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.
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1.2 Power Off the Printer CompletelyDisconnect all power sources to eliminate any risk of electrostatic discharge or short circuits.
1.3 Inspect Cables & SlotThe 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. Connecting the Printhead to the Flat Cables2.1 Avoid Nozzle ContactAvoid any contact with the nozzle surface (the ink ejection side). Even slight contact may damage the nozzles or clog the ink channels.
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. Connecting the Flat Cables to the Carriage Board
3.1 Route & Connect to Main board for K-605*BBefore connecting the printheads to the carriage board, please confirm the machine model. The model information can be found on the printer’s nameplate.

  • If the nameplate shows Model: K-605*B, please follow the instructions below.

  • If the nameplate shows Model: K-605*H, please skip this section and go directly to Step 3.2.

3.1.1 Confirm the Corresponding Positions Between Printheads and Carriage Board PortsRefer to the Printhead Cable Diagram to identify the correct connection ports on the carriage board for each printhead.For example, refer to the Printhead Layout Diagram to identify the “First Head,” and connect it to the corresponding port labeled “First Head” on the carriage board, as shown in the Carriage Board Port Layout Diagram.
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.

Linko-K-605B-Printhead-Wiring-Diagram
K-605B Printhead Layout Diagram
3.2 Model: K-605*H Route & Connect to Main boardIf the nameplate shows Model: K-605*H, please follow the wiring instructions in this step. If you have already completed Step 3.1, you may proceed to the next step. 3.2.1 Confirm the Corresponding Positions Between Printheads and Carriage Board PortsRefer to the Printhead Cable Diagram to identify the correct connection ports on the carriage board for each printhead.For example, refer to the Printhead Layout Diagram to identify the “First Head,” and connect it to the corresponding port labeled “First Head” on the carriage board, as shown in the Carriage Board Port Layout Diagram.
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.

Linko-K-605H-Printhead-Wiring-Diagram
K-605H Printhead Wiring Diagram
3.3 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.
3.4 Standard Operating Procedure for Flat Cable Insertion and Connection

  • 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.
4. Installing the Printhead into the Carriage4.1 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
Print head parallel to the carriage base
QR code must face the operator
QR code must face the operator
4.2 Securing the Print head:

  • If equipped, install ink damper holder first.
  • Otherwise, fasten the print head with screws.
5. Attaching Dampers and Performing Ink Priming5.1 Arrange Dampers Correctly

  • Verify correct orientation and facing direction.
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.
6. Pre-Power-On Inspection ChecklistFinal System Verification Before Power-OnBefore turning on the printer, please carefully check all the following items yourself.After your own inspection is complete, you must send photos of each item to your LINKO technician for confirmation.Power-on is only permitted after receiving explicit confirmation from the LINKO technician.⚠️ If the printer is powered on without LINKO’s confirmation and a short circuit occurs, the user will bear full responsibility.

✅Print head securely mounted (no mechanical play)
Printhead Securely Installed
✅ The print head cables are correctly aligned and secured.
Ribbon Cable Correctly Oriented and Secured
✅ Acetate tape seals complete without gaps.
Tape Completely Covering
✅ Dampers connected in sequence
Ink Cartridge Installation Order
Ribbon Cable Connection Order
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.

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    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