When the printer is powered on, if the ink pad isn't absorbing ink properly while the capping station moves up and down — or if waste ink isn't draining normally — it's likely time to replace the ink pad on your DTF Printer. Additionally, if you receive a waste ink pad full alert (see Lesson 6: Waste Ink Alert Guide), replacement is required to prevent ink overflow and potential damage to internal components.
Move the printhead to the center first (using touchscreen) before turning off the printer — this provides better access to the ink pad area.
Wear gloves — waste ink can stain skin and clothing.
Place paper towels or a cloth underneath the work area to catch any waste ink drips.
Use only official HTVRONT replacement ink pads — third-party pads may not fit correctly or could leak.
This is an intermediate, 10-minute job with one ordering rule that matters more than anything else: move the printhead to the center and power off in that order. Once the pad is out, waste ink will drip, so paper towels go down before the screwdriver does.
Supplies You'll Need
🖨️ Official HTVRONT replacement ink pad (from accessory box — if the spare has been used, contact support for assistance)
✂️ Scissors or cutting tool (for cutting waste ink tubes)
🧤 Gloves (recommended)
🧻 Paper towels or cloth (for any ink spills)
📖 Definition: What Is the Ink Pad?
Quick Answer: The ink pad (waste ink pad or maintenance tank) sits beneath the capping station and absorbs waste ink from cleaning cycles. When it saturates, the printer throws a waste ink alert and the pad must be replaced.
The ink pad (also called the waste ink pad or maintenance tank) is a highly absorbent component located beneath the capping station in the D2 DTF Printer. Its function is to capture and contain waste ink discharged during automatic cleaning cycles, printhead purges, and routine maintenance. Over time, the ink pad becomes saturated with waste ink. When the printer detects that the pad is full (via a counter or sensor), it will display a waste ink alert (see Lesson 6). If not replaced promptly, excess waste ink can overflow, damaging internal electronics and components. Regular replacement of the ink pad is essential for long-term printer reliability.
⚙️ Step-by-Step: How to Replace the Ink Pad
Six steps take you from a parked printhead to a verified replacement, and the whole job runs about 10 minutes. Two steps are where mistakes happen: cutting the waste ink tubes (Step 2) and routing the new tubes into the groove (Step 5) — a kinked tube defeats the whole replacement.
📍 Step 1: Position the Printhead
On the touchscreen, click "Left" to move the printhead to the center position.
Turn off the printer after the printhead has moved.
⚠️ Tip: Moving the printhead to the center before powering off gives you better access to the ink pad area.
📍 Step 2: Remove the Old Ink Pad
Use the screwdriver from the accessory box to remove the four screws around the ink pad. (Refer to Pic 2)
Carefully cut the two waste ink tubes underneath the ink pad to detach it completely.
⚠️ Caution: Waste ink may spill from the cut tubes. Have paper towels ready to contain any drips.
📍 Step 3: Loosen the Tube Fixing Screw
Loosen the tube fixing screw located under the capping station to release the waste ink tubes fully.
📍 Step 4: Install the New Ink Pad
Take a replacement ink pad from the accessory box (or contact support if the spare has been used).
Connect the two waste ink tubes securely to the new ink pad.
Tighten the four screws to secure the ink pad in place.
📍 Step 5: Secure the Tubes
Place the tubes into the groove to ensure they are properly routed and not pinched.
Tighten the tube fixing screw to secure the waste ink tubes in position.
⚠️ Important: Proper tube routing prevents kinks that could block waste ink drainage. Ensure tubes are not crushed or bent sharply.
📍 Step 6: Power On and Verify
Turn the printer back on. The printhead will automatically return to the home position.
Watch the movement of the capping station as it goes through its initial cycle.
If the ink pad is absorbing ink properly and waste ink is draining during cleaning cycles, the replacement was successful.
Here's the whole replacement on one screen — each step, the action, and the check that tells you it worked. Skipping the tube routing in Step 5 is the most common reason a fresh pad still doesn't drain.
