Question:
I keep hearing about the Epson L1800, but the PLK L1800 looks different. Are the parts, such as the printhead, mainboard, and frame, the same? I want to make sure I don’t purchase the wrong parts.
Answer:
To clarify, if you are referring to the internal components of the printer—such as the mainboard, frame, or printhead—the Epson L1800 and PLK L1800 are essentially the same. This is because PLK does not manufacture printers; they purchase Epson L1800 printers and make modifications to suit specific printing needs, such as DTF (Direct-to-Film) printing.
The differences you’re noticing in appearance are due to modifications PLK adds. For example:
- White Ink Management System: PLK often adds a white ink circulation system to prevent sedimentation, a common issue in DTF printing setups.
- Roll-Fed Adaptation: For printers that support roll-fed printing, PLK installs a breakout board to override the standard paper feed system. This modification allows the printer to handle continuous rolls of media instead of sheets.
- Printhead Conversion: Some manufacturers add an extra control board to convert the L1800 printhead into an L805 printhead. This conversion improves certain aspects of performance or ink control for specialized printing purposes.
While the internal hardware remains identical to the Epson L1800, the modifications to the external structure or additional boards can make the machines appear different. If you’re purchasing replacement parts such as a mainboard, frame, or printhead, those from the Epson L1800 will work perfectly with a PLK-modified version. Just make sure you don’t purchase any third-party add-ons like breakout boards unless they are specific to your use case (e.g., roll-fed printing).
Addressing printer issues and finding the right parts can be a hands-on and sometimes complicated process. While we can’t offer remote troubleshooting, we do provide an in-person evaluation and repair service at our local facility: BCH Printer Repair Service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Because we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, it may take some time before we can assess your printer.
For additional guidance, I recommend checking out our YouTube channel (BCH Technologies YouTube [https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies]). Use the search bar near the "About" tab to find videos related to Epson L1800 parts, white ink systems, or DTF modifications. With nine years of content available, it’s the fastest way to locate answers, and YouTube may even suggest other helpful videos from creators with similar setups.