Troubleshooting Magenta Nozzle Issues on a Converted Epson ET-8550 DTF Printer

Question:

I recently converted my Epson ET-8550 printer to DTF and waterproofed the printhead. During initialization, the magenta nozzle stopped working. I attempted to flush the nozzle, but nothing came out. I suspect the printhead might be damaged. Since I’ve converted the printer, the guarantee is void. Could it be glue clogging the printhead? From the outside, nothing seems off, and only the magenta nozzle is clogged. The rest are functioning normally. Do you have any suggestions for diagnosing or fixing this issue?

Answer:

Regarding your Epson ET-8550 DTF printer issue, let’s delve into the possible causes and solutions.

The symptoms you’ve described suggest a few potential problems:

1. Printhead Clogging:
   
   • If the magenta nozzle is clogged, it could be due to improper priming or residue inside the printhead channels. Waterproofing glue might also contribute to the blockage, even if it’s not visible externally.
   • To test for clogs, you’ll need an adapter. If you haven’t converted the printhead to nipples, the adapter’s larger surface can make achieving a proper seal challenging. Push the cleaning solution through the printhead using the adapter and observe if the liquid flows freely. If not, it’s likely a clog.
2. Damper Issues:
   
   • If you bypassed testing with an adapter and installed dampers directly, the problem might lie with the dampers themselves or the connection. Please make sure the dampers are appropriately primed and secured. Air bubbles or improper seals can prevent the magenta nozzle from receiving ink.
3. Mechanical or Electrical Damage:
   
   • There’s a chance the magenta nozzle's piezoelectric elements are damaged due to manufacturing defects, improper conversion, or ink drying in the nozzles. Unfortunately, if the printhead is faulty, replacing it might be the only solution.
4. Ink Flow Blockage:
   
   • Inspect the ink flow system for blockages. Check the tubes and dampers for clogs or airlocks. Priming the magenta channel repeatedly can sometimes help push ink through and clear minor obstructions.

If the printhead has been modified for nipples, troubleshooting becomes simpler. With nipples, you can push the leaning solution directly into the magenta channel and determine if it’s clogged. If liquid doesn’t flow freely, the issue lies within the printhead.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. So, we cannot provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We offer an in-person evaluation and repair service via our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis. Getting your printer to drop off might take a few weeks. Our services are structured to repair a whole printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed. However, we acknowledge that our rates could be more 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. YouTube might also suggest any videos from other channels that could help you.