How to Add a White Ink Circulation Pump to a DTF Printer Without a Built-In System

Customer Question:
I have a Punehod/Procolored L1800 A3 roll DTF printer with a stirring tank but no white ink circulation system. I've installed new circulation dampers and ink lines and want to add a pump. Can I tap into the stirring motor's wiring for power, or should I connect it to the controller directly? I attached a photo of the board that powers the stirring motor. I’d also like to purchase a suitable pump from BCH Technologies.

Answer:

Power Considerations: Tapping the Stirring Motor Line

If you're considering tapping into the wires powering the stirring motor, the first step is to confirm the voltage—most likely a 24V line. While it's technically possible to power your white ink pump this way, it introduces several risks:

• Power Drain: Pumps can draw a significant current, especially over prolonged operation. Observe whether both the mixer and the pump can run simultaneously and reliably. Perform multi-day tests to be sure.

• Overloading the Power Supply (PS): Tapping into an already loaded circuit may cause the power supply to degrade or fail, potentially affecting other parts of your printer.

• Inconsistent Operation: Stirring motors typically operate in longer cycles than circulation pumps should. This mismatch could result in inefficient or excessive operation.

Recommended Pump Types: Peristaltic vs. Diaphragm

For your setup, we strongly recommend using a 24V peristaltic pump (https://bchtechnologies.com/search?type=product&collection=all&q=24v+peristaltic).

Why peristaltic?

• Gentle Flow: It applies less stress on the ink system and printhead.

• Continuous Circulation: Matches the white ink circulation need better than diaphragm types.

Avoid using a diaphragm pump ([https://bchtechnologies.com/products/micro-diaphragm-pump-for-dtf-dtg-printers-white-ink-management-system-24v-3w-100-200-ml-min?_pos=2&_sid=b01761815&_ss=r]) for this application. These are more powerful and could force ink too aggressively, causing a pressure imbalance, especially while printing.

Additionally, to protect your printhead and regulate backpressure, consider installing a secondary tank ([https://bchtechnologies.com/products/secondary-tank-for-dtf-printhead-3-mm-od-1?_pos=1&_sid=84df260c0&_ss=r]). It helps to buffer ink flow and ease pressure on your main tank during operation.

Pro tip: Peristaltic pumps have a higher failure rate over time due to mechanical wear. Keep a spare handy and monitor performance regularly.

For Clean Installation: Use a Timer Controller

If you prefer a more reliable and isolated solution, we recommend using a dedicated timer controller ([https://bchtechnologies.com/products/dtf-printer-timer-controller-for-mixer-white-ink-pump-plug-and-play-with-easy-wire-connectors-reprogrammable-with-instructions-included?_pos=3&_sid=5fff0c93f&_ss=r]).

• Versatile Input: Accepts 12V or 24V input on the left side.

• Programmable Timing: The right side delivers a timed voltage output for scheduled circulation.

• Plug-and-Play: Pre-programmed for white ink pumps but can be reconfigured.

• Optional Upgrade: A future version with its built-in 24V power supply will soon be available for even easier installation.

Important Note on Repairs and Support

Printer modifications and repairs often require physical inspection and manual adjustments. As such, we're unable to provide remote troubleshooting or hands-on guidance. For more complex issues or installations, consider using our in-person diagnostic service, available through our local repair facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Please note that our service queue can extend several weeks, and pricing may not be the most budget-friendly.

We encourage self-research via YouTube. Begin at our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon next to the “About” section to find specific topics. With nine years of video content, this is the quickest way to find targeted solutions—even if they come from other trusted creators.

Thanks again for your thoughtful question and your continued support of BCH Technologies. We're honored to assist you on your DTF printing journey!