Epson ET-8550 How to Convert to DTF Printer DTF Conversion (Easier way to setup & Maintain)

[@trishfrench1927]

This is THE most comprehensive video that I have seen for 8550 conversion, and I've watched so many of them that my head spins. Shout out to you Hangry Muscle! UPDATE: One thing that I need to make clear to everyone, though! I tried this right out of the box, and here is my conclusion: You CANNOT do this right out of the box. You must first install your printer and go through the set-up process. The reason for this: If you take off the rollers and the tray and then install your printer, it will NOT be able to do a proper set-up, test page etc. without the rollers and the tray. You can however put in the DTF ink when the set-up tells you to put in your ink. Once you get it installed and set up, then you can take off the roller and tray. Happy DTF'ing everyone!

[@estebantorres8385]

Did you have an issue when you followed the video when this occurred? If so, how did you fix the problem?

[@HangryMuscle]

I haven't had an issue converting these right out the box.

[@SV-ShadyKing]

@@HangryMuscle hey brother what brand or where did you get your placement guide? looks good quality and I really need one. Cheers brother

[@HangryMuscle]

@SV-ShadyKing amzn.to/3KBNQKv

[@SV-ShadyKing]

@@HangryMuscle Thank you brother

[@devinwelborn5211]

I got this printer with the intent of doing sublimation. While getting ready I found this video. I think the dtf will be better for what my intent is. So glad I found this.

[@CG_55]

How’s is going for you so far? I’m thinking about purchasing one of these printers and doing like the video. I was wondering if the prints also look good on black shirts since that’s what I’ll be working on most

[@KaylaMartin-k7q]

This tutorial with the CISS kit- was EXACTLY what I was looking for. I have been dealing with a clogged line on my second white ink for months now- the kit, and the tutorial has solved EVERYTHING. I just printed out the same projects I was having issues with, and i am so excited!! This tutorial was so easy and the kit was amazing. thank you so much!

[@HangryMuscle]

Kayla, I’m so excited for you! Clogged lines can be a huge frustration, so I’m glad the tutorial and kit were the fix you needed. Thanks for the awesome feedback!

[@DonteKentrell]

Not going to lie I have a commercial dtf and this one looks good bro

[@HangryMuscle]

That's why its my favorite printer

[@DonteKentrell]

@@HangryMuscle hell yea I’m about to get one

[@claudiacanales6309]

I’m so glad I found your video. I was struggling getting that roller piece out. Just the video I needed! Thank you so much!!!! 🎉

[@HangryMuscle]

You're very welcome. Stay Hangry 💪🏾

[@alonsojimenez6240]

I just bought this printer as well waiting for my CISS kit due to the white DTF. Hopefully I can make it work!

[@trishbeautyandcraft]

Soo new to this and nervous to open and start concerting😊😆 BUT I need to do it. I'm afraid it will be hard... but I'm going to follow your video step by step!

[@brandonseniceros3125]

How did it work out for you? I just got mine and I’m so nervous! I see tons of people saying their ink isn’t working or something went wrong…

[@HangryMuscle]

Because many people are attempting to "copy and paste" a skill instead of learning what and how things actually work. All Problems are causee by the user, The printer didn't set it self up, nor is it in charge of maintaining itself.

[@brandonseniceros3125]

@@HangryMuscle this is the way!

[@tonyjenkins71]

Am glad he did a follow up to the last video. ❤ marvelous vid bro!

[@renyaiedaniel5646]

Best video I have seen very informative and explained your steps very well. I have a question what are the measurements of the exit tray tile you are using and where can I purchase it from?

[@HangryMuscle]

Thank you for the feedback! kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKnWloSKfbike7M

[@Natsirt03]

Thank you so much! You are a life saver. Now i can resume printing my research paper ❤

[@cosmicdownload2025]

just picked up my Epson 8550 today!

[@HangryMuscle]

Congrats! 💪🏾

[@UNDGT]

Your the goat for this bro thanks

[@HangryMuscle]

Appreciate that! Glad the video helped.

