Latest ET-8550 firmware update has a fix to reduce unwanted print marking - install on your printer

[@tinapope8504]

Absolutely had this problem! Did update, reprinted probably 20 of the same pictures and it worked? Amazed how update to firmware could fix roller marks, however took care of problem. Thank you for the information! Last week I was just reviewing my warranty info... crazy how spot on you are!!❤😊

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - glad it helped!

[@krishansharma.47]

Can you please tell me your firmware version? Mine has this problem on glossy photo paper. This printer is unusable in this current state. Ruining every paper I put in. Even the blank prints get these roller indentations on paper. Just bought this printer a week ago.

[@KeithCooper]

@@krishansharma.47 For a new printer, I'd demand a replacement

[@michellamontagne]

Hi Keith. Michel from Canada. A few weeks ago I printed many cards on matte paper. Today I noticed roller marks on one of these card printed with a large portion of black. So I made a "Keith Cooper search" in your videos and found this one. I checked if my printer was updated and it was. So I printed the same card. The result? The roller marks are not noticeable, only if I look at it on a really narrow angle by the window. There is a big difference with the previous prints. I am glad. (By the way, for the firmware, I went to the Japanese website and translate it to English. But I don't know how to do it and I prefer not making a mistake.) THANKS A LOT KEITH! I AM GONNA BUY YOU A LITTLE COFFEE RIGHT NOW! 😉

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - much appreciated - glad it made a difference!

[@JeanMo07]

Update freshly installed and it works ! :))) I had once out of two stripes on my prints on 280gsm semi-gloss paper, I just made 3 prints in a row and there are no more marks or micro scratches - Great

[@KeithCooper]

Glad it's helped

[@bobkent6075]

Thanks for the update Keith, I just bought one this week and noticed it on a couple of papers. It was a lot less noticeable if I used the rear feed, as I guess its not having the pressure as it bends it.

[@KeithCooper]

Hope it makes some difference

[@jeitrheim]

Updated tonight here in Norway. I have not had any problem with roller marks. Thanks for telling about the update. I always keep all my equipment updated.

[@KeithCooper]

Yes - this one is uncommon in having a specific 'fix' mentioned

[@c64club]

Beware of updates "for the sake of updating" if your devices work well. Updating firmware is always risky - you can brick your device in case of power failure or, more common, the manufacturer may load some new errors or "planned obsolence malware" into newer version, which is common for phones. Don't fix if there is nothing to fix.

[@jeitrheim]

@@c64club I always update my equipment to newest firmware when released. I have never experienced trouble with new firmware from the manufacturer of the equipment. Your consern is more related to third party firmware/oftware.

[@ninacleven7889]

As soon as I turned on my 8500 printer in the US after watching your video yesterday there was a message to update firmware.

[@KeithCooper]

Ah, good to know it's widely available

[@willgadsby5246]

Hi Keith. Thanks for your instructive videos! One minor thing: on the 8500, the Firmware Update option is under the Settings not Maintenance menu.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - I was going from memory on this one ;-) The printer went back to Epson when they dropped off the ET-18100

[@rm2xy]

Quick reaction from epson after your recent video ;) Looks like this could be my next printer if my R2000 dies.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - it's very good with care in media and profile selection

[@TheDaniel5677]

thank you for this usefull information. Since one year I did 2 update for my ET 8500.

[@KeithCooper]

It'd definitely worth checking

[@georgecastro181]

Wow thank you for the great tip! 👏👏👏 I was getting roller marks on some of my prints!

[@KeithCooper]

Hope it helps

[@xSchleiermacher]

A few days ago, I installed the latest firmware update for my EPSON ET-8550 (firmware version OP11N4) for my region of the globe (USA). Today I ran a test print on Red River Fiber Baryta 300, a paper that typical shows some roller marks when viewed at acute angles. I fed the paper through the rear feeder with "thick paper" selected. Today’s test print seems to show improvement. The roller marks are less pronounced but not completely gone. This at least is a step in the right direction from Epson! Not a complete fix, but I’ll take it. Under glass, such roller marks become nearly impossible to see. But I’d like none of them, of course. Thanks, Keith, for passing along the information.

