Diagnosing Overspray and Printhead Compatibility in ACHI 1390-Based UV Printers

Question:

I’m using a 1390-based ACHI printer (a standard A3 model found on Alibaba), and I’m experiencing severe overspray—each box shows +10% of every color, especially under 50% fill areas. I'm using UV ink from DTG and printing on standard A4 paper. I have your BCH printhead cleaning kit, which has worked great. I'm wondering whether the issue is with the printhead itself. Also, is this printhead [https://bchtechnologies.com/collections/printer-parts-epson/products/no-return-printhead-for-epson-1390-1400-1410-1430-l1800-l-18001500w-artisan-1430-dtf-dtg-sublimation] the correct one for my printer?

Answer:

1. Is Overspray Normal on a 1390-Based Printer?

No, extreme overspray (especially noticeable under 50% fill) is not normal. However, expectations must be set correctly depending on the printer model. The Epson 1390 is a capable graphic printer known for its small droplet size and high-resolution output. Yet, it has inherent spray limitations compared to the L1800, which is often used in DTF/UV setups. The difference isn’t just in the printhead—it's in the printer’s electronics and ink delivery system as well. While the 1390 and L1800 heads may look similar, they are not entirely interchangeable in terms of performance.

Your result, unfortunately, sounds like it’s approaching the best output possible for a 1390 with UV ink—especially if you’re using low-viscosity UV inks that are prone to atomization and lateral overspray.

2. Is the Printhead the Problem?

Most likely not. If you're already seeing consistent droplet placement and your print test patterns are intact (aside from overspray), the issue may not lie with a defective or clogged printhead. UV ink behaves very differently from pigment or dye inks, and overspray can result from:

• Incompatible RIP settings.

• Incorrect media ICC profiles.

• Inadequate UV curing at the nozzle level.

• Ink viscosity or volatility.

• Poor absorption on the paper (especially with A4 stock that isn't UV receptive).

3. About the Printhead Link You Shared

You shared a link to our 1390/L1800-compatible printhead. That is indeed the correct replacement if your ACHI printer uses a native 1390 board. However, please note: some 1390-based Chinese printers (like ACHI models) may have been retrofitted with a converter board that translates signals to emulate an L805 or similar head. If your printer has that kind of board installed, the correct replacement head would be an L805 printhead, not the 1390/L1800 one.

You can check this by physically inspecting the printhead assembly and motherboard:

• No converter board → Use a standard 1390/L1800 head (as linked).

• With converter board → Use an L805-compatible head.

4. Do You Need a New Printhead?

Based on your description, probably not. The overspray seems more like a design limitation or ink/media mismatch rather than a failing printhead. Instead of replacing the head, you might want to explore:

• Adjusting your RIP software’s ink limits and linearization curves.

• Trying different UV ink formulations.

• Using UV-coated A4 paper instead of standard copier paper.

• Lowering pass speed and increasing head height slightly (ironically, a higher head sometimes reduces ink scatter due to turbulence).

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. So, we're not able to 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. So, it might take a few weeks before we can get your printer to drop it off. Our services are structured to repair either a whole printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed. However, we acknowledge that our rates aren't the most 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. I receive dozens of queries every day asking about videos for specific topics. Having created videos over the past nine years, it's challenging to remember every single one. Therefore, using YouTube's search function would be most efficient. Plus, YouTube might suggest relevant videos from other channels that could assist you.

Thanks again for your trust in our products and your continued support of our YouTube tutorials. Your dedication to DIY printing and printer maintenance is admirable, and we hope our tools and guidance help you get the best results from your setup.