Dtf ink maintenance begins with proper ink replacement to ensure print head health and color fidelity. Replacing white or CMYK ink correctly can prevent clogs, color shifts, and inconsistent ink flow. In this DTF Ink Lab #03 we show a step-by-step tutorial using white ink, offering real-world insights for print shops and textile decorators.
Step 1: Power Off & Disconnect
Turn off printer, empty tank, disconnect agitator, sensor, and ink tubes. Clean or replace the tank to avoid contamination.
Step 2: Prepare for Drainage
Switch on printer, move head to left. Place cloth or container beneath and tissues around area to catch spills.
Step 3: Empty & Clean Dampers (Printer Off)
Power off again, remove dampers. Use syringe to extract remaining ink, flush dampers and print head multiple times with cleaning solution.
Step 4: Install Clean/New Ink Tank
Reconnect tubes and plugs, pour new DTF ink, and use syringe to draw ink into each damper from bottom.
Step 5: Run Ink Load & Head Cleaning
Use RIP to load ink for 20–30 seconds, then perform head cleaning cycles to ensure even flow.
Step 6: Test Output
Print nozzle check pattern, then color test image. If CMYK was changed, expect color shifts due to formulation differences.
Step 7: Recalibrate for CMYK Ink
Use a spectrophotometer to create a new ICC profile or get one from your ink supplier for accurate color matching.
Why This Matters
We tested with the same film, 80% white ink, 100% feathering. Without recalibration, color inconsistencies appeared. After proper ICC adjustments, print quality became precise.
Watch the tutorial below:
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