Why Does My Epson L1800 DTF Printer Regurgitate Foamy Ink from the Capping Station?

Question:
I've noticed that my Epson L1800 DTF printer sometimes regurgitates foamy ink from the capping station. In your video, I also saw that some capping stations have a foam or pad inside, while others do not. Why is that the case?

Answer:

1. OEM Capping Stations with Foam Pads

Original Epson OEM capping stations are manufactured with a foam or sponge pad inside the cap. This pad is designed to:

• Maintain moisture around the printhead nozzles when the printer is idle.

• Provide a cushion for sealing, which prevents the ink from drying and clogging nozzles.

• Help absorb a small amount of ink during cleaning cycles.

2. Why Some Capping Stations Don't Have Foam

In DTF printing, users often apply strong cleaning solutions or flush solvents through the capping station to keep nozzles open. Unfortunately, the foam in OEM capping stations is prone to chemical breakdown when exposed to these stronger solutions. Over time, the pad can:

• Dissolve or disintegrate, releasing debris into the ink system.

• Lose its ability to absorb ink effectively, leading to poor sealing and leakage.

Because of this, many aftermarket or modified DTF capping stations are made without the foam pad. Removing the pad eliminates the risk of contamination or breakdown from aggressive cleaning solutions. Instead, the design relies on direct suction through the cap for maintenance.

3. Why Ink Regurgitation Happens

When foamy ink pushes back out of the capping station (sometimes humorously described as "printer GERD"), it's usually due to:

• Air leaks in the seal between the printhead and capping station.

• Over-saturation of the capping pad, especially if it is still present but clogged with residue.

• Strong suction during cleaning cycles that mixes ink with air, producing foam.

• Incorrect aftermarket parts that don't align as tightly as OEM components.

4. How to Address the Issue

• If your capping station still has a foam pad and you are regularly using strong cleaning solutions, consider replacing it with a pad-free aftermarket version.

• Inspect the rubber seal around the capping station. If it is worn, ink can bubble back instead of being drawn into the waste lines.

• Run cleaning cycles only as necessary, since overuse can contribute to foaming.

• Ensure the waste ink pump and tubing are not clogged or kinked, as this will reduce suction efficiency.

You may find our video on this subject useful: Epson Capping Station Explained (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVtQLe2wTsk&lc=UgxePmMmITW-I-M6xER4AaABAg).

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems. For this reason, we cannot provide remote troubleshooting or detailed repair support. However, we do offer in-person evaluations and repairs through our local diagnostic facility (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Our repair queue is handled on a first-come, first-served basis, and depending on demand, it may take several weeks before we can work on your printer. While our rates may not always be the lowest, we recommend supplementing with self-help resources. A great place to start is searching our BCH Technologies YouTube channel (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies), where you'll find years of printer troubleshooting and maintenance videos. Using the channel's built-in search function will help you quickly find content relevant to your exact issue.

Thank you again for your question and for engaging with our content. Your support helps us continue sharing knowledge to make the printing process more reliable and accessible.