Converting OEM Ink to Dye Ink in a Large Format EcoTank Printer, How and Why

Converting a wide-format EcoTank printer from stock OEM color inks to a dye-based solution like Dmax® enhances film quality, improving durability and overall density.

Why Convert the Printer to a Dye Solution 

EcoTank printers make it easy to convert from OEM color inks to a dye-based solution. With their ink reservoirs/tanks instead of traditional cartridges, they’re perfect for this type of conversion.

Once converted, films will have higher density, making them ideal for screen exposure,improving clarity and durability compared to OEM pigment inks. Pigment inks are not suitable for film printing, as they can’t achieve the necessary high density for successful screen exposure. They are better suited for paper printing.

Converting a Photo Black (PB/PK) or Black (K) slot to dye-based ink is quick and simple, depending on the printer’s ink configuration. Visit our AccuRIP Emerald Compatibility page to find certified printers that use a single slot or all slots for All Black conversion as well as our Product page for the EcoTank Conversion kits that are offered.

AccuRIP Emerald Compatibility Page: LINK>

All Black Ink Kit Product Page: LINK>

EcoTank Conversion Guide: VIDEO>

How to Convert a Printer with an EcoTank Conversion Kit

Step 1: Drain OEM Ink from the Printer

Most large format printers have the fill hoses buried within the printer making them not as accessible as the desktop models are. Due to these reasons, manually draining the printer is needed and will require having at least 2 spare maintenance tanks on hand as they will fill up in this process.

Ways to Drain Ink from an EcoTank Printer:

1. Manual Printing Method: Create a file with a large black square and print it repeatedly until less than 1/3 of the OEM ink remains, then refill.
2. Natural Drain Method: Continue regular printing until the ink levels naturally drop below 1/3, then refill.

Step 2: Filling with Dmax

1. Attach the Funnel – Securely connect the funnel to the purple silicone hose.
2. Connect to Printer – Firmly attach the open end of the purple hose to the printer’s fill tube, ensuring a tight seal.
3. Pour the Ink – Slowly pour Dmax Black Dye into the funnel to fill the black tank (or all tanks, depending on your ink setup). Fill until the ink reaches the top fill hash mark.
4. Remove the Hose – Carefully detach the purple hose and funnel from the printer.
5. Reset Ink Levels – Set the ink levels to read full.
6. Prime the Print Head – Run two low-level cleanings to stage the ink into the print head.
7. Test the Nozzles – Use the Epson Utility to print a Nozzle Pattern test print. Dmax Black Dye prints will be dense, durable, and nearly scratch-proof.
8. Set Up AccuRIP Emerald® – Open AccuRIP Emerald, go to the Inks tab, and choose the Select Tank or Auto ABI mode. Click Apply to save your setting.

Now your printer is ready to print with Dmax Black Dye! 🎉