Question:
I recently watched Quick Fix For Damaged Printhead Screw Holes That Actually Works! (https://youtu.be/bh82VAjS4Pc) and had a question. If my posts are completely broken off in pieces and gone, can I still use the mold and epoxy to make new posts? Will this repair method work in such a case?
Answer:
Thank you for reaching out! I sincerely apologize for the delay in responding to your question. I completely understand that printer issues are urgent, and I want to ensure that I provide a well-thought-out, detailed answer. At BCH Technologies (https://bchtechnologies.com), we greatly appreciate your engagement and support, particularly on our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Your questions and feedback help us refine our troubleshooting techniques and create better instructional content.
Now, to answer your question—yes, you can successfully recreate new screw posts even if they are entirely gone. The key is using a protective sleeve to contain the epoxy and ensure the repaired structure maintains its shape over time.
How to Repair Completely Broken Printhead Screw Posts
If your screw posts have snapped off entirely and there are no remaining pieces to work with, you can follow these steps to rebuild them:
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Use a Protective Sleeve – The DTF Printhead Carriage Return Screw Hole Repair Kit (https://bchtechnologies.com/products/dtf-printhead-carriage-return-screw-hole-repair-complete-kit-l1800-l800-l805-1390-1430-based-printers) includes a protective sleeve designed to prevent epoxy from expanding and distorting over time. This sleeve is crucial in cases where the entire screw post is missing.
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Position the Sleeve Correctly—Before pouring the epoxy, attach the protective sleeve to the spot where the column once stood. The sleeve should be firmly sealed at the base to prevent leakage. A small amount of super glue or another adhesive can help keep it in place.
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Pour and Cure the Epoxy—Once the sleeve is securely positioned, you can pour the epoxy inside. The protective sleeve acts as a mold, holding the epoxy in the correct shape as it hardens. Follow the instructions in the YouTube video to ensure a smooth application and curing process.
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Final Touches – After the epoxy fully sets, you may need to drill a pilot hole or slightly sand the surface to refine the fit. Once completed, the newly created column should function just like the original, allowing you to reinstall the screws without issue.
Why This Method Works
The primary concern with using epoxy alone is that it spreads and deforms over time due to external pressures. The protective sleeve in the repair kit solves this issue by maintaining structural integrity and preventing unwanted expansion. By sealing the bottom of the sleeve, you ensure that the epoxy stays confined, resulting in a strong and stable repair.
Alternative DIY Methods
If you don’t have the repair kit, some try alternatives like heat-resistant plastic tubing or makeshift molds. However, these methods can be unreliable, as epoxy’s ability to adhere correctly depends on its containment. We highly recommend using a purpose-built repair kit for the most effective and long-lasting repair.
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 (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service) via our local diagnostic facility. Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis. It might take a few weeks before we can schedule a drop-off. Our services include repairing entire printers or specific parts, with clear instructions. However, we acknowledge that our rates aren't the most economical. Thus, we recommend that you resort to self-help via online research. You can start by checking out YouTube or visiting our YouTube channel homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Look for specific videos using the search icon next to "About" on the right-hand side of the menu bar. Since I receive dozens of queries daily, it's difficult to recall every single video, so using YouTube’s search function is the most efficient method. YouTube might also suggest relevant videos from other channels that could assist you.
Thanks again for your question and for supporting BCH Technologies! Your engagement helps us improve and create more valuable content for the printer repair community. Let me know if you have any follow-up questions!