[@Thermo51090]

Looking good Hungry!!! Thank you for this video, very helpful! ❤

[@HangryMuscle]

Thank you Thermo, appreciate you watching 🙏

[@HOOPSnCATS]

Hi!! Thanks for this tutorial! Couple of questions:. I converted an epson for sublimation and have been making tumblers, shirts, etc. I also have been using the dtf hack using my sublimation printer. What is the difference in me using my sublimation printer or converting another printer and using dtf inks? Also, what is the heat pad you usec for curing your designs? Thank you!!!

[@carlaswickard1428]

Sublimation hack does not print white this printer has 2 additional color slots to add white. I’m assuming you also have to stick to light colors

[@foxxytute2141]

Hey, can you do a tutorial on setting up the CADLINK Software settings please?

[@sandycartwright521]

YES

[@HangryMuscle]

Merry Christmas kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoKXnnejj9RokNU

[@HangryMuscle]

Cadlink setup kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoKXnnejj9RokNU

[@Jemmyjo]

That is the most thorough video I have seen. Not everyone is so generous in sharing. Does anyone know what the clear solution was he put in the tanks. Does the ink come with the CISS and if not, what are you using? Just fyi, I found the link to the ink in the description.

[@antonioguillan92]

Forgive me if I missed it.... but why do I need an external Ciss and not just use the one that's already in the printer?

[@TyyEasley]

to print the white ink

[@HangryMuscle]

Its not to print white ink. Using a external ciss makes it easier maintain the ink and printer.

[@TyyEasley]

@@HangryMuscleoops okay thank you !

[@k-oz-inc.theproducers3260]

Great video! Thank you for sharing this information. I’m so glad I found it. I was about to purchase the ET-8550 to covert it to a sublimation printer. This video has changed my mind. Can you please tell me why you are using external ink dispensers instead of the ones in the printer? Thanks. I appreciate you!

[@alvinanderson2112]

You have to have someone c different inks and it must be DTf ink

[@tonoz6312]

Hi there thanks for this video it's very helpful, I just bought this printer and will be working DTF and was wondering if it's possible to use the printer as well with regular ink with it's own system by plugin back the ink tubes to the head, then just clean the head every time I switch (and one question why you didn't filled with that other ink direct to the printer?)

[@spiritofestherministry8757]

I just asked the same question above. Following, because wouldn't it make sense since it is not being used.

[@shewat52]

Great great video! I wished it was a XP 15000 though that you were demonstrating. Love all the designs also.

[@tomcollick8111]

Hi, What size is the tile you used for outfeed? I want to cut acrylic close to the size for this printer outfeed. Which version of the RIP software do you use? Full or DTF?

[@raikok3445]

@hangrymuscle hey, thank you for the tutorial! I have a question - how do I tell the printer that I have replaced the pink inks with white ones? Or does the RIP software prompts for that/automatically kind of knows, which ink is where?

[@HangryMuscle]

Hi Raikok, the rip software will be used to set the new ink order/color.

[@kwanzaandrews3661]

I just purchased my Epson 8550 and I’m loving it. What is the largest size dimension have you been able to print on your converted Epson 8550.

[@alexmoreno5894]

Hello have you had any problems with your printer and is it converted to Dtf

[@flatulentertainment]

Great video but one thing im unsure of, in other peoples videos they strip off the sides to remove the rollers and mention removing a spring attached under the metal bar on the left, the on with the single screw that you remove to lift the rollers, does the spring stay put while you lift it, worried about it coming off and landing on the mother board. Cheers

[@barneytkd]

Anyone know the answer to this before I start to convert?

[@jloredo1988]

Same looking for a response

[@HangryMuscle]

It stays attached with rollers and taking off the side would expose the motherboard. The way I showed is the easiest way.

[@HangryMuscle]

no do not take on sides

[@angelacauldwell5977]

Hello, Im looking into getting this printer. I have a few questions if you wouldnt mind answering, would be greatly appreciated. What electric stirrer would you recommend for the white ink and from where? What is your printer settings on laptop when you are printing DTF? Is there a particular brand of ink, powder, and film you suggest? And I found Cadlink software, supposed to be full version on Etsy... its like 15 dollars... they said its the full version.... do you know anything about that? Kinda scared about it since everywhere else Cadlink is NOT cheap by far. Thank you!

