Do You Need New Dampers for Epson ET-8550 DTF Conversion? Understanding "White Ink" Dampers

Question:

When converting an Epson ET-8550 printer for DTF printing, do I need to replace the dampers for all colors after modifying the printhead nipples? I noticed BCH sells "V2 Top-Load White Ink Dampers," and I'm wondering if those are only for white ink or if they should be used for every color.

Answer:

We at BCH Technologies (https://bchtechnologies.com) truly appreciate your engagement and support, particularly for following and learning from our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Your thoughtful questions and feedback help us continue developing and improving our technical guides for the printer community.

Now, to your question - yes, you do need new dampers for every color after performing a printhead nipple conversion on the Epson ET-8550, not just for white ink. Let's go over why.

1. Understanding Dampers and Their Role in DTF Conversion

In a DTF setup, dampers act as miniature ink reservoirs that regulate ink flow from the ink lines to the printhead. They maintain consistent pressure and prevent ink flooding or air from entering the system. When converting the ET-8550 to DTF, the original dampers designed for dye or pigment ink are not optimized for DTF inks, which are thicker due to the presence of adhesive and colorant particles.

The "V2 Top-Load White Ink Dampers" we sell are specifically engineered for DTF ink viscosity, allowing smooth and balanced flow for both white and color inks. While the product name mentions "white ink," this primarily reflects its DTF compatibility-not a color limitation. The V2 version features an improved internal mesh and valve design to handle the higher particle density found in DTF inks, including CMYK and white.

2. Why You Should Replace All Dampers After Printhead Nipple Conversion

After you convert the ET-8550's printhead nipples to allow top-loading dampers, all ink channels (C, M, Y, K, W1, W2) must have matching damper types. Mixing old OEM dampers with new DTF ones can cause uneven ink pressure or inconsistent color output.

When all six dampers are replaced with the same DTF-grade version, ink flow remains balanced, and your printer maintains proper color distribution and nozzle stability. This ensures that:

• White ink recirculates evenly without clogging.

• CMYK inks maintain consistent flow without pressure imbalances.

• The printhead lifespan is preserved, as air bubbles or backflow are minimized.

Even though they're labeled "White Ink Dampers," they can and should be used for every color in the DTF-converted ET-8550.

3. Tips for Installing New Dampers

• Flush the ink lines before installing new dampers to remove any pigment or residue.

• Prime the dampers using a syringe before connecting them to the printhead.

• Avoid mixing old and new dampers-inconsistent flow resistance can affect print quality.

• Check for leaks or loose fittings after installation.

• If you're using dual white channels, ensure both are installed with identical damper types to prevent clogging or uneven whites.

For detailed step-by-step conversion guidance, you can find several walkthroughs on our BCH Technologies YouTube Channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies).

4. Where to Get the Correct Dampers

You can find the V2 Top-Load White Ink Dampers and other essential DTF conversion parts on our official site:

• V2 Top-Load White Ink Damper (https://bchtechnologies.com)

These are compatible with Epson printheads used in models like the ET-8550, ET-15000, L1800, and others that are often converted for DTF printing.

Important Note from BCH Technologies

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. Therefore, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting or repair assistance. However, we offer an in-person evaluation and repair service through our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service).

Due to high demand, our services operate on a first-come, first-served basis and may require a few weeks before drop-off. We handle both full-printer repairs and part-specific services, with clear instructions provided once scheduled.

If you prefer a self-help approach, we highly recommend exploring our YouTube tutorials (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon next to "About" on the right-hand side of our channel menu to find specific topics. With over nine years of content, it's the most efficient way to locate DTF-related videos or troubleshooting guides.

Thank you again for your question and for being part of the BCH Technologies community. We appreciate your continued support and enthusiasm for learning, and we wish you great success with your ET-8550 DTF conversion!