[@BartomiejGierczak]

"Thick paper" selection has nothing to do with feeding rollers. It is for raising printing head to prevent smudging. Feeding roller marks in my printer are the same with the setting "thick paper". Firmware update nothing changes. Rollers press to much on paper, so maybe a spring tension was wrong designed - I don't think it can be fixed via software/firmware... I have also experienced that marks are sometimes less visible, but it happens totally randomly...

[@KeithCooper]

Yes, it addresses some issues, but not the hard roller marks which can cause issues for some [not every printer I'd note]. If I had one of these printers, it's one of the first things I'd check - the marks are not supposed to be there on a paper like VFA. Any problems, it's not up to spec and a return or fix is required [this BTW goes for any printer I get to test, from any maker]

[@xSchleiermacher]

@@BartomiejGierczak Yes, I’m aware that the "thick paper" setting does not affect the rollers, omly the height of the print head. I mentioned it in my post to have a more complete list of my settings. Red River recommends the "thick paper" setting for this particular paper.

[@xSchleiermacher]

@@KeithCooper When I print on matte finish art cotton papers such as Red River Aurora 300, I do not see roller marks at all. That paper uses the VFA setting. I suspect that the lines I’m seeing on the baryta paper have to do with its more delicate coating and/or slightly glossy finish. I wonder if Epson doesn’t regard the ET-8850 as compatible with the thicker baryta papers.

[@BartomiejGierczak]

@@KeithCooper Epson service in Poland can"t answer my question wheather it is my particular printer's problem or every et-8550 problem. I'm not going to ship the printer far away to service and get it back with same issue...

[@xSchleiermacher]

Update on roller marks: several weeks ago, I printed a series of photos using Red River Palo Duro Fiber Baryta 300 paper in my ET-8550. I used the rear paper feeder (but not rear straight-path feed). All the prints had minor roller marks visible at oblique angles immediately after printing. Today, several weeks later, I re-examined all the prints and the roller marks are not visible. It would seem that the paper "bounces back" and the impressions disappear as a result. Again, I wish the roller marks weren’t there on these thicker papers, but in the case of this particular paper at least, there’s some comfort in knowing that the prints sort of right themselves. Not a solution, of course, but it does help me keep perspective on how concerned to be about the marks. I’d be interested to hear from anyone else who examines prints after 6-8 weeks to see if they find something similar.

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks - I'll flag that in my testing

[@xSchleiermacher]

Further followup: Today I looked over a stack of greeting cards that I printed on Red River Pecos River Gloss paper (230gsm/11 mil). I printed them about 2 months ago. These notecards were among those that showed the track marks from the ET-8550. In fact, the indentions were so prominent that I discontinued use of the this particular paper. Upon inspection today, the track marks have disappeared completely. As I noted earlier, I am seeing the same thing of RR’S Palo Duro Baryta paper. Interesting!

[@AndriaMrs]

@@KeithCooper How bad is this though that with a small greeting card business, I have to print them leave for a few months before I can sell them!!!!!

[@SpireClimbing]

We were having roller issues as well. In the Print Settings, we changed it to the thickest paper option and chose the longest ink-dry setting. Haven't had the roller issue since. Also, make sure you are choosing the right paper setting. Sorry if you have already tried these changes.@@xSchleiermacher

[@davidkovach-TCA]

I just noticed this exact issue, what a bummer. So firmware from Japan fixes this? Or waiting weeks is only way? Or does rear flat feeder not do this? Help :-/

[@ericmcleod7825]

Keith- Thanks for the heads-up. I have experienced roller marks- mostly on papers with more delicate surfaces like baryta papers. It seems worse when using the front feeder compared to when using the rear feeder. I'll do the update and see if it helps.

[@KeithCooper]

Hope it helps...

[@BartomiejGierczak]

@@KeithCooper No it didn't help

[@michaelmcmullin2093]

I always update my firmware but lucky me never experienced “roller marks” just always had great prints!