[@SimplybeingR]

Thanks, my 2nd 8550 will be here tomorrow...your video makes me feel confident I can do this...did you get the ceramic tile cut to that size?

[@spiritofestherministry8757]

Great video. Question. Since you did not use the ink tanks and went with the external CISS instead. Are you able to switch to maybe sublimation or regular printing by using the actual ink tanks by unplugging the CISS? Just a thought since the ink tanks in the printer were not used. Thank you.

[@craftcreations6480]

great video! how's it holding up?

[@sotosbrother9389]

Love your videos bro ! How many prints you think these things can last ? A year ?

[@shennapacker6395]

Thank you so much this tutorial was really great😊 i am so glad i came across your video

[@HangryMuscle]

Happy to help, this is the new tutorial to help with printer settings for colors and other issues. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoKXnnejj9RokNU

[@Ytubemc20]

Best video ever! Thanks for sharing 🙏🏽

[@FreckledGingerGoes]

Thank you!! I had an L1800 I bought a few years ago already converted, but am going to convert an 8550 myself. I have EKPrint studio for the rip software, but can't figure out if it'll work with the 8550. Do you know? Hoping I don't have to purchase another rip software.

[@anthonyirons511]

How come I read somewhere that the et-8550 has a DTF mode that changes heights of rollers and such and doesn’t require removing stuff from the printer? Did they suggest wrong?

[@watsonnavarro3116]

Excellent video thank you!

[@HangryMuscle]

Glad I could help

[@vaughanza]

Great video, can you tell me if the Epson EcoTank L8150 is the same printer. Can not find the ET-8550 in SA thanks

[@HangryMuscle]

Yes, its the same just black

[@vaughanza]

Thanks@@HangryMuscle

[@TashaJohnson-mm2nh]

I finally converted my printer thank you so much, but I’m running into an issue when printing how do I get the white to cover over the color image.

[@chriswheeler5150]

You need dtf software

[@izzymacc]

Hi Ty for sharing your knowledge just wondering what ink can you use for dtf on this video

[@taylorparsons6190]

How well did the first one hold up? Is this easier to use than buying one that is set up for DTF? I'm only going to be printing for personal use

[@vittovitto79]

what type of heat mat do you use for curing?

[@candyanne76]

@HANGRYMUSLE I THANK YOU SO MUCH!! I did my conversion last night following your video. I do need understanding how to get past the alignment issue I am having. Printer wants to align using bottom tray feed I have tried to slide a piece of paper in thru the bottom but it won't feed. woke up this morning to shake printer lol and do nozzle check but again i receive the load bottom tray (drawer 2) What should I do? I do plan on getting that ciss in the near future! Thank you again for all you videos and help!!

[@HangryMuscle]

To do an alignment,put in the bottom paper tray (cassette 2) or feed the paper through the rear feed (slot) in the back of printer.

[@Andresmartinez-nl2cm]

excellent video friend, thank you very much... can you send me the link to the video of the maintenance box

[@WorldWideStang]

Just got my et 8550 just did the conversion waiting on my other supplies to come in but I was curious if it’s easier to use the tanks on board or if its better to use a big tank ciss system?

[@ShereenH]

Hello. I've been hooked on your videos since I stumbled upon them. Great content!! I converted my Epson 8550 printer to DTF, but my blue designs are printing purple. I'm using Cadlink software. Would it be the ICC profile set on the printer that's causing this error? Or is it coming from the profile that's set in Cadlink?

[@nemesis2k99]

Hmm I wonder if I can make a tank shaker 🤔 do you think that would help the ink from not clogging ?

[@HangryMuscle]

No shaking and circulating the ink does not prevent the ink residue from bulding up and clogging, the best way is to flush the system out with a DTF cleaner that breaks down the DTF ink residue. aaprintsupplyco.com/products/color-max-cleaning-solution-1kg?ref=hangrymuscle

[@dirtbikefamily234]

Can this printer be used with any RIP Software? I will be using EK Print. Thank you for your time!

