Upgrading to a Nipple Printhead Intake on the Epson XP-15000: Do You Need New Cartridges and When Is the CISS Kit Coming Back?

Question:

I'm looking to switch my Epson XP-15000 to a nipple-style printhead intake instead of the original mesh style. I saw that you offer a cover for this—will I need to change my ink cartridges to use the nipple design? Also, do you know when the full kit, including the CISS and other components, will be back in stock?


Answer:

Why Upgrade to a Nipple-Style Intake?

The nipple-style printhead intake is a practical improvement over the traditional mesh-style filter found in stock Epson XP-15000 printers. Here’s why many users—especially in DTF (Direct-to-Film), sublimation, and pigment ink setups—prefer this conversion:

  • Enhanced Ink Flow: The nipple design allows ink to travel directly into the dampers, reducing resistance and promoting smooth ink delivery.

  • Reduced Clogging: Unlike mesh filters, which can trap pigment particles or dry ink, nipple-style connections reduce the risk of internal clogging—especially important when using dense inks like white or fluorescent.

  • Improved Maintenance: The system is easier to flush and clean. You can disconnect and purge individual dampers or ink lines without dealing with embedded mesh filters.

  • Optimized for BCH Dampers: The nipple-based setup is fully compatible with our V3 Top Load White Ink Dampers, which are tested and tuned specifically for the XP-15000 printhead.


Do You Need to Change Cartridges?

Yes, to switch to a nipple intake system, you will need to change your ink supply system. The traditional cartridge design won't fit onto the nipple connectors, as they’re engineered for tubing-based Continuous Ink Supply Systems (CISS) or external tanks.

Here are your options:

  • CISS Setup: Ideal for continuous, high-volume printing. Tubes from external tanks plug directly into the dampers connected to the nipples.

  • Refillable Cartridge to Tube Conversion: If you previously used refillable cartridges, you’ll need to move to a tubing system that can mate with the dampers’ nipples. This usually involves a connector adapter or CISS-compatible ink reservoirs.


Availability of Full Kit with CISS

Regarding the full kit—including the CISS system and accessories—we are actively working to restock and update this product. However, we don’t yet have a confirmed release date.

We know this kit is in high demand, particularly among DIY conversion users and small business operators doing custom garment and film printing. We're refining the design to improve compatibility and durability, which is taking some extra time. Please consider signing up for back-in-stock notifications directly on our CISS product page (https://bchtechnologies.com) or drop us an email so we can reach out once it’s ready.


Final Thoughts on Printer Conversions

Switching from a mesh intake to a nipple-based design is a great way to level up your printer’s reliability and reduce ink-related issues. Just remember: once you go nipple-style, you are committing to a tubing-based system. But the tradeoff is worth it—cleaner ink flow, less downtime, and a system that’s more modular and serviceable.


Addressing printer issues can be a challenging process due to the physical nature of the equipment. For this reason, we don’t offer remote troubleshooting or printer repair consultations. However, we do provide in-person evaluation and repair services (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). These are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and due to demand, it may take a few weeks before we can process your device. Our services range from full printer diagnostics to component-level repairs. If our pricing isn’t ideal for your budget, we strongly encourage you to leverage DIY resources online, especially on our YouTube channel homepage (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). You can find the search bar next to the “About” tab to help locate specific videos faster.

Thanks again for your great question, and we appreciate your commitment to improving your printing system. Whether you're a first-time converter or a seasoned DTF user, we’re here to support your journey.