Troubleshooting Epson ET-8550 Nipple-Style Cartridge and Damper Issues

Question

We purchased the nipple-style cartridge and accompanying dampeners for our Epson ET-8550. After watching the how-to video, we realized that the dampeners are not drawing ink as expected. We also noticed that the quick locks for the dampeners and the carriage line guide seem to be missing. It looks like the quick locks are available with your CISS kit, but since we purchased the CISS elsewhere, we did not receive the company's cartridge dampeners or other necessary parts. We are only using the materials we purchased from you. Despite priming the dampeners by sucking air from the lines, they still do not feed ink. Can you help us resolve these issues?

Answer

Regarding your question, it seems you are encountering two main issues: locking the nipple-style cartridge/damper and priming the dampener.

Issue 1: Locking the Nipple-Style Cartridge/Damper

The Epson ET-8550 printhead does not have a built-in damper holder like some other models. Therefore, it requires using base-locked dampers, which have a rectangular block at the base. Once inserted into the printer, they lock securely. These dampers can be identified by searching for "V2 damper" and "V3 damper" on the BCH Technologies website (https://bchtechnologies.com).

Issue 2: Dampener Not Drawing Ink

Since DTF ink is thicker than standard ink, it can require a more deliberate process to prime the dampeners. Here’s a step-by-step guide to ensure proper priming:

1. Park the Printhead Correctly: Turn on the printer and allow the printhead to naturally settle on the capping station. Ensure that the printhead is properly seated.

2. Use a Syringe for Priming: Attach a syringe with a tube to the printer’s waste line. Gently draw 2 ml of air, starting with 1.5 ml to check resistance. If you feel slight resistance and hear a crinkling sound from the damper membrane, it indicates that the nozzles are open. Continue to draw slowly to the full 2 ml mark.

3. Check for Air Leaks: If you draw only air, it means the printhead is not correctly parked or there is a leak in the capping station’s seal. Adjust the printhead position and try again.

4. Avoid Over-Cleaning: Once the ink flow is restored, run a regular cleaning cycle, but avoid strong cleanings for at least 12 hours. Additionally, avoid performing back-to-back cleanings, as this can lead to excessive air entering the system.

If the capping station itself is clogged, you may experience complete resistance when drawing with the syringe. In this case, unclogging the station should be the priority.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. Therefore, we are 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. Thus, it might take a few weeks before we can evaluate your printer. Our services cover either the whole printer or specific parts, and we provide clear instructions on how to proceed. While our rates may not be the lowest, we encourage exploring self-help through online resources. Start by visiting YouTube or our YouTube channel's homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies), and use the search function for relevant videos. YouTube may also suggest helpful videos from other channels.

We truly appreciate your continued support and hope this information helps resolve your issue. Please feel free to reach out if you have any more questions.