How to Fix a Blank Print Issue After Replacing Printhead on Epson-Based DTF Printers

Question:
I recently reinstalled my printer software to fix a paper feeding issue, which is now resolved. However, I'm running into a new problem: when I try to print, the paper feeds and the printhead moves as if it's printing, but no image appears on the page. It's as if it's printing invisibly. I installed a brand new printhead from BCH Technologies, and this all started after I accidentally spilled cleaning fluid on the printhead’s green board. I’ve since replaced some fuses and transistors. Could there still be something wrong with the motherboard?

Answer:

1. Start by Checking the Capping Station

One of the most common reasons for a new printhead not printing is an issue with the capping station. If the capping station is clogged, misaligned, or not sealing properly, it won’t be able to prime the head or maintain pressure, resulting in blank prints.

Here are some detailed resources to help you examine and service your capping station:

• Capping Station Maintenance [https://youtu.be/5yjq3ZN0qv8] – for routine care

• Unclogging the Capping Station [https://youtu.be/WbY_6O1-w2c] – to restore sealing and suction

• Removing and Installing the Capping Station [https://youtu.be/_cZEkmgIZYc] – for physical inspection and replacement

• Troubleshooting Screeching Noises [https://youtu.be/MjArYM-QnfU]

• Advanced Capping Station Disassembly Guide
  [https://bchtechnologies.com/products/video-capping-station-assemble-disassemble-guide-for-l1800-1390-artisan-1430-and-1400]

If your printer sat idle during repairs, the capping station may have dried up and is no longer capable of sealing properly.

2. Prime the New Printhead

A brand-new printhead doesn't always come primed and may require help drawing ink through its channels, especially with DTF ink, which is thicker than standard ink.

Follow this process carefully:

• Turn the printer on and let the printhead park naturally over the capping station.

• Connect a syringe to the waste line and gently draw 1.5 to 2 ml of air.

• If you draw only air, the seal is bad or the printhead isn’t seated correctly.

• If there is full resistance (can't draw anything), the capping station is likely clogged.

• If suction feels correct, you might hear the membrane crinkle in the dampers—this is good.

• Draw slowly to the 2 ml mark and hold the vacuum for 10 seconds.

• Afterward, use the printer’s normal cleaning routine but avoid strong cleans for at least 12 hours. Also, avoid doing two cleans back-to-back.

This method primes the channels inside the printhead and helps get ink flowing.

3. Mainboard Concerns – Possible Electrical Issues

Given that cleaning solution made contact with the green board portion of your old printhead, it's very likely a short circuit occurred, potentially affecting:

• ✅ F1 Fuse – You already replaced this, which is great.

• ✅ Driver Transistors – Also replaced, as you mentioned.

• ❗️Printer Driver Chip – This chip controls ink firing signals to the printhead. If it’s damaged, it may not send signals at all, resulting in blank prints even when the mechanics appear normal.

• ❗️FFC Cable – Check your Flat Flexible Cables for any signs of arc damage or corrosion. A dirty or loose connection can interrupt signal transmission.

• ❗️Printhead Adapter Boards – If your printer uses a head signal converter or board overlay for aftermarket heads, that board might also be damaged and needs verification.

If everything else seems functional and ink still doesn’t appear on the page, you may need to send your mainboard for testing or repair.

We offer a mainboard repair service, where we inspect and restore critical firing circuits. If you want to go that route, you can visit our printer repair service page [https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service].

Addressing printer issues like this often requires hands-on testing and diagnostics. Due to the physical complexity of these repairs, we aren’t able to provide remote troubleshooting or virtual support. However, we do offer in-person diagnostics and repair services through our local repair facility [https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service]. Please be aware that wait times may vary, as we operate on a first-come, first-served basis. While our pricing may not always be the lowest, we emphasize transparency and a clear path to resolution. For those who prefer DIY repair, we strongly encourage using online resources such as our YouTube channel homepage [https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies]. You can search for specific topics using the search icon near the “About” tab on our channel. With over nine years of content, this is the fastest way to find targeted help—even from other content creators YouTube recommends.

Thanks again for reaching out and sharing the detailed background of your situation. It’s customers like you who help us improve and build better resources for the printing community. If you need any help ordering parts or selecting the right videos, don’t hesitate to follow up.