Choosing the Right Epson i3200 Cap Top for Your DTF Printer

The cap top is the rubber-lipped cup that seals your i3200 printhead when the printer is idle. It does two jobs. It keeps ink from drying in the nozzles, and during cleaning it lets the pump pull ink through the head. If the cap is torn, hardened or blocked, cleanings stop recovering nozzles, no matter how many you run.

What to check before ordering

• Head version. Epson i3200-A1 is the most common DTF head. Make sure the cap is listed for your head type.
• Tube inlet size. i3200 cap tops are sold with either a 2 mm or a 3 mm waste-tube inlet (digiprint-usa.com, dtfshop.uk). Measure your existing tube before you buy.
• Orientation. Some printers mount the capping station vertically. Inkjet Parts lists a "Vertical Alignment" cap top (SKU DTFVRT-7420). Match the shape of your current part.
• Quantity. Most machines use one cap top per printhead, so a dual-head printer needs two.

Signs it's time to replace

• Nozzles drop out overnight, even though the printer was capped.
• Ink isn't drawn through during cleaning (the waste tube stays dry).
• The rubber lip is cracked, swollen, or has dried white ink on it.

Care tips (general practice)

• Wipe the lip with a cleaning swab and solution as part of daily maintenance.
• Never let white ink dry in the cap. Run cleaning cycles if the printer will sit idle.
• Replace the cap and the wiper together. A fresh cap won't help if a worn wiper keeps smearing the plate.

Related products

• Epson i3200-A1 Cap Top DTF
• DTF Epson i3200-A1 Cap Top (Vertical Alignment)
• Epson i3200 Damper
• Epson i3200 DTF Wiper Blade (Black)
• 24V / 6.5W Peristaltic Pump