[@KeithCooper]

Excellent

[@peachdreams]

what paper are you using? I've heard its marking with 250+gsm in the top feeder?

[@robinjones6999]

I never had roller mask fortunately, but I did the update yesterday

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks

[@pmcbMadeInIreland]

Thanks a million.

[@KeithCooper]

Hope it helps

[@johnhuntley5591]

I had this problem but only with photopaper from WH Smith. I updated the software recently and noticed that the marks had gone from a recent print on that paper. Now I know why.

[@KeithCooper]

Thats good to see - often there's no much seems to change with firmware updates

[@c64club]

You have asked to report if update makes anything better. But there are two things to do, to overcome "pizza wheels issue" without risk of printer failure/bricking during software update, as the software has nothing to do with pizza wheels working force. Literally - no software accessible mechanical actuator that could lift or press the pizza wheel bar. Only a timing, which makes printing longer and helps with papers that are vulnerable to pinching by wheels until dry but get "bitten" when wet. For delicate media, timing is not enuogh and you have to use some mechanic. 1. Software zero risk method. Use "thick paper" in "Extended settings" in system but it will nag you everytime to be sure using really thick paper. When lifting pizza wheel bar by some washers/spacers, every paper is "thick" for this printer because it's not pressed down that much, after printhead. The rubber rolls set that pushes the paper towards printhead, is ok. 2. Hardware. Lift the pizza wheel bar for about 0.5 to 1mm by the ends. From the paper output side, you can see plastic part of wheel bar. You have to lift it and put some 16mm high things at bar's ends below the bar, then leave the bar back onto your "spacers". In my case, when doing trial and error, there were two old style rulers, 3mm thick and 16mm wide, long enough to reach out of printer during "install". 3mm thickness is ok to not collide with 13"/33cm wide papers. After ensuring right height, I 3d printed the appropriate spacers with handles, but you could use anything, including some wooden bars. The second part of hardware mod is lifting the edge of wheel bar that is closer to printhead. First lift the left end, then you see where you can put about

[@KeithCooper]

Thanks for that - really helpful

[@c64club]

@@KeithCooper Hope it helps others. I made a long update after last night of fight with other media on my 8550. Probably very similar procedure can be provided to other Epsons with too sharp and too much pressed pizza wheels,

[@johngrant5749]

Yes saw the update on the panel this morning (2/5/23) and updated but not yet tested

[@KeithCooper]

My suspicion is that it's impact will be relatively limited for some types of marking

[@IasKev]

Hi Keith, thank you for the super informative videos over the years! I was hoping you could help me with this printer issue I haven't seen mentioned, and I'm wondering if it's just my unit at fault. I print a lot of borderless 11x17 with the 8550, and it accumulates a LOT of ink on those 'raised squares' in the printer path inside...if I don't clean them off after just a few prints, they can get on my prints and make huge blobs if they touch the edges...is this a known issue, and the solution is just to clean it every 5 images? or is it supposed to drain down into that fabric bottom sheet? it seems like a lot of wasted ink.. anyway, thank you for your time if you read this, cheers!

[@KeithCooper]

It's a known issue for every printer not specifically designed for much borderless use. There is not a small printer I've tested which wouldn't suffer over time. The P5000 I use for bigger prints has its own waste ink system for overspray - then again it wont print borderless sheets. It's the overspray from the leading/trailing edges which causes the most problems - it's a small amount - just looks a lot ;-)

[@IasKev]

@@KeithCooper ah, got it, thanks! i understand, I just wish there was a way for it to more properly drain down into the fabric below rather than clean the square so often.

[@davidemassussi3735]

so I've tested my ET 8550 with firmware OP11N4 (the one on the japanese page) with A4 Epson Traditional Photo Paper. Unfortunately I still see roller marks. As a side note this paper is also difficult to load on my printer, I got the message "jammed paper" several times before loading it properly. So I think this kind of stiff and thick paper is on the edge of what the printer can load. You can actually load and print it without roller marks or any other problems using the straight path feeder. this is my experience with this particular paper, but I cannot exclude that this new firmware do better with other papers that are easier to load.

