Fixing White Ink Issues on DTF Printers: Tips for Steady Output

Question:
I have a Colorsun model DTF printer, and my white ink isn’t consistent. After shaking the ink and thoroughly cleaning, the first two or three prints look solid, but the white ink weakens by the fourth or fifth print. I have to clean the printhead again and use a cleaning solution, but the cycle repeats. It’s frustrating. What could be the issue?

Answer:

Based on your description, it sounds like there may be an issue with ink flow, particularly for the white ink supply. Here are two recommendations to improve your setup:

First, I strongly suggest rolling your white ink before each printing session. Shaking the ink alone isn’t always enough to keep the pigment evenly distributed throughout the ink tank, leading to inconsistencies. I have a video showing how to retrofit a rock tumbler into a DTF ink roller, which can be a game-changer for maintaining even ink consistency. You can check it out here: DTF Ink Roller Video (https://youtu.be/khto7DkPKyg).

Second, consider adding a secondary ink tank closer to the printhead. Your printer’s current setup might be struggling to supply enough white ink during extended print runs, causing the printhead to starve for ink. A secondary tank can help stabilize the ink flow and reduce the frequency of cleanings, keeping your prints more consistent over longer runs.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. So, we cannot 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. Getting your printer to drop off may take a few weeks. Our services are structured to repair a whole printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed. However, we acknowledge that our rates could be more economical. Thus, we recommend that you resort to self-help via online research. You can start by checking out our YouTube channel's homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon next to "About" on the right-hand side of the menu bar to find videos related to your issue.