[@barneytkd]

Liked and subscribed, could I ask, which version of cadlink are you using for the 8550? I'm hoping to use 10, any tips on setting it up? Tha k you

[@HangryMuscle]

I use both 10 and 11 here are my settings kzbin.info/www/bejne/eoKXnnejj9RokNU

[@angelacauldwell5977]

Also have one other question... I have epson et 15000 now. I have been using it for several months printing DTF without any issues. All the sudden it has started smearing blue ink. I have replaced head and the dampers... no luck on fixing it. I have never had rip software that i know of except whatever came with the printer, but i never changed anything when i started doing dtf prints... it has done great up until about a month ago and have been trying to figure out what the problem is every since. Thank you

[@RosaliHumphrey]

Can I ask what’s the feel of the transfer? Some feel very plastic. Thank you in advanc!

[@CassieBarras]

Hi! Love the video. How big will this printer print?

[@TyyEasley]

how much is the dtf software and do you have to have it ?

[@HangryMuscle]

Yes dtgpro.com/cicproduct/cadlink11.php?afl=3277

[@TyyEasley]

is there a cheaper alternative i purchased the printer ink and paper but i didnt realize the software was that much lol

[@Poochiewhipple]

I think I’m gonna attempt this do you have a link for the ciss tank ?

[@SharonLehnen]

When converting the epson 8550 do you have to install a ciss ?

[@sxylilflt]

I wasn't wondering the same thing cuz I've seen other videos and the don't do that

[@Redbone380]

Is this printer better then the Epson P600 and P800 that everyone is saying to use for dtf prints? Which is more vibrant?

[@TyyEasley]

if i wanted to print directly from kittl could i or no ?

[@HangryMuscle]

you could but your colors would be incorrect and there would not be enough ink for the powder to work.

[@HangryMuscle]

Soft and breathable, they shouldn't have much of a feel when done correctly.Mine feel like they are part of the shirt. The plastic feel transfers is because people are using way too much DTF ink.

[@shelbystewart8672]

Hi. I am converting my 8550 right now. Do I have to fill the ink tanks with solution since I am putting on a CISS system???

[@HangryMuscle]

No

[@AysiaGarza]

this video is amazing!!! thank you for all the info!!! went to purchase ciss system on your website but it’s sold out :( any idea when you will be getting more or where else i can purchase?

[@HangryMuscle]

Hey, thanks for letting me know it said out of stock, It is fixed now. You can purchase the ciss. hangrymuscle.com/products/universal-6-color-ciss-kit-w-accessories-for-epson-inkjet-printers-et-8550-xp-15000

[@susielynch2163]

Do you have to use a software like Rip or CADlink? Is there no other way to designate the order of the color of inks within the Epson settings?

[@HangryMuscle]

Yes the rip software is a key component to printing High-quality products. The rip Gives you more control over the ink, so your prints don't feel like patches, are more durable, correct colors, ability to edit images so they are print ready, etc. Without the printer will not print properly.

[@susielynch2163]

@@HangryMuscle Thank you.

[@tinamassey9034]

Do I need to setup my printer before i start taking the rollers and stuff out ? Inwant tontry to convert mines tomorrow and wanted to make sure

[@HangryMuscle]

I did

[@SharonLehnen]

When converting the epson 8550 to dft do you have to install the ciss

[@tomcollick8111]

Hi, Do you have a video on what version of Cadlink and what CISS do you use? Where to get quality inks?

[@HangryMuscle]

Check the description, everything is listed

[@tomcollick8111]

@@HangryMuscle thought I did. Thank you

[@tomcollick8111]

This was not meant as sarcasm. I honestly read the descritption and did not see until after I asked.

[@crystalortiz7141]

Question!! Can you put the rollers back in??

[@HangryMuscle]

Yes you could

[@jeanaatkins8083]

I'm using a converted XP-15000 with chipless cartridges, I get clogs so much, will this printer clog less ?

[@Healher_7]

Hey nice Video! Where did you get your ciss from? The ones I keep seeing are for other epson printers.

