How to Convert Epson WF-2650 to Use Refillable Sublimation Cartridges (T220 Ink System)

Customer Question

I'm trying to convert my Epson WF-2650 Workforce printer for sublimation or pigment printing, but I'm having trouble finding compatible refillable cartridges for the T220 ink system. Are they discontinued, or is there another way to make this work?

Answer

Can You Still Use Sublimation Ink in an Epson WF-2650 with T220 Cartridges?

The Epson WF-2650 printer uses T220 cartridges, which can indeed be adapted for sublimation or pigment use, but there's a catch—you need to bypass Epson’s ink chip lock system, which enforces strict cartridge recognition and ink level tracking.

Although refillable T220 cartridges have become harder to find in mainstream retail channels, they’re not completely extinct. The real challenge lies in dealing with the chip limitation on these cartridges.

Step 1: Make the Printer Chipless

To reliably use refillable cartridges—whether for sublimation, pigment, or even third-party dye ink—you must first convert your WF-2650 into a chipless printer. This eliminates the firmware's dependency on ink chip data.

To do this:

• Visit Inkchip.net (https://inkchip.net)

• Download the chipless firmware tool for the Epson WF-2650

• Follow the instructions to apply the firmware modification

⚠️ Note: This process is irreversible and may void any remaining warranty. Proceed only if you're comfortable modifying firmware.

Once the chipless conversion is complete, the printer won’t reject cartridges due to missing or empty chips. This allows you to use universal refillable cartridges, even those without auto-reset chips.

Step 2: Purchase Refillable Cartridges for T220

After the chipless conversion, head over to eBay and search for:

"Epson refillable cartridges 220"

You will find sellers still offering refillable T220-compatible cartridges with or without chip emulators. These are typically designed with syringe ports for easy refilling and can hold sublimation or pigment ink of your choice.

Make sure you select cartridges that clearly mention compatibility with Epson WF-2650 and specify T220 or T220XL format.

Step 3: Fill with Sublimation or Pigment Ink

Once your cartridge set arrives, you can proceed with your preferred ink:

• For sublimation printing (e.g., T-shirt transfers, mugs, etc.), use sublimation ink suitable for thermal inkjet systems.

• For general-purpose printing, BCH’s dye or pigment inks are also compatible once the printer is converted.

Keep in mind that sublimation ink requires sublimation paper and printing onto poly-coated materials for the image to transfer correctly.

Printer customization, especially for alternative ink systems like sublimation, often involves hardware or firmware adjustments that we cannot remotely support. We offer in-person evaluations and repairs through our local diagnostic center (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to demand, we run on a first-come, first-served basis, and wait times may apply. Our repair service is designed to accommodate both full printer repairs and part-level diagnostics. That said, our rates may not be the most budget-friendly. We strongly recommend exploring DIY solutions through research. You can begin by searching relevant tutorials on YouTube, or using the search function on our BCH Technologies YouTube homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). With nearly a decade of content, that’s the most effective way to find video guidance.

Thank you once again for your inquiry. We appreciate your trust in BCH Technologies, and we’re always here to help you push the limits of what your printer can do.