DTF Printer Not Printing Ink Despite Commands? Here's What to Check Before Giving Up

Question:

I have two DTF printers, an APLK and a DSV. Both go through the printing motions but no ink actually comes out. I've already replaced the motherboard, waste tank pump, cords, flushed the ink lines, installed new ink, new dampers, and even new printheads—but still no ink prints. Someone mentioned that BCH Technologies repaired their motherboard for the same issue. Could that be the problem?

Answer:

1. Symptoms: Printer Goes Through Motion, But No Ink Prints

This is a classic symptom we see often with DTF printers—where the carriage moves normally, and the job appears to print, but no ink is laid on the film. Based on what you've replaced (mainboard, printhead, dampers, waste pump, ink, and cables), it’s clear you've already ruled out many of the common culprits. That helps narrow down the issue significantly.

2. Possible Causes

Here are some additional things to consider based on your described symptoms:

• Faulty or Misconfigured Motherboard:
  Even if you've replaced the mainboard, not all boards are equal—especially in the aftermarket. We've seen printers with compatible but poorly configured boards that do not energize the printhead properly, which means no ink is fired. It’s very possible the original motherboard had a failure, and the replacement also isn’t delivering proper firing signals.

• Incorrect Firmware or EEPROM Settings:
  Sometimes, the board is functional, but the internal settings that control head voltage, timing, or nozzle sequence are incorrect. This is especially common with boards purchased from vendors who don’t pre-flash them properly for your specific printer model. The printhead may receive power, but without correct voltage or timing, no ink will be fired.

• Power Supply Underperformance:
  Inconsistent or insufficient voltage from the printer’s power supply can prevent the printhead from receiving the full firing voltage (usually 30V–42V, depending on the printhead model). You can test the output with a multimeter to confirm.

• CR Board or FFC Cable Connection:
  The CR (Carriage Return) board controls signals going directly to the printhead. If the CR board is damaged or if your FFC cables are not properly seated or oriented, the printhead may not receive data or voltage. Double-check cable orientation and connection integrity.

3. Can BCH Technologies Repair the Motherboard?

Yes, we do offer mainboard repair services as well as full printer diagnostics and repairs. You can learn more about both options by visiting our Printer Repair Services page (https://bchtechnologies.com/collections/printer-repair-service).

If you're only mailing in the mainboard, that’s perfectly fine—we’ll evaluate it and let you know the findings. If you plan to send the entire printer, please be aware that while we accept mail-in printers, we do not ship completed units back. Pickup must be done in person at our facility.

For many customers with your exact issue, we've been able to diagnose and fix the problem by repairing or reconfiguring the motherboard, sometimes even identifying faults in third-party component compatibility.

4. Need Help Getting Started?

We’ve created numerous troubleshooting videos over the years on our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) that can help you better understand your setup and identify what’s going wrong. In fact, one of our viewers had an eerily similar issue and resolved it by sending in their board for testing.

Fixing printer issues can be a hands-on process, and for that reason, we’re unable to offer remote diagnostics or personalized troubleshooting via email or chat. However, we do offer in-person diagnostics through our repair facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Please note that our repair queue operates on a first-come, first-served basis, and turnaround times may vary depending on current demand. We’re happy to repair either full units or individual components, and our website outlines exactly how to proceed with a repair request. While our repair rates reflect the quality of service, we understand that they may not fit every budget. In that case, we encourage exploring DIY repair options through our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) and using the search tool near the “About” tab for fast topic lookup. With nine years of video content, this is the most efficient way to find exactly what you need.

Thanks again for reaching out. We’re here to support you, and we hope you’re able to resolve the issue soon—whether through our repair service or your own troubleshooting journey!