Step
Action
Critical Check
1
Click "Left" to move printhead → Turn off printer
Printhead centered for access
2
Remove 4 screws → Cut waste ink tubes
Paper towels ready for drips
3
Loosen tube fixing screw under capping station
Tubes released completely
4
Connect tubes to new pad → Tighten 4 screws
Connections are secure
5
Route tubes in groove → Tighten fixing screw
Tubes not pinched or kinked
6
Power on → Observe capping station → Run a cleaning cycle to verify
Waste ink drains properly
📺 Replacement Video: How to Replace the Ink Pad
Watch the 1-minute 57-second video below for a complete visual walkthrough of the ink pad replacement process.
Follow this step-by-step guide to replace the ink pad on your D2 DTF printer — preventing ink overflow errors and keeping your printer in optimal working condition.
🎯 Direct Answer: How to Replace the D2 DTF Printer Ink Pad?
Quick Answer: Park the printhead to the center and power off, remove the four screws and cut the two waste ink tubes, loosen the tube fixing screw, connect the new pad and tighten the screws, route the tubes into the groove, then power on and run a cleaning cycle. Allow 10 minutes.
Quick Summary:
Position printhead → Click "Left" on touchscreen → Turn off printer.
Remove old pad → Remove 4 screws → Cut waste ink tubes underneath.
Loosen tube fixing screw under capping station.
Install new pad → Connect waste ink tubes → Tighten 4 screws.
Secure tubes → Place into groove → Tighten fixing screw.
Power on and verify → Watch capping station → Run a cleaning cycle.
⏱️ Total time: 10 minutes. 🖨️ Use only official HTVRONT replacement ink pads. (Spare included in accessory box — contact support if additional replacement is needed)
🔧 Troubleshooting: After Ink Pad Replacement
Most post-replacement problems come down to a counter that wasn't reset, a tube that kinked after the door closed, or a pad that was already full when installed. Match your symptom below before opening the machine again.
Issue
Possible Cause
Solution
Waste ink alert still appears after replacement
Printer's waste ink counter not reset
Refer to Lesson 6 for waste ink counter reset instructions
These are the ink pad questions D2 owners ask most — how often to swap it, whether the counter reset is separate, and what to check when waste ink still leaks.
Q: How often should I replace the ink pad?
A: The printer will notify you with a waste ink alert (see Lesson 6). Typically, the ink pad lasts through hundreds of cleaning cycles. Frequency depends on how often you run automatic cleanings — heavy users may need replacement every 6-12 months, while light users may go years between replacements.
Q: Do I need to reset the waste ink counter after replacing the pad?
A:Yes. After physically replacing the ink pad, you must also reset the printer's waste ink counter using the touchscreen or IdeaStudio. Refer to Lesson 6 for detailed reset instructions.
Q: Can I just empty the waste ink instead of replacing the pad?
A:No. The ink pad is an absorbent component that cannot be emptied. Once saturated, it must be replaced. Attempting to "dry out" or reuse a saturated pad can lead to ink overflow and internal printer damage.
Q: Where can I get a replacement ink pad?
A: The accessory box that came with your D2 printer includes one spare ink pad — check there first. If you have already used the spare and need an additional replacement, please contact HTVRONT official customer support at support@htvront.com for assistance. They will provide guidance on how to obtain a genuine replacement part.
Q: What happens if I ignore the waste ink alert and keep using the printer?
A: The printer may continue to operate, but waste ink will eventually overflow, potentially damaging internal electronics, staining components, and voiding your warranty. Replace the ink pad as soon as the alert appears.
Q: I replaced the pad but still see waste ink leaking. What's wrong?
A: Check: (1) Are the waste ink tubes securely connected? (2) Are the tubes pinched or kinked? (3) Did you reset the waste ink counter? (4) Is the new pad seated correctly with all four screws tightened? If the problem persists, contact HTVRONT support.
Ink pad replacement is one part of D2 ownership. Work through the lessons you haven't read yet, and keep the other replacement guides handy for the day a cable, filter, or ink sac needs swapping.
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