[@sotosbrother9389]

Hey bro why would my nozzles get worse after doing a print cleaning in the control panel ?? Than I do another one and gets better ,? Sometimes also my colors are mixing in the nozzle check .. if you have an idea it would help I already dropped a lot of money and I’m getting nervous lol

[@JanieHarris]

How do you minimize the ink flooding the print head on the ET8550?

[@HangryMuscle]

I would need to see an example, to tell you for sure. Common causes for Flooding can be caused by your rip settings (too much ink), printing on the wrong side of the film, or the ciss being setup incorrectly.

[@DickemDown-q4s]

A brother I’m struggling and dwelling on opening up my Epson 2800 to convert it to DTF do you think it’s still possible for that model? And if so does anybody charge a fee to do it for you in Texas?

[@dpddpd71]

Can you tell us which CISS system you bought? Can't find any recommended for et-8550, which one do you use?

[@HangryMuscle]

I posted it in the description

[@rsapgreen8399]

Thanks for the information… really detailed…. I’m still learning, just got the ET8550 . Literally a week ago .Was able to convert it, thanks to you. I’m using the hiippo ink… what ink do you use ? I see you have white ink. All the other videos say you can’t use white ink for sublimation. But you obviously did. 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

[@buddysmith7080]

He converted to DTF not sublimation.

[@rsapgreen8399]

@@buddysmith7080 thanks for nothing…

[@shadowline1413]

Bro your dumb. There ist No White sublimation inks. ITs technically Not possible.

[@amstewart2003able]

Great video, where did you get your heat mat or a link? Thanks

[@HangryMuscle]

dtgpro.com/cicproduct/dtf-pro-heatstation.php?afl=3277

[@LinetteMiles]

Do you sell the this by any chance already converted. ? I see people selling on Etsy but the older model..

[@HangryMuscle]

No I don't anymore, but I walkthrough and train you how to use it properly through zoom or in person depending on your location.

[@rooseveltgarrett1313]

So is printer's head already set for the colors to print in a certain order

[@nicholasworrell9927]

What RIP software are people using with this for DTF printing please?

[@HangryMuscle]

dtgpro.com/cicproduct/cadlink11.php?afl=3277

[@jeanninekohler178]

I have this printer that I used for sublimation.. how would I empty the sub ink and put the dtf ink in?

[@HangryMuscle]

Check the channel

[@tdan4301]

Dont know much aboit dtf but can you make the 16oz snowglobe wraps with this printer

[@trishfrench1927]

DTF is ony for soft products such as shirts, hats, etc. Sublimation can also be used for those items, but sublimation can be used on hard surfaces, but DTF can't

[@josemanuelfernandezgil8513]

I just watched this video of yours and I understood it very well because it is very well explained. Still, I have a question: How do you configure the printer so that it knows to use white ink? Is it done from the printer or is it done from the rip software? I hope I don't bother you and thank you for your time: (greetings from Galicia (Spain)/sorry for google traslate🙃

[@HangryMuscle]

Hey thank you, The DTF rip software is what you use to configure the new colors.

[@Ragnar6467]

I have this printer with inkjet ink in it. Can I remove and clean it to change to DTF

[@MarkOrsted]

What are the dimensions needed for output tray replacement. Width. Length. Overall height of object and how high off table should that be to be level

[@HangryMuscle]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKnWloSKfbike7M

[@MarkOrsted]

gracias!@@HangryMuscle

[@NikitaShelton-y4z]

It there an dtf shaker compatible with the Epson 8550?

[@markalfredabordo6917]

Good day hungry. I converted my l18050 to DTf and it's not printing white under base. Using AcroRip 10

[@_DarkestNATION]

can i switch to a ciss system if i've already filled it with the ink? delivery time is two weeks out for one

[@HangryMuscle]

Yes you can

[@_DarkestNATION]

@@HangryMuscle Thanks, i should have finished watching before I asked lol, If you don't mind me asking where did you get the PumpKing design?