[@KeithCooper]

I don't have one here to test, but I suspect it only addresses some feed issues

[@BartomiejGierczak]

I have the same problem...

[@mirokantolic9036]

Hi "Alice"! :) I bought a photopaper on amazon. Mediarange 200g and I see a marks about 1,5 inch on the right side of the paper. Or the quality is bad or maybe the printheads are turning back (then it slides).. Think I must try another photopaper to see what problem is. I printed on another ordinary paper paper 300g. and it not shows any signs... Thanks for the instructions!! :)

[@KeithCooper]

Yes - it's paper dependent

[@The6t8]

Retested a print on my 8550 that had very feint roller marks on Fotospeed ArtFibre which is 300gsm paper, the marks are still there but less so, you really have to scrutinise the paper under very extreme angles, under normal viewing conditions and distances as a normal human would view it (rather than a picky photographer) the roller lines are not visible.

[@KeithCooper]

That's good to hear

[@barbaragonzalezgarcia9633]

Hi! I wonder if you can help me, I print cards, and I have noticed that the letters print bolder than my canon pro 300 and bolder than the actual image…I’m using 220 gsm paper.. do you know something about the settings I have to change?

[@KeithCooper]

Have a read of my PRO-300 review and see that you are using the right media settings www.northlight-images.co.uk/canon-pro-300-printer-review/ There are many thing which could contribute to this

[@davidmilimo5530]

hello any help my et8550 the touch screen is not responding ,,

[@KeithCooper]

Sounds faulty I'm afraid - contact Epson

[@Govisam64]

Thanks for sharing this, I wanted to give it a try today, but unfortunately the link for The Epson Japan Page is not working anymore. Is there another option to download and upgrade OP11N4 Japan Firmware ? Thank you :)

[@KeithCooper]

The printer has the ability to update firmware itself via the main printer menu. The firmware may be on other Epson sites, but I've not seen it.

[@redesign5096]

HELP PLEASE!!!! What do you do for random white flecks on prints??? One print comes out good while the next has a white fleck that appears the ink has come off or never made it to the paper. Thanks!

[@KeithCooper]

The only times I've seen this was with a faulty batch of paper - a replacement worked fine I'd take it up with the paper vendor?

[@redesign5096]

@@KeithCooper you are correct. I kept searching and the manufacturer of the paper has a tip to dust off the paper prior to printing. I did and it printed properly. Thank you for your fast response!! ❤️

[@theuktoday4233]

I printed my first photo on my new 8500 today and yes its got roller marks, I will attempt to download new firmware tomorrow and let you know

[@KeithCooper]

If it's on an Epson paper, on a new printer, consider calling Epson - I'd not accept it on a review machine.

[@jcmoney11111]

Hello good sir, I see that You are quite knowledgeable about the ET-8550 and happened to come across your channel and subscribed. We recently purchased an Epson ET-8550 EcoTank printer and converted it to print DTF inks. Are you familiar with the mechanism that detects paper in the vertical area. My understanding is that where the DTF film is transparent, it has difficulty detecting and will only detect certain areas then only print a strip of where it detected material down the center of the page arbitrarily within its detection path. Do you know any way to disable this feature or it's exact mechanism? There are workarounds by having an opaque sheet loaded behind your material and some people even trick it in the front of the material and let the bottom piece slide in but it isn't always 100%. Any help or insight would be appreciated. Thx. I'll be watching more of your videos.

[@KeithCooper]

Sorry - I've never tested the printer with anything other than standard inks

[@jcmoney11111]

@@KeithCooper thx for the reply. DTF inks aside, are you familiar with the printer having a detection capability for the paper size or for protecting ink being shot onto the bed? My instincts are that the printer detects what it thinks the medium edge that is only a few inches with and prints just that area so that it is not printing directly on the bed. I don't understand why the printer doesn't just follow the selected paper size and print the image. People have talked about this detection issue, but haven't described what the printer is trying to do for certain. Seems like it should be a controllable parameter but most likely not cause it isn't a concern for opaque mediums.

