5 Quick reasons why your Ink shunt is empty and wont load ink

If the shunt (the area where the ink is supposed to flow) appears empty or is filled with white ink on your DTF (Direct to Film) printer, there are a few potential causes that you should investigate:

1. Clogged or Blocked Printhead Nozzles:

• Problem: White ink might have clogged the nozzles or the printhead channels, leading to a disruption in ink flow. If the white ink is particularly thick or has dried in the system, it can cause blockages.
• Solution: Perform a nozzle check and clean the printhead. You can use the printer’s built-in cleaning cycle, but if the problem persists, you may need to manually clean the nozzles using specialized cleaning solutions designed for white ink.

2. Incorrect Ink Flow Settings or Air in the Line:

• Problem: If there’s air trapped in the ink lines, the ink flow can be disrupted, and white ink may be seen in the shunt area due to a lack of proper ink circulation.
• Solution: Check for any air bubbles in the ink lines and try to purge them. This can often be done through the printer’s maintenance menu. Also, ensure the ink cartridges are properly seated and filled.

3. Ink Contamination or Separation:

• Problem: White ink tends to separate and settle more easily than colored inks, especially if the ink hasn't been stirred or circulated properly. This could cause issues with consistency and appearance during printing.
• Solution: Stir the white ink and make sure it's well mixed. Some DTF printers have ink circulation systems that help prevent this from happening, so ensure that system is functioning correctly.

4. Software or Profile Issues:

• Problem: The issue could be related to the settings in your RIP software, where the white ink is not being called for during printing, or the shunt area is being incorrectly filled.
• Solution: Check your RIP software settings for the proper configuration of white ink channels. Make sure you are selecting the correct print mode (e.g., white first, or white as a base layer) when printing.

5. Clogged Ink Filters:

• Problem: If the ink filter on the back of the printer is clogged, it can prevent ink from flowing through properly. You may notice that the filter outlet is empty or there’s insufficient ink coming through the lines.
• Solution: Inspect the ink filters for blockages. If the filter is clogged, clean or replace it to restore proper ink flow. Ensuring the filter is not obstructed is key to maintaining consistent ink delivery.