Identifying and Replacing the Spacer Lock on the Epson R1390 Carriage Rail (Procolored A3 Roll Printer)

Question:
I have a Procolored R1390 roll printer, and the white plastic piece on the left side of the carriage rail popped off. I’m not sure what the part is called or how to find a replacement. Can you help?

Answer:

The white piece that popped off the left side of the carriage rail is known as the spacer lock for the main rod. This part plays a crucial role in stabilizing the carriage rod (or guide rail) that the printhead travels across. Without it, the rod can shift or vibrate during printing, leading to misalignment, irregular print quality, or even hardware damage over time.

Why the Spacer Lock Is Important

The spacer lock (also sometimes called a rail end clip or rod holder spacer) ensures that the horizontal main rod stays firmly seated in its designated place on the chassis. It keeps the mechanical structure aligned and absorbs some of the lateral movement from the printhead's rapid back-and-forth motions.

When this part becomes loose, cracked, or goes missing—as you've described—the main rod may drift slightly or rattle, causing:

• Excessive vibration and noise

• Printhead misalignment

• Unwanted lines or streaks on prints

• Possible stress on the carriage motor

How to Identify and Replace It

You won’t typically find this part listed on general parts catalogs because it's considered a frame-mounted accessory. However, this blog post on solving R1390 roller issues (https://bchtechnologies.com/blogs/blog/solving-epson-r1390-printer-roller-issues-procolored-a3-printer) includes helpful information and visuals that may assist in locating and identifying it precisely.

We recommend the following steps:

1. Remove the main rod carefully to inspect its seating points.

2. Verify if only one side's spacer lock is missing or damaged.

3. If the part is intact but loose, consider using thread locker or a thin shim to keep it secure.

4. If it's broken or missing entirely, try reaching out to BCH Technologies support with a photo of the part and your printer’s make/model. We may be able to provide a replacement or suggest a compatible part from another model.

Alternatively, some users opt to 3D-print replacement spacer locks if the exact part isn’t available for purchase. If you go this route, just make sure to use a durable filament (like PETG) and ensure the fit is snug but not overtightened.

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 get your printer in. Our services are structured to repair either a whole printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed. However, we acknowledge that our rates aren't the most economical. Thus, we highly recommend that you resort to self-help via online research. You can start by checking out YouTube or visiting our YouTube channel's 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. I receive dozens of queries every day asking about videos for specific topics. Having created videos over the past nine years, it's challenging to remember every single one. Therefore, using YouTube's search function would be most efficient. Plus, YouTube might suggest relevant videos from other channels that could assist you.

Thanks again for reaching out to us. We’re always here to help when possible and are grateful for your continued support.