updated. However, the issue persists, and I’m unsure whether the problem lies with the cable inside the printhead carriage, which is hard to access.
Currently, the printer sometimes produces nozzle checks or images but covers them with lines or blobs of color. I’ve exhausted my options, including consulting with Procolored tech support, and would appreciate any guidance to resolve these issues.
 
Answer:
Thank you for contacting us and providing such a thorough explanation of the issue. I truly appreciate your effort to detail the problem, as it helps tremendously in diagnosing potential causes. I'm sorry for not getting back to you sooner. I understand that printer issues are urgent and frustrating, and I want to ensure you receive the most thoughtful and detailed response possible.
At BCH Technologies, we value your engagement and support, especially with our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies), which plays a vital role in helping our community tackle challenges like yours. Now, let’s get into your printer’s issue and potential solutions.

Understanding the Issue: Nozzle Misfires and Signal Errors

Based on your description, your printer appears to be experiencing nozzle misfires. Epson printers rely on a matrix of electrical pulses to control the opening and closing of nozzles. When a nozzle gate fails to close correctly, ink continues spraying uncontrollably, which can:

1. Cause overheating in the printhead.
2. Damage the driver chip on the mainboard.

This explains why your printer produces random colored lines, blobs, and inconsistent patterns instead of clear images.
 

Potential Causes and Solutions

1. Damaged Driver Chip on the Mainboard

• A damaged driver chip on the mainboard could send incorrect signals to the printhead, resulting in nozzle misfires and erratic printing patterns.
• Solution: To confirm, use a known-good L1800 printhead (even if clogged) and connect it directly to the mainboard. If the problem persists, the mainboard likely requires repair or replacement.

2. Faulty Printhead Conversion Board (if applicable)

• If your printer uses an L1800 to L805 conversion board, it may be causing signal interference. These boards are designed to adapt the printhead signals but can fail over time.
• Solution: Disconnect the conversion board and connect the printhead cables directly to the L1800 printhead. Could you test the setup to see if the problem is resolved?
• If a replacement is needed, consider using this Printhead Conversion Board (https://bchtechnologies.com/products/printhead-conversion-breakout-board-l1800-1390-to-l805-l800-adapter-riser-card-1).

3. Environmental Factors

• The sudden drop in humidity to 30% could have contributed to ink drying in the nozzles or other components, leading to initial clogging.
• Solution: To prevent further ink flow issues, maintain a consistent humidity level (ideally 40–60%) in your printing environment.

4. Eliminate the CRPW Cable as a Concern

• The CRPW cable, which senses the carriage position and paper width, does not directly impact nozzle misfires or printhead functionality. Since your carriage and paper feed usually operate, this cable is unlikely to be the cause.

Testing and Next Steps

1. Direct Printhead Connection:
   
   • Disconnect any conversion boards or intermediary components, and connect the printhead cables directly to the printhead. Test the output to determine whether the problem lies with the mainboard, printhead, or another component.
2. Mainboard Repair or Replacement:
   
   • If the mainboard is confirmed as the issue, it must be repaired or replaced. BCH Technologies offers mainboard repair services if necessary.
3. Double-Check Firmware and Software Configurations:
   
   • Ensure your updated ProRip and drivers are correctly configured for your printer setup, as incorrect settings can sometimes exacerbate hardware issues.
4. Regular Maintenance:
   
   • Run nozzle checks frequently and perform manual cleaning to maintain consistent ink flow and prevent further issues.

Final Notes

Printer troubleshooting can often be complex and hands-on, which limits our ability to provide remote support. However, we offer an in-person diagnostic and repair service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service) that operates on a first-come, first-served basis. Just so you know, due to high demand, repairs may take a few weeks to process.
Our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) is a valuable resource if you prefer to continue troubleshooting independently. You can use the search bar to find videos addressing specific topics or explore recommendations for additional guidance. Thank you again for contacting us. I hope these suggestions help you resolve the issue and get your Procolored L1800 back to optimal performance!