Up Your Game with Clear Tubing & Drag Chain: ET-8550 Tube Replacement & Drag Chain Installation

When working with the ET-8550 printer, one of the most common issues you may encounter is the dreaded “transport lock” or the “000025 error,” which often signals a paper jam. The culprit? That flimsy, clear plastic tube running inside the printer. This tube is critical for ink flow, but its fragility leads to constant pulling, wear, and eventually, recurring errors. In this post, we will walk through how to replace this clear tube with a more robust drag chain tube guard and swap out the OEM tubes with clear alternatives. We’ll also show you how to install everything step-by-step, so you can get your printer back up and running smoothly.

There’s a video below for those who want a visual demonstration of the process.

Removing the Top Paper Guard

To begin, the first thing we need to tackle is the top paper guard. This guard isn't just cosmetic—it holds key components in place, such as the side panels. Removing it requires patience and care, as it is fastened by two screws underneath. Once you have those screws undone, you can gently bend the guard in the middle and lift it vertically. This step gives you access to the screws that are crucial for removing the side panels later.

The top paper guard plays an essential role in securing the side panels of the printer. This makes it necessary to remove before moving on to the next steps.

Taking Off the Side Panels

With the paper guard out of the way, let’s focus on the side panels. Each panel is typically held in place by three or four screws. For the right side panel, look for screws underneath the power socket and the ink tank. You’ll want to take note of the direction of the tabs. To remove the side panel, push the tabs towards the back of the printer and lift.

On the left side, you’ll find a similar setup. The key difference here is the screws located near the USB and CAT5 cable ports. Once you’ve removed all the screws, a gentle push towards the back will release the side panels.

Front Panel and Casing Removal

After the side panels, it’s time to move on to the front panel. You’ll find screws securing the front casing, including one near the waste ink tank and another near the bottom of the ink tanks. Once those are removed, the front panel should peel off easily.

Next, you’ll want to take off the front casing itself. Typically, there are two screws on each side of the casing that you’ll need to remove. Once undone, the front casing should come off, giving you better access to the printhead and tubing.

Drag Chain Overview for the ET-8550

Now that the printer is open, let’s dive into the drag chain installation. For this, you’ll want to visit BCH Technologies and search for the drag chain specific to the ET-8550 model. The drag chain serves as a protective mechanism for the tubing, ensuring that the tubes move smoothly and don’t get tangled or pinched during printing.

The drag chain comes in two parts: one side connects to the rail, and the other side attaches to the printhead carriage. This setup ensures that your new tubing moves seamlessly during the printing process, significantly reducing the chances of errors caused by tube misalignment or damage.

Removing the Printhead Carriage Cover

Next, let’s focus on the printhead carriage. The cover is held in place by two screws, located at the front of the printhead. Once these screws are removed, lift the tabs on either side to release the cover.

Removing the printhead carriage cover allows you to access the tubes that transport ink from the tanks to the printhead. This step is critical for replacing the old tubes with new ones.

Replacing the Tubing

For this tutorial, we’re replacing the OEM tubes with clear tubing, which is more visually informative, especially if you’re dealing with ink clogs or running a DTF (direct-to-film) setup. The clear tubes allow you to see if ink is flowing properly or if there’s a blockage.

To begin, head to BCH Technologies and search for the clear tubing SKU. You’ll need at least six feet of tubing to complete this replacement, so make sure to order the correct amount. The tubes come in eight strands, and you’ll only need six of them.

Once you’ve received your tubing, separate the tubes into single strands, and begin threading them through the printer’s system. Make sure to use the drag chain to help guide the tubes, keeping them secure and protected from future wear and tear. The flat side of the drag chain should face the rail.

When threading the tubes through, it’s also a good idea to measure and mark the tubes before cutting. This helps ensure that the tubes will fit perfectly within the printer’s system.

Reinstalling Components and Final Adjustments

Now that the new tubing is in place, it’s time to reassemble the printer. Start by reattaching the printhead carriage cover, then move on to reinstalling the front casing. Ensure that all screws are tightly fastened, but be cautious not to overtighten as this can cause alignment issues.

After the front casing is in place, reinstall the side panels by pushing them towards the front of the printer. Make sure all tabs click into place, and the screws are reinstalled securely.

If you’ve followed these steps correctly, your ET-8550 should be equipped with a more durable drag chain and clearer, more efficient tubing.

Fine-Tuning for DTF and Other Modifications

For those using the printer for DTF printing, clear tubing is especially beneficial as it allows you to see inside the tubes to detect ink clogs or flow issues. The clear tubes used in this tutorial make troubleshooting much easier compared to the opaque OEM tubes.

Additionally, for anyone planning to install an external waste tank, now is the best time to do so. Simply remove the waste ink tube and reroute it to your external waste tank setup.

Before wrapping things up, take a moment to test the ink flow. You can do this by using a regular syringe and adapter to suck ink into the tubes. This step helps ensure that ink will flow smoothly once the printer is reassembled.

Wrapping Up the Installation

After ensuring everything is in place, check all components one more time before powering up your printer. Reattach the top cover if you prefer a quieter printing process, or leave it off for easier access and maintenance. Once powered on, run a few test prints to confirm that everything is functioning correctly.

Congratulations, your ET-8550 is now equipped with a much more reliable tubing system, and the drag chain will help keep everything organized and safe during future print jobs. If you’re looking for more tips or need replacement parts, feel free to visit us at BCH Technologies. You’ll also find the products mentioned here in our online store.

If you need more detailed visual guidance, check out our video below to see how it's done!