Troubleshooting White Ink Flow Issues on the InkSonic C13A DTF Printer

Question:
I recently purchased a new InkSonic C13A DTF printer, but I’m having trouble getting the white ink to flow correctly. Even with assistance from the supplier, the problem remains. What could be causing this, and how can I fix it?

Answer:

With the InkSonic C13A, there are two main possibilities when you say the “white ink is not flowing.”

1. White Ink is Not Printing on the Film

If the printer powers up and runs, but the white ink does not appear on the film, then the issue is likely related to priming or head clogging.

• Printhead & Capping Station: A common cause is dried or partially clogged nozzles. You may need to perform a thorough cleaning of the printhead and capping station.

• Priming: The ink lines may contain trapped air, preventing ink from reaching the nozzles. Using a syringe priming method or the printer’s built-in priming function can help draw the ink fully through the tubes.

• Videos for Guidance: I have created multiple tutorials that explain how to prime and maintain Epson-based DTF printers properly. Searching “prime printhead” or “DTF capping station cleaning” on our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) will provide step-by-step demonstrations.

2. White Ink Tube is Full of Air and Ink Does Not Circulate Properly

If the printer appears to dispense ink but the white line remains filled with air bubbles, this issue is related to a design quirk specific to the InkSonic C13A model.

• The C13A has a safety feature that bypasses the white ink line when the printhead is clogged. This prevents damage to the head but often leaves the white ink unable to flow correctly.

• To fix this, some owners choose to modify the bypass system so that the ink flows directly to the printhead without rerouting. By removing this extra feature, the white ink circulation improves significantly, and the tubes stay full of ink rather than air.

3. Other Considerations

• Make sure the white ink is shaken correctly before use. White pigment tends to settle quickly, which can worsen flow problems.

• Check that the dampers are not clogged. Replacing dampers can restore consistent flow.

• Inspect for any kinks or leaks in the tubing that may be introducing air.

Addressing printer issues can be a complex task, as many problems require hands-on inspection and adjustments. For that reason, we cannot provide complete remote troubleshooting. However, BCH Technologies does offer an in-person evaluation and repair service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Due to high demand, service is first-come, first-served and may take a few weeks before your printer can be received. We repair both entire printers and individual parts, with clear instructions for customers.

That being said, we encourage you to begin with self-help options such as online tutorials. Our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) has over nine years of content, making it the best starting point. Use the search icon next to “About” on the menu bar to quickly find videos covering white ink flow, head priming, and tube cleaning. YouTube may also suggest additional videos from other creators that can be helpful.

Thank you again for contacting us and for supporting BCH Technologies. We truly value your trust and engagement.