How to Fix Color Setting Issues on a Chipless Epson XP-15000 Printer

Question:
I recently purchased a converted chipless Epson XP-15000 printer, but I can't figure out the correct color settings. How should I adjust or manage the color settings to get accurate prints?

Answer:

Now, regarding your chipless Epson XP-15000 color settings - since your printer has been converted (most likely for DTF, sublimation, or pigment ink printing), the color management process is controlled entirely by the RIP software, not by the printer's built-in color system.

Understanding Color Settings with RIP Software

When you install a RIP (Raster Image Processor) such as Acrorip, EKPrint, or Cadlink Digital Factory, it takes over the printer driver's function. The RIP software determines how much ink of each color is deposited, how layers are built, and how white ink (if applicable) is printed. Because of this, the Epson driver settings in Windows or macOS are no longer relevant-you should make all your color adjustments inside the RIP program.

Key Steps to Set Color Properly

1. Select the Correct Printer Model and ICC Profile:
   Make sure your RIP is configured for the Epson XP-15000 model or the correct printer engine it's based on. Also, load the ICC profile that matches your ink type (DTF ink, pigment ink, or sublimation ink). An incorrect profile can result in faded, oversaturated, or color-shifted prints.

2. Adjust the Color Coverage Ratio:
   Within your RIP software, find the color coverage or ink density setting. Increasing this slightly (usually between 90-120%) enhances vibrancy if your colors appear dull. However, too much ink coverage can lead to bleeding or longer drying times.

3. Disable Color Management in the Printer Driver (if applicable):
   If you are printing through a system that still routes through the Epson driver, ensure "Color Management" is turned off in the printer settings. The RIP should be the only system handling color correction; otherwise, your prints may appear inaccurate because the driver's color adjustments will conflict with the RIP's processing.

4. Perform a Nozzle Check Before Color Adjustment:
   Before making final tweaks, print a nozzle check pattern to ensure all colors are firing properly. Blocked nozzles can create misleading color results, even if your software settings are correct.

5. Test with Known Reference Images:
   To verify your color balance, print a standard color test image-such as a CMYK color bar or photo reference file. If your prints still look off, try different ICC profiles or adjust the color channel balance within the RIP.

Additional Tips

• Ensure your ink type matches your film or paper coating. Using DTF ink on plain paper or vice versa will always distort color.

• Regularly agitate your ink tanks if using white ink, as pigment settling can cause tonal inconsistencies.

• Keep your printer firmware from auto-updating, as chipless systems can sometimes revert to locked firmware versions after updates.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. So, we're not able to 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, so it might take a few weeks before we can check your printer in. Our services are structured to repair either a whole printer or specific parts, with clear guidance on how to proceed. However, we understand that our pricing might not be the most economical, so we highly encourage you to explore self-help through our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Use the search icon next to "About" on the right-hand side of the menu bar to locate videos for your specific printer model or conversion type. With nearly a decade of tutorial content, this is often the quickest and most practical resource for your issue.

Thank you once again for contacting BCH Technologies. We truly appreciate your trust and support as you continue your printing journey with your chipless XP-15000.