Printhead Installation Guidelines
Includes the following:
1. Printhead Preparation Before Installation
2. Connecting the Printhead to the Flat Cables
3. Connecting the Flat Cables to the Carriage Board
4. Installing the Printhead into the Carriage
5. Attaching Dampers and Performing Ink Priming
6. Pre-Power-On Inspection Checklist
7. Safety and Maintenance Tips
Technical Term Explanation
| Term | Technical Description |
|---|---|
| Printhead Cable | Used to connect the printhead to the printer motherboard. |
| Ink Damper | Ink dampers filter ink twice before supplying it to the printhead, ensuring smooth ink transport. |
| Acetate Tape | Premium acetate fiber cloth base provides heat/solvent resistance, anti-aging, and reliable performance. Offers insulation, flame retardancy, and high viscosity. Non-substitutable with other tapes. |
Important: The print heads are high-value, delicate components. Once the packaging is opened, they are non-returnable and non-refundable. Handle with extreme caution.
1. Printhead Preparation Before Installation
Preparation List: Print heads, cable, dampers, dust-free cloth, anti-static wrist straps, dust-free gloves and acetate tape.
1.1 Verify Print head Model Compatibility
Verify the model on the outer, inner, and QR codes. Incorrect installation will cause printing issues.
Verify Print head Model Compatibility:
- Water-based print heads (e.g., i3200-A1) must notbe installed in UV or Solvent printers.
- UV print heads (e.g., i3200-U1) must notbe installed in DTF or Sublimation printers.
- Always cross-reference the model on outer packaging, inner packaging, and QR code on print head to avoid printing abnormalities.
- Ensure the print head cable pins are undamaged, unoxidized, and free of liquid residue.
- Ensure print head slot areas are clean, dry, and free from dust.
- Align the cable pins with the print head slot before insertion, ensure correct polarity and secure engagement.
- After installation, make sure: Full pin alignment (no offset), Firm connection (no wobbling), Undamaged pins (no bending/deformation)
- Cut acetate tape to the exact length between the screw holes.
- First apply the acetate tape to nozzle side: Fully wrap the print head cable connection and fold into trapezoidal seal;
- Then apply to opposite side: Duplicate wrapping in the same way to ensure dual-layer sealing.
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If the nameplate shows Model: K-605*B, please follow the instructions below.
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If the nameplate shows Model: K-605*H, please skip this section and go directly to Step 3.2.
Then, use the Printhead Flat Cables to connect the printheads to the carriage board according to the Printhead Cable Diagram.3.1.2 Diagram Descriptions
- Printhead Cable Diagram:
Shows detailed cable connections between the printheads and the carriage board. (LU: Left Up; LD: Left Down; RU: Right Up; RD: Right Down) - Carriage Board Port Layout Diagram:
Displays the exact connection ports for the Printhead Flat Cables on the carriage board. -
Printhead Layout Diagram (Based on Ink Station View):
Indicates the actual physical arrangement of the printheads in the printer, as shown from the ink station side.
Then, use the Printhead Flat Cables to connect the printheads to the carriage board according to the Printhead Cable Diagram.3.2.2 Diagram Descriptions
- Printhead Cable Diagram:
Shows detailed cable connections between the printheads and the carriage board. (LU: Left Up; LD: Left Down; RU: Right Up; RD: Right Down) - Carriage Board Port Layout Diagram:
Displays the exact connection ports for the Printhead Flat Cables on the carriage board. -
Printhead Layout Diagram (Based on Ink Station View):
Indicates the actual physical arrangement of the printheads in the printer, as shown from the ink station side.
- Lightly fold a small angle at the end of the FFC, ensuring it’s not too close to the pins. This will make it easier to organize when installing the main board cover and prevent loosening due to pulling.
- Do not bend near pins to maintain conductivity.
- Pass the flat cables under the cable clamp before making the connections.
- Align the slots with the pins, insert the cables vertically in the specified order, and ensure all connections are secure.
- The QR code on the print head must face the operator.
- Keep print head parallel to the carriage base, avoid any tilting or impact.
- If equipped, install ink damper holder first.
- Otherwise, fasten the print head with screws.
- Insert the damper vertically into the print head port to avoid ink pole damage or poor contact.
- Place dust-free cloth under the print head cable connection to prevent ink leakage and short circuits.
- During priming, hold the damper by its side edges and gently pull the syringe to allow ink to fill gradually.
- NEVER compress the damper ink chamber directly, as this may cause structural damage or nozzle clogging.
- Use anti-static wrist straps and gloves.
- Maintain a clean, dry workspace.
- The printhead is a high-precision electronic component. Any damage resulting from improper installation will void the product warranty.
- Installation must be performed by certified technical personnel only.
Technical SupportIf you encounter any difficulties, please get in touch with Linko Technical Support.
| Printhead Category (Type + Suffix) | Compatible Ink Types | Typical Equipment | Common Epson Models | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water-based Head (A) | Water-based Ink | DTF printers, DTG printers, Sublimation printers | I3200-A1, I3200A1 HD, I1600-A1 | — |
| UV Head (U) | UV Ink | UV DTF printers, UV flatbed printers, UV roll printers | I3200-U1, I3200U1 HD, I1600-U1 | — |
| Solvent Head (E) | Solvent / Eco-solvent Ink | Eco-solvent printers | I3200-E1 | — |
| Desktop-grade Printhead (XP600) | Water-based / UV / Solvent | DTF, UV, and solvent printers | XP600 (F1080-A1) | Compatible with all three printer types; shorter lifespan with UV and solvent usage |
