The Epson 8550 DTF Printer provides a unique opportunity to showcase your work on a wide variety of products using Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing. Featuring the 11″ x 17″ scanner, the 5180 is also cartridge-free and very flexible. How to use the Epson 8550 DTF printer: Get pro results with this comprehensive guide on how to set up and use the Epson 8550 printer for DTF Film.
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Why Consider the Epson 8550 dTF Printer?
The Epson 8550 DTF Printer features full 13″x19″ borderless printing, heavy stock capabilities up to cardstock and DTF transfer film, and 6-color vivid Claria ET Premium Ink. At its core, it’s just a wireless printing machine that doesn’t rely on cartridges like regular ones. It comes with cheaper ink bottles, so it’s cost-effective for bulk printing. Whether you are printing custom t-shirts, hoodies, or other apparel, this printer delivers high-quality results with precision and accuracy.
Step 1: Unboxing and Initial Setup
What’s in the Box?
Inside the Epson 8550 DTF Printer Box alongside the printer, in the box you’ll receive a power cord, six 70ml ink bottles (Photo Black, Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, and Gray), a quick setup guide, and a CD-ROM with software and drivers. Check you have everything to hand before you start.
Setting Up the Printer
- Select a Location: Set up the printer on a level, stable surface for the paper trays and rear feed to open up. It is big (523 x 379 x 169 mm). So you’ll need enough space, particularly if you’re planning to use it for wider format printing.
- Unpack the Printer: Remove the packing tape around the printer and inside of the ink tank compartment and around the printhead.
- Connect the Printhead: Install the printhead according to the quick setup guide, which only takes 30 seconds. This opening process is easy and tool-free.
- Ink Tank Filling: Open the ink tank lid and fill each tank accordingly (Photo Black, Cyan). The EcoFit bottles offer a no-spill, no-mess filling experience. Do not substitute colors, as you may damage the printer.
- Connecting Power and Turning On: Connect the power cord and power on the printer. The 4.3-inch touch screen in color will lead you through a few screens to set up the device.
Step 2: Installation and Configuration of the Software
Installing Drivers and Software
To fully enhance the capabilities of the Epson 8550 DTF Printer, download and install the drivers and software:
- Download Drivers: Go to Epson’s website to download the newest drivers for your Windows or Mac system. For those without a CD drive, skip the provided CD-ROM.
- Install Epson Print Layout (EPL): You will need EPL to control your print settings and color precision. EPL is not officially declared to be compatible, but it works perfectly with the Epson 8550 DTF Printer.
- DTF Software: To print with DTF, you also need some RIP software such as PrintFab XL that handles ink control, profile matching, and white ink circulation. Set it up on the software to detect the Epson 8550 DTF Printer. A resolution of 5760 x 1440 dpi for the best quality.
Connecting the Printer
The Epson 8550 DTF Printer has various connections:
- Wi-Fi/Wi-Fi Direct: Touch the screen to connect to your network.
- Ethernet/USB: If you want a stable connection, please use the USB Type-B or LAN connector.
- Epson Smart Panel App: Download on the App Store or Google Play to print, copy, or troubleshoot instantly from your mobile device.
Step 3: How To Prepare Your File For DTF Printing
DTF Conversion Requirements
To convert the Epson 8550 DTF Printer for DTF printing, you will need:
- DTF Ink: Use high-quality DTF ink that is suitable for Epson 8550, eg, the Film Direct TFP ink.
- DTF Transfer Film: The size should be 13″x19″ or less; it is a DTF film.
- DTF Curing Powder: This is applied once printed to make sure the ink sticks to the garments.
- Tools: Magnetic screwdriver and tweezers for the adjustment of the printhead.
Adjusting the Printhead
The DTF transfer film could get stuck in the printer’s output tray rollers. To remove them:
- Turn on the printer and wait for the printhead to move.
- Turn the printer off and disconnect it to allow the printhead to move freely.
- Using a screwdriver, undo the roller door, unscrew the baffle screws, and lift out the roller.
- Reinstall the door screws for stabilization.
Step 4: Printing Your First DTF Design
- Charge DTF Film: Put the DTF transfer film into the rear paper feed slot with the side for printing face up. The 8550 DTF Printer from Epson accommodates up to 1.3 mm-thick media.
- Print a Nozzle Check: From the touch screen, navigate to Maintenance > Nozzle Check to confirm the printhead is free from clogs. If you have lines, you may want to run a cleaning cycle.
- Set up Print: In EPL software or your RIP program, choose the right ICC profile for your DTF film. Keep white ink circulation high for richer color.
- Print a Test Page: Print a small design as a test to ensure color quality and resolution.
- For curing powder: Spread A single layer of DTF powder on print film and cure with a heat press at the required temperature.
Tips for Optimal Performance
- Use High-Quality Supplies: You need tested DTF inks and films, which are available for just a single-pass printer, to prevent nozzles from clogging, and for beautiful, bright prints.
- Serve machine regularly: one of the things that is hindering you from doing the job is the white ink clogs, which cause damage to your progress of DTG printing.
- Paper source choice: Ensure always a DTF film and rear feed in the paper source; this can prevent errors, as the printer could default to Cassette 2.
- Play with Settings: Adjust color profiles and ink flow in your RIP software to achieve the smoothest image quality on different materials.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Paper Feed Issues: Clean the paper feed rollers or investigate the RIP software settings, which might overprint the paper feed commands.
- Prints Are Faded: Ensure you have selected the correct ICC profile and that the print head is clean.
- Printer Offline: Check your connection (Wi-Fi, USB, or Ethernet) and reboot the printer power as well as computer.
Conclusion
The Epson 8550 DTF Printer is a budget-friendly all-in-one option for professional DTF printing. When you follow this guide, you will be able to establish your printer, set up your being printer for DTF, and then make beautiful designs quickly with confidence. When taking care of and feeding it properly and using good quality supplies, the Epson 8550 DTF Printer is a game changer for creative projects, small businesses, or personal use. Print now and let your creativity soar!