Epson TX800 Printhead for DTF & UV: Ink Compatibility, Cable Replacement, and How Long It Lasts

What you need to know about the Epson TX800 printhead for DTF & UVDTF printing. Real specs, UV reflection risks, cable replacement tip, and lifespan tips from field experience.

If you're moving away from locked DX5/DX7 printheads, the Epson TX800 has become one of the most reliable open-platform options for DTF and UVDTF printers. We've integrated it into dozens of builds — here’s what actually matters in real production.

Why the TX800 Is Still a Viable Choice

Unlike discontinued heads, the TX800 (also known as F1280-A1 or DX10) remains accessible and firmware-unlocked. It’s a six-channel Micro-Piezo printhead with 1,080 nozzles total — ideal for CMYK + light colors, or even white ink in dual-channel setups. But be aware: its narrow ink channels mean lower flow rates. If you're using thick inks like white DTF or UV resin, you’ll need to adjust pressure and temperature carefully.

Specs That Actually Matter

You’ll see “5760 x 1440 dpi” quoted everywhere — that’s theoretical. In real-world use, most DTF and UVDTF machines run the TX800 at 1440 dpi max to avoid clogging and banding.

Here’s what impacts your print quality and reliability:

• Nozzle Count: 1,080 nozzles (6 rows × 180) — good for speed, but sensitive to debris
• Droplet Size: 4.5–40 pl — enables fine detail, but small droplets dry faster
• Ink Viscosity: 3–5 mPa·s — avoid inks outside this range unless properly tested
• Compatible Inks: Works with UV, water-based, eco-solvent, pigment, textile, and sublimation inks — but always test first
• Origin: Genuine units are made in Japan — performance drops with lower-tier clones

We’ve seen operators clog heads in weeks by using unfiltered Chinese UV ink. Don’t skip filtration.

UV Printing? Beware of Reflected Light

This isn’t in the manual: UV light can reflect off glass, acrylic, or glossy substrates and damage the internal piezoelectric elements.

One customer destroyed their TX800 within 48 hours because the UV lamp was too close and unshielded. The reflected light fried the head from below.

Our fix:

• Use anti-reflective coating on the substrate
• Angle the UV lamp away from the printhead
• Add a physical barrier between the head and the curing zone

It’s a simple step — but it can save you hundreds in replacement costs.

Installation Tip: Replace the Cable Every Time

We recommend replacing the 29-pin flex cable whenever you install a new TX800 printhead.

Old cables degrade — micro-cracks or oxidation cause signal loss, leading to misfires or communication errors. We tested the same head with new vs. used cables: the used one showed intermittent dropouts at high jetting frequencies.

An $8 cable is cheaper than three days of troubleshooting ghosting or missing lines.

How Long Does It Last?

Under proper conditions — clean ink, regular nozzle checks, moderate speed — expect 300,000 to 500,000 printed sheets.

But we’ve seen heads fail in under 50,000 sheets due to:

• Poor ink filtration
• Dry firing (printing without ink)
• Excessive cleaning cycles
• Thermal stress from high-speed operation

One shop was cleaning 8 times a day — they killed three heads in six months. After reducing to one weekly check, their next head lasted over a year.

Maintenance matters more than specs.

Should You Use It?

Yes, if:

• You need a stable, widely supported printhead
• You’re moving from DX5/DX7 due to lockouts
• You can control ink quality and environment

Think twice if:

• You’re pushing ultra-thick ink layers
• You’re on a tight budget and can’t maintain it properly
• You’re printing on reflective surfaces without UV shielding

Already using or planning to integrate the TX800? Let us help you avoid the costly mistakes most suppliers won’t tell you about.

Looking for the XP600 printhead?  

- Epson TX800 Printhead >>  

👉 Click on a model above to view details, check specifications, or start a product consultation.

Email: info@grisprint.com  Inquire Now >>