[LoiterLLC]

So, ever since I got my DTG HM1C a few years back, I've had issues with Red Ink printing vibrant. Today, I decided to investigate just what is going on... so I took apart an R2400 Print Head and used a syringe to see the suction levels in the tubes for the different ink colors. I put tubing over the nozzles for each color and forced distilled water (and later, cleaner) through.

Turns out that without any obvious clogs, the Red and Yellow have a considerably different feeling when trying to push cleaner or water through the nozzles. Black/Blue/and the 4 whites - you can easily push cleaner or distilled water through the nozzle and out the back, with very little pressure. Yellow and Red require much more pressure and water seems to come out the other side slowly.

This is the second print head I've gone through because of crappy red prints. Does anyone know why the Red and Yellow seem to have less flowthrough?

In case you're wondering what the inside of a R2400 print head looks like, here ya go:

[media]http://imgur.com/O2CPD82[/media] - bottom of print head
[media]http://imgur.com/2yVtxJL[/media] - other side of print head
[media]http://imgur.com/uFmzrEo[/media] - backside of Damper/Cartridge holder

I've tried leaving cleaning solution inside the print head for a few days - seems I may need to just replace the print head entirely. I am wondering if this is a design flaw...

 

[DTGPRINTERPARTS]

How were your nozzle checks prior to pulling the head out?

 

[LoiterLLC]

Not good - red/yellow looked like crap.

Even when I can get them to 100% across the board, it doesn't take long for the nozzle checks to go back to looking bad. I just got a new print-head ordered so we'll see what happens. I wonder what other's experiences are though.

I always read about people having problems w/ Red and Yellow inks... This time around, when flushing the lines, I noticed my blue/black/white lines were completely empty and clear. My magenta and yellow lines had obvious settlement that never went away even after a few days of soaking and many ink charges. Seems the pigment or whatever in the Yellow and Magenta cling a little longer and cause a bit more damage over time.

 

[DTGPRINTERPARTS]

I think you may have had a slight print head clog so it might be a good idea to replace the dampers and capping station too

 

[LoiterLLC]

Yeah, I have changed all dampers first. Capping station is newer and clean. Squeegee on capping station is in good condition. Should have the new print head in a few days, I guess that's all I can do at this point. Just sucks at how fickle these things are when they cost so much.

 

[LoiterLLC]

I think you may have had a slight print head clog so it might be a good idea to replace the dampers and capping station too

Do you guys use the R1900 or R2400 print head for the DTG-HM1c Replacement? I'm looking at your site now - can't tell the difference in which model you're using.

 

[DTGPRINTERPARTS]

Yeah these machines are like no other. If you don't clean or maintain them or even push ink through daily they can clog fast. Just make sure that you leave the machine to auto clean itself every 6-8 hours to push ink through.

 

[LoiterLLC]

Unfortunately, I don't believe my DTG HM1c has an "Auto Cleaning" cycle on it. I've asked around - no luck. I tried to see if there was a program I could find that would do it for me, but no luck. Any ideas?

 

[DTGPRINTERPARTS]

R1900 is what Epson gives dealers to sell, PM me though if you have any biz related questions because the forums won't let me post answers to questions business related. They will kick me off lol!

 

[DTGPRINTERPARTS]

Its more than likely in the RIP software for it into the settings for the printer status