[@jjuanguevara1]

Got a question. All my dtf printers ive had over time as i upgrade them ive notice i alwaya het this weird vertical line at the edge of my prints. Any idea how to fix it so it no longer does that??

[@zidanciito07]

How to set the matte paper a3 so that the white part comes out from the back, I still don't know how to do it besides that when I have done it I get the paper with the wet design?

[@deborahberenguer8011]

Bonjour vous dite de ne pas mettre la tête d’impression trop a gauche mais lorsque vous avez imprimer si j’ai bien vue vous avez pris toute la capacité d’impression de la feuille , j’ai mal compris concernant le fait de ne pas envoyer à gauche pour risque de coulure d’encre ?merci pour votre réponse et vidéo qui va beaucoup m’aider 😊

[@pcpcnow]

What is the difference in using the sublimation ink with the DTF powder and the DTG ink and the DTF powder?

[@trishfrench1927]

I don't think you can put the powder on sublimation ink. The powder is to cure DTF ink. There is a difference between sublimation ink and DTF ink.

[@StaceyAlvey-u1j]

What thickness is the tile you use in the exit tray please

[@HangryMuscle]

Not sure, you can find the tile at home depot, its the standard sample tiles 12x24

[@andrewnegru]

What software do you need to purchase? There’s several options ranging from $200 to $500

[@rooseveltgarrett1313]

And the reason I say that is because of the color pattern on the attached reservoirs that it comes with

[@michelletorres9773]

Do you need a ciss or can you just addd the dtf to the tanks on the printer ?

[@gordodejuarez2641]

You can also just add the ink to the printer

[@tfokeefe]

****** I'm having trouble fitting the hoses to the printer from my CISS tanks. They are too small to fit. I noticed that your hoses look burnt or heated did you heat them so that they would fit to the printer more easily?

[@HangryMuscle]

No, i cut them

[@aaroncurry6281]

Is it nessary to remove the exit tray. Ive seen some do it and some dont. In some of your earlier videos you had the tray on so does the prtinter start to streek over time or does it vary from printer to printer. I would think that these printers are all made the same so what works for one should work for all. What do you think is making the exit tray be unlevel over time

[@HangryMuscle]

Did you watch the video?

[@tashanet6497]

Honestly, I did not remove my exit tray and have never had an issue with my prints using the exit tray. I like and Prefer the exit tray. Use it and see how it works for you. Everyone is different. Try it out first before ripping it out.

[@Jen-my8ug]

What temperature is your warming mat that you use to set the glue?

[@HangryMuscle]

150C

[@Onlycanb1me]

Where did you get the exit tray and what are the dimensions?

[@HangryMuscle]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKnWloSKfbike7M

[@matthewmontalbano1648]

Hangry I have seen some folks have added a roll print option to the ET 8550. Have you done that yet? I’d love to see how that is added and what you need to do with the software to make that happen.

[@matthewmontalbano1648]

I will add Hangry your videos are absolutely fantastic and I will converting one of these this week. Can’t wait!

[@snmom431]

I removed the rollers and now I am getting error 000031 and can't do anything as the printhrad moves to the left and makes an awful screaching noise and locks up. any ideas how to fix this?

[@kiundrajackson2920]

I’m getting this same issue and it’s driving me crazy! Did you find a fix?

[@jaimitogonzalez9431]

Question I have the same printer set it up like the video also in cadlink but it’s not printing a full size picture it cuts it on the sides pls help thank you

[@QuantumDesignz]

I had a spring fall out when I removed rollers is that needed?

[@HangryMuscle]

Hi if its spring that holds the rollers, its not needed.

[@tomcollick8111]

HI, I dropped the screw from the roler holder into the printer and cannot find it. DO you know the size of the screw to replace this one? Any clues on how to find the screw? THank you,

[@HangryMuscle]

I don't know the size, you should be able to find the screw though. Use a flashlight to get more visibility.

[@Madeline-uk4fq]

I’m having this code error on my epson 8550 031006. any tips on how can I fix it? Thank you

[@angelicabosquez4519]

Like how many minutes would you say to cure it?

[@Snakeadrian]

Can i use the original eco tank ?