- Understanding DTF Printing
- What supplies do i need to start my DTF journey with the Epson ET-8550
- Step-by-Step Guide to Converting the Printer
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- Understanding DTF Printing
DTF printing is Direct-to-Film printing, a process in which the ink is laid down on clear DTF film, then covered with a powder that needs to be cured to become an adhesive, and then applied directly to the garment.
DTF printers lay a white layer over the full-color image, allowing the transfer to be placed on any color shirt or fabric, including a black, 100% cotton t-shirt. There are no cutting, weeding, or limitations on the garment color or fabric type.
Therefore, you must do 3 things to convert a 6-channel inkjet printer to a DTF printer.
√ Modify the inkjet printer (remove the roller/ adjust the position of print head/ change the exit tray)
√ Install the DTF CISS
√ Install the RIP software
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- What supplies do i need to start my DTF journey with the ET-8550?
√ Tools: magnetic screwdriver, tweezers (optional)
√ Conversion Kit: exit tray, DTF CISS
√ Software: RIP (Choose from popular brands, including ACRORIP, CADLINK, PRORIP, FLEXI, and more)
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-
Step-by-Step Guide to Converting the Printer
THE FIRST THING:
√ Step 1: Remove the roller
√ Step 2: Adjust the position of the print head
√ Step 3: Change the exit tray
THE SECOND THING:
√ Step 4: Install the DTF Conversion Kit
THE LAST THING:
√ Step 5: Install the software of DTF
√ Step 6: Testing the Converted Printer
THE FIRST THING:
√ Step 1: Remove the roller
1. Release the print head
Plug in then turn it on, and when you start to hear the print head move, very quickly turn it off/unplug the power cord then you can release the print head and manually move it back and forth.
2. Remove the door of the roller
Move the print head to the right, use a screwdriver to remove the screws and remove the door of roller (Keep the screws, you will screw them back on eventually)
3. Loosen the screws connecting the baffle to roller
Loosen the silver screws on the baffle, take out the three screws fixing the roller, and lift the left end of the roller. Then grab the middle of the roller with one hand and the rightmost side with the other, lift it, and take out the roller.
Finally, screw back the screws and put the door of the roller back on.
√ Step 2: Adjust the position of print head
Slightly loosen the silver screw on the side of the print head, move the black arm to the top, and then tighten the screw. Do the same on the other side of the print head.
Note: Because DTF transfer film is thicker than ordinary copy paper, and is covered with a layer of white ink when printing, adjusting the print head can prevent some stains.
√ Step 3: Change the exit tray
1. Take out the bottom paper cassette
2. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws on the exit tray, and then take the tray out.
Note: When the DTF transfer film comes out, it will hit the recesses of the exit tray and cause stains, which affect the printing effect. Therefore, recommended to remove the exit tray and replace it with your tray.
3. Finally, replace the screws and bottom paper cassette.
4. Install the exit tray
Install the exit tray and look inside the printer to make sure the tray and paper rollers are very close to each other and do not need to be directly attached.
Note: You can choose tiles, plastic boards, etc. of suitable width to use as the exit tray.
The SECOND THING:
√ Step 4: Install the DTF Conversion Kit
Connect the DTF CISS & Refill ink
1. Turning on the printer, follow the display prompts to set up, and choose to continue setting up without the application.
2. When prompted to fill ink, fill the DTF ink into the tank in sequence.
Note: When you use OFFNOVA DTF CISS to connect, please perform the following operations.
a. Unplug and use a screwdriver to remove the ink channel upper cover.
b. Remove the Ink tank unit that comes with the printer (please operate carefully because the ink tube interface is very fragile), and then connect its interface to the CISS ink tube in sequence (you can use tweezers to assist. If the ink tube is not long enough, please purchase an ink tube and connector and then operate)
c. Fill the DTF CISS with ink and install the printer's upper cover back.
THE LAST THING:
√ Step 5: Install the software of DTF
RIP is needed in DTF printers because it has been modified to print with specialty inks, including white inks. The acronym "RIP" mainly refers to the image rastering process, i.e., processing an image file through a color management routine and then sending it to the printer.
Note: Choose from popular brands, including ACRORIP, CADLINK, PRORIP, FLEXI, and more.
√ Step 6: Testing the Converted Printer
1. Run the printer, turn on power cleaning, and the ink will be pushed into the print head through the ink channel.
2. Put in copy paper, check the print head, and print a test page. When the lines and colors of the test page are clear and complete, you can start printing and creating.
3. Put in the DTF film and connect the printer and computer through a USB to print.
4. Note: Please put the DTF transfer film with the printing side facing up. If the printer cannot recognize the paper, you can put tape on the transfer paper before feeding it into the printer.