Solving Ink Flow Issues After Epson ET-8550 Conversion to DTF

Question:

I just converted a ET-8550 printer over for DTF printing and have installed the silicone modification for the printhead from your store. Another thing I did is that I set up CISS (Continuous Ink Supply System) and bypassed the ink storage tanks and connected directly to the ink tube. It no longer has a waste tank, however, because I plumbed the waste ink hose to an external waste tank. Using a syringe, I charged the ink lines and connected them to the dampers. Unfortunately, I jumped the gun on the initialization process with no ink and now cannot get any DTF ink into the dampers! I tried pulling ink from the waste tube with the printhead parked in the capping station but am experiencing no flow (I encounter resistance and no ink is coming). Can you help me understand what is going wrong and how to fix it?

Answer:

Because you executed the initialization process with pristine ink lines, the printer probably pushed air bubbles down the ink delivery system, which forms airlocks that will block ink from the dampers and printhead. If you pull ink through the waste tube and it is very resistant, then most likely air is blocking the flow. Here’s how to fix it:

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

Re-prime the ink lines by hand

Gently pull ink through dampers using a priming adapter for the syringe.

If it's your CISS then ensure that the ink is flowing properly to the tubing.

Do not pull excessive ink, this can damage the dampers or tubing.

Look for Airlocks in the Tubes

Air bubbles must be removed if the ink lines show this.

Detach dampers from the printhead and suck ink directly through tubes to CISS to see steady flow of ink without any bubbles.

Re-seat the Dampers Properly

If there is ink in the tubes but not in the dampers, check that the dampers are seated properly and that the dampers are not clogged.

If needed, check the dampers for dried ink or blockages and change them.

Flush the Capping Station and Printhead

The capping station may be partially clogged, which would restrict proper ink flow.

Inject a small amount of cleaning solution into the capping station with a syringe.

If ink still doesn’t flow, use a DTF printhead cleaning tool to pull ink from the printhead directly.

Run a Power Cleaning Cycle

After ink has made it to the dampers, you can run a power cleaning cycle from the printer’s maintenance menu.

This will help to clear any remaining air from the system and push ink through the nozzles.

How to Avoid This Problem in Future Conversions

Note: Always do ink line priming as a first step before initialization to fill the ink lines with ink first.

If air can get into the system, do not run repeated cleaning cycles — these will waste ink and lead to a greater risk of clogging — but manually prime the lines if necessary.

Printer related problems can be a tricky affair, owing to the pragmatic nature of the problems. So, we are unable to do remote troubleshooting, provide suggestions or support for printer repairs. Through our local diagnostic facility, we can provide an in-person evaluation and repair service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to the demand, everything operates on a first come, first serve basis, meaning it could take weeks for your printer to be logged in for diagnosis. We specialize in either entire printer repairs or individual parts repairs with instructions on what to do next. However, we realize that our rates are not the cheapest. So, we suggest we should follow the path of self help through online digging.

For guidance, start by visiting our own YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) and use the search icon located next to the 'About' section on the right side of the menu bar to look for specific videos. Having made videos for almost a decade, it’s not easy to remember every last one, but YouTube’s search function is the quickest way to find what you need. YouTube may also recommend videos from other channels that might be useful.

I really appreciate how much patience you have in your DTF conversion project. May these steps scrub the printer heads on your Epson ET-8550 and restore ink flow to normal. Keep us posted on how things go and thank you for your continued support!