Printhead Installation Guidelines
Includes the following:
1. Printhead Preparation Before Installation
2. Connecting the Printhead to the Flat Cables
3. Installing the Printhead into the Carriage
4. Connecting the Flat Cables to the Carriage Board
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.
| 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, I3200HD-A1, I1600-A1 | — |
| UV Head (U) | UV Ink | UV DTF printers, UV flatbed printers, UV roll printers | I3200-U1, 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 |
1.2 Power Off the Printer Completely
Disconnect all power sources to eliminate any risk of electrostatic discharge or short circuits.
1.3 Inspect Cables & Slot
The Printhead Cable Connector Pin （Keep it clean, dry, and dust-free）
- 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.
2.2 Connect the print head cable Securely
- 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)
2.3 Apply Acetate Tape for Leak Prevention
- 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.
3. Installing the Printhead into the Carriage
3.1 Orientation and Alignment:
- The QR code on the print head must face the operator.
- Keep print head parallel to the carriage base, avoid any tilting or impact.
Print head parallel to the carriage base
QR code must face the operator
3.2 Securing the Print head:
- If equipped, install ink damper holder first.
- Otherwise, fasten the print head with screws.
4.1 Pre-Fold Flat Cable for Easier Assembly:
- 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.
4.2 Route & Connect to Main board
- 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 following steps use the LINKO DTF Printer K605 as an example for illustration.
5.2 Damper-to-Printhead Connection
- Insert the damper vertically into the print head port to avoid ink pole damage or poor contact.
5.3 Leak Protection During Damper Filling
- Place dust-free cloth under the print head cable connection to prevent ink leakage and short circuits.
5.4 Proper Damper Filling Technique
- 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.
✅Print head securely mounted (no mechanical play)
✅ The print head cables are correctly aligned and secured.
✅ Acetate tape seals complete without gaps.
✅ Dampers connected in sequence
7. Safety and Maintenance Tips
- Use anti-static wrist straps and gloves.
- Maintain a clean, dry workspace.
Disclaimer:
- 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.