[@KeithCooper]

I don't know the details of this one - I've never seen a service sheet

[@genghiskhan6743]

Trying to update firmware. But my power supply cut off due to some problems. Now im stuck in Recovery mode. I dont know that to do next. Please hlep.

[@KeithCooper]

Sorry - one to ask Epson

[@HandsOff1000]

Hey Keith, you must be a rock star or something - I never expected to see so many comments about a printer...My question is is it easy to see the version number of the firmware currently installed...and does this firmware have a version number? Sorry if it was already asked. BTW I just got a message from Epson saying a new driver for my Windows 11 computer is available. They want me to install version 3.02. I can hope what it will fix. I know that is off topic, but if you are an Epson fiend I thought you should know.

[@KeithCooper]

Print a nozzle check on plain paper - I believe the firmware version is printed on the page? I'd always update a printer like this.

[@cuttlepods]

Thank goodness!

[@KeithCooper]

I've seen it just once, but it's been a known issue for a while

[@cuttlepods]

@@KeithCooper I've gotten both the black roller marks on the edges of 12" wide media, and the star-wheel track marks down the entire length of the prints. Sometimes it would print great, though. Same media, same settings. Hopefully the update fixes it for good!

[@KeithCooper]

My suspicion is that this only addresses initial feed roller problems. The star wheels are not something under firmware control - it's a physical issue.

[@NicolasP1973]

Is there a firmware number? I had a firmware update last week and don’t know if it is related to this problem or not. I have one cheap glossy paper that I used where I have roller marks. So I will do the test the coming days

[@KeithCooper]

Probably depends on the region - use the printer's firmware update process to see if anything new is available.

[@DigitalArtGuru]

What is the latest update firmware version number that fixes this?

[@KeithCooper]

You need to run the check via the printer menu - it will check if you have the latest. I've no idea what the number is...

[@dunnymonster]

I've got this vision of a load of ET-8550 owners using this update and finding everything is in Japanese when it's finished lol 🤣

[@KeithCooper]

yes - I prefer to wait until the printer picks up the firmware as available ;-)

[@motifsembroidery3790]

Thank you for your insight. Not quite related to this video but I m having issues printing borderless on A4 on plain paper- both on rear feed and paper tray. I can do double sided without any issues just not borderless. Also the printer app you use is one i also can’t find.

[@KeithCooper]

Double sided does not support borderless - you need to manually duplex the paper if you want it.

[@tazzytyoung19771]

Mine stop printing all together as well as tray not coming out😢

[@KeithCooper]

How old is it?

[@vendyuk]

Sadly, the page is no longer available.

[@KeithCooper]

Go to Epson and find support info for the 8550 Firmware updates are there. Alternately use the firmware check in the settings options. This video was from when the update first came out - it may well have been superseded by now

[@galacticnemesis366]

Just purchased a brand new ET-8550 and noticed wheel impressions across my print. Anyone got a fix?

[@KeithCooper]

If it does it on an Epson paper [they will ask] then contact Epson

[@BartomiejGierczak]

Update... ! My recent tests showed that new firmware OP11N4 may indeed decrease roller marks. Some papers, like ilford gold fibre silk, a still very vulnerable to rollers tension in this printer, but many other delicate papers goes out without any mark. I've noticed strange thing: using sheets of ilford fb gold silk somehow affects my printer, single feeding of this paper causes marks on other papers for next couple of times. After feeding 3 times another papers, mechanisms stabilize and then almost every paper goes out without any mark, even baryta papers (excluding fb gold silk of course|.

[@KeithCooper]

Yes - my feeling is that the consistency of paper handling could be improved on these printers

[@SDZ420]

not a fix in Florida sorry to say, printed 8 of 100 before noticing this. Makes me feel completely inadequate at buying a proper product. That said, should I embark on "Pizza Wheel'' Removals? Thanks and some tea and tarts on me when your in Fl

[@KeithCooper]

Sorry to hear - I've not actually carried out the removal, so can't advise on that one...

[@michaelmcmullin2093]

I only ever use genuine Epson paper, never any marks. I do get roller marks when I use cheap paper. I only use cheap paper for test prints .

