Upgrading to a Nipple Style Manifold for Your XP-15000 DTF Printer – What You Need to Know

Question:

I’m considering upgrading my DTF XP-15000 printer with a nipple-style manifold and have some questions: To change the cartridges, you must have new ones to replace them that fit the nipple system. I noticed that the V3 top-load white dampers are out of stock, and I don’t know how they work. Would I need one for all six color slots? I currently have a CISS with sponge cartridges—will this complicate the transition? I was initially going to get silicone washers, but if I go to the nipple system, do I still need these? Anything else I should know before switching?

Answer:

Do I Have to Buy New Cartridges for the Nipple System?

Yes, if you change to a nipple-style manifold, you will require new cartridges or dampers compatible with the nipples. Instead of sponge-based cartridges, this configuration brings the dampers right up to the printhead, ensuring a more stable and constant ink supply.

V3 top-load white dampers are sold out but will likely be back in stock in about two weeks. In the meantime, if you’re upgrading soon, I’d suggest checking back or signing up for a restock alert on the product page.

How Many Dampers Do I Need?

You’ll need one damper per color slot, so that’s six dampers in total (one per color). A damper can't be shared between two colors (since every damper is intended to maintain an independent ink flow path).

Do I need silicone washers anymore?

No, you don't need the silicone washers if you are going to the nipple system. The nipple manifold does not require washers and provides a direct seal, like most CISS (Continuous Ink Supply System) solutions.

Should I Know Anything Else Before Upgrading?

Here are a few things you should know before you switch:

Airflow Management — Unlike sponge-based CISS cartridges, the nipple-style system requires proper air pressure and a vacuum must be maintained, all of which has been removed from the design.

Ink Supply Protection -Dampers protect the ink supply and printhead, mitigating air bubbles and ink starvation (a huge benefit over sponge cartridges).

Maintenance Considerations -Because the nipple system enables a more direct ink flow, it’s essential to use high-quality ink and routinely flush the system to avoid clogs.

Installation Complexity—You will probably have to research how to install a damper on your system, but once you understand how it works (using the pages at the top of this post), you can achieve a more stable ink flow.

Additional Support

Making printer modifications is tricky, particularly around DTF, because they involve plenty of hands-on work. We apologize, but we cannot support remote troubleshooting or repairs. We provide an in-person diagnostic and repair service as needed (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service), but we will not maintain this profile until October 2023. Please note that we work on a first-come, first-served basis, so there may be a delay before the drop-off service is available.

If you thought you'd try to resolve this issue, I strongly suggest you use the search box on our YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Just type in keywords relevant to your problem and check for related videos. With the number of tutorials we have created over the years, this is the fastest way to find a particular topic. Thanks again for your support and for contacting us with your questions! Good luck with your upgrade, and happy printing!