Ink Leaked Into Printhead During DTF Conversion? Here's What to Do with Your Epson XP-15000

Question:
I recently attempted to convert my Epson XP-15000 from a sublimation setup to a DTF printer using a CISS (Continuous Ink Supply System), and I believe the ink leaked into the printhead during the process. Now the printer isn’t functioning, and I’m feeling defeated. I had already purchased CADLINK software but haven't installed it yet. I'm wondering if it's worth trying to repair the printer or if I should consider buying a new one. I don't have experience with electronic repairs, such as soldering microfuses. I wish I could’ve sent the entire setup to someone to handle the conversion. What would you suggest?

Answer:
Thank you so much for contacting us, and we’re truly sorry for not getting back to you sooner. We understand how frustrating and urgent printer problems can be, especially when you're investing time and money into starting a DTF workflow. Please know that we treat every issue with care, and we’ve given your question the attention it deserves.

We at BCH Technologies sincerely appreciate your engagement, especially with our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Your feedback helps us refine our guidance and explore new solutions for the printing community.

Ink Leakage During CISS DTF Conversion: What Went Wrong?

The transition from sublimation to DTF on the Epson XP-15000 is a delicate one, and unfortunately, ink leakage into the printhead is a reasonably common issue when using a CISS system. This is especially true if the printer wasn’t thoroughly flushed and reset between the two ink types. Sublimation inks and DTF inks have different viscosities and chemical properties, and cross-contamination or residual ink pressure can create disastrous effects.

If ink has indeed seeped into the printhead’s internal circuitry or reached the mainboard, it may cause electrical shorts. While this doesn’t always render the printer unusable, if there’s damage to the board or if critical fuses have blown, it can become a complex and potentially expensive repair.

Should You Junk It or Try to Fix It?

Here are the primary considerations:

• If the motherboard is still intact (i.e., no blinking lights or complete power failure) and the printhead isn’t permanently clogged or electrically shorted, recovery is possible.

• Since you mentioned not having experience with soldering or electronics, attempting to locate and replace microfuses might be beyond a typical DIY scope.

• That said, we do offer in-person repair services, including mainboard and printhead evaluations. You can opt to send the printer in if you'd like a hands-off solution. Visit our Printer Repair Service page (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service) to learn more.

Also, you're not alone in wishing there was a service to handle “the whole kit and caboodle” conversion process. Many of our customers express this exact sentiment—and it’s something we understand entirely.

If you do decide to buy a new printer, the knowledge you’ve gained from this experience will be invaluable in preventing future mishaps. We'd be happy to assist you through a safer and more structured DTF setup if you go that route.

Extra Notes About CADLINK

Since you haven’t installed CADLINK yet, it’s worth holding off until you're sure whether you’ll continue with the XP-15000 or move on to a new device. CADLINK licenses are tied to hardware, and activating them on a failed printer could complicate license transfer later.

Please Note:
Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. Therefore, we're unable 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. Therefore, it may take a few weeks before we can arrange for your printer to drop it off. Our services are structured to repair either the 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 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 the most efficient approach. Additionally, YouTube may suggest relevant videos from other channels that can assist you.

Thank you again for reaching out. We wish you success in getting back on track with your DTF journey. Please let us know how you decide to proceed—we’re here to support you in any way we can.