[@KeithCooper]

Yes, the printer does vary like that

[@RamaPamparara]

Be careful when choosing paper. I got some glossy papers from friend, and about half of them suffer marks from pizza wheels on print side.

[@KeithCooper]

Yes - 'unknown' papers are far more likely to show issues like this - if the ink doesn't dry optimally, you can get mark. This printer is quite picky about paper types, as described in the man review www.northlight-images.co.uk/epson-et-8550-printer-review/

[@apo_genc]

Absolute horror, this printer. I’ve owned it for over 2 years and primarily used it to print A3+ on Epson Archival Matte Paper now and then for home use. During that time, I hadn’t noticed any roller marks. However, a few days ago, I started printing A3+ prints for an exhibition and had to use Ilford 235gsm Matte Paper since all Epson papers were out of stock. An absolute disaster with roller marks everywhere, no matter what settings I try. Even with the latest firmware in Europe. Out of desperation, I downloaded and installed the latest firmware version from the Japanese site, but the roller marks persist. I hate this printer. What is going on, Epson? Keith, do you have any tips? Otherwise, I’m tossing this printer out the window!

[@KeithCooper]

A 'wrong' paper for that particular printer I'm afraid. Firmware seems to make little difference if the paper is too soft for the pressure applied. Ilford is not a brand I know any more - so I've tested nothing with that name on it for years. Nothing I can specifically suggest - I don't see marks with such papers, so have not been able to 'fix' it - sorry.

[@apo_genc]

@@KeithCooperThx a million for your quick support, really appreciate! What‘s your favorite matte paper that works well regarding this issue?

[@KeithCooper]

I have some from PermaJet which is almost the same as the Epson - find a good supplier and ask what they have which is similar - it may even be 'very similar' ;-)

[@apo_genc]

@@KeithCooper Thx a lot Keith!

[@MrdjMob]

I get roller marks on 180gsm and its alot of them like 6-8 through all page Printer only week old and done less then 50 a3 photos I think printer itself sucks Epson ain't helpful at all just saying do maintenance run etc. Really with under 50 pics need maintenance after maintenance I wish i d chosen canon

[@KeithCooper]

Demand a replacement - you have a duff printer... Insist on it. Epson support is just trying to get rid of you... Remember to say that it was an Epson paper you were using! In the UK the printer would be regarded as 'not of merchantable quality' and therefore the responsibility of the maker to replace or refund... Your printer may suck - that does not damn the model or the company

[@MrdjMob]

@KeithCooper i foun d it a bit bizarre that so many videos on you you tube including removing rollers altogether to get rid of roller marks On another hand it was all fine then it printed 1 photo half finished like it gave up on it and after that i start seeing roller marks But first 20 -30 came out perfectly fine

[@KeithCooper]

Yes - I had a duff printer to review - I rejected it and got a replacement It happens... just beware of Epson 'Support', who want to get rid of you...

[@MrdjMob]

@KeithCooper just got that sorted Was told to do 6 times nozzle clean full system power clean etc But at the end they said ok as you within 30 days go to shop and replace it That would be 3 rd one by the way First one came fully smashed with broken tray etc. Hopefully i ll go and pick this one myself from Stevenage as it seems to be a delivery guys that does all that nonsense to them Tnx. You are a star

[@servigrafserviciosgraficos614]

page down... not more able.

[@KeithCooper]

What does this mean?

[@BartomiejGierczak]

I loved the printer until the day I tested thicker papers...

[@KeithCooper]

I'm not sure which aspects this might address.

[@BartomiejGierczak]

@@KeithCooper Markings on almost every paper which is thicker than 0,3 mm. I have good results with baryta papers tests, unfortunately marks spoil everything...

[@KeithCooper]

Ah - didn't happen when I tested one. It seems to be a problem with just some printers

[@bobkent6075]

Have you tried the thicker paper setting?

[@BartomiejGierczak]

@@bobkent6075 Yes, I've tried. It doesn't affect paper feeding, so marks are the same with these settings. There are no marks when using rear paper feed for posterboards, because marks are caused by main rollers in rear tray.