Discuss the various aspects of direct to garment printing. DTG printers include Brother, T-Jet, Flexi-Jet, DTG Kiosk, Kornit, Mimaki, Tex-Jet and others! Discuss and learn about this up and coming printing technology.
I own a DTG Kiosk. Approximately one month ago it started to leave thin streaks approximately 1 inch long going down the shirt
design. The different service techs told me to replace the printhead which I did two times. Did not correct the problem. I was told to bring the machine in. I took the machine to Texas after Xmas and was told I needed a new pump and capping station which I paid for. Get the machine back home. Printed 5 shirts and same problem. Can someone please help as I continue to spend money and I do not think they know the problem yet. Thanks!
I would suggest 2 things. First check that the ridges on the gear on the motor driving the belt that moves the print head back and forth is clean. Also check that the belt is tensioned correctly. I would also replace your encoder strip with a new one.
If this line is in the same position with different files I would agree with Harry on the encoder strip or possibly the drive belt. But I am driven more to an encoder strip problem!
Thanks a lot. I cleaned the encoder strip and the the drive belt and wheel that turns the drive belt. Printed two shirts and to my surprise it appears to be working. Thanks again!!! Also, just curious as to how often the capping station should be replaced and what is the life expectancy of a printhead. Just wondering since you both seem to know a lot. Thanks for the input.
how often the capping station should be replaced and what is the life expectancy of a printhead.
The capping statioin should be replaced every 6-12 months, some customers do so even more frequently (Adrenaline in Aus does his every 60-90 days). While we have seen capping stations work for much longer, it is an inexpensive part and is key to the life of your printhead. In regards to the life expectancy of a printhead, Epson rates the heads that are in a Kiosk for about 30,000 A4 size prints - that is normal pages of text. Direct to garment printers print much larger areas and use larger droplet sizes, so you can expect your lifespan to be shorter. If you figure a dime per impression for printhead consumable cost you should be fine. Typically we find that the more the machine is used, the longer (in terms of impressions) that a printhead will last. Atrophy is more of a concern than overuse.
Where can I get directions on how to replace the capping station myself?
Your DTG distributor's tech support department should have a pdf or video (or both) showing you how to do the replacement. I would suggest that you replace the pump assembly and wiper blades at the same time - just makes things easier and they generally have similar lifespans.
I strongly agree with Don. On the Kiosk, as well as the T-Jet 1 and 2, you should always replace the entire capping assembly - capping station, pump, and wipers - at the same time. They are all interrelated and equally wear.
Thin streaks in printing - Help!!! 
