Welcome back to the HTVRONT D2 DTF Printer replacement parts series.

In the previous replacement guides, we learned:

• 🔌 Replacement Guide 1: How to Replace the Cable
• 💧 Replacement Guide 2: How to Replace the White Ink Filter

Today, in the third replacement guide, we cover: How to Replace the Ink Pad.

📂 Replacement Parts Guide Series:

• 🔌 1. How to Replace the Cable
• 💧 2. How to Replace the White Ink Filter
• 🖨️ 3. How to Replace the Ink Pad (this guide)
• 🧴 4. How to Replace the Ink Sac (coming soon)

⚠️ Important Safety Precautions:

• 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.

• 🖨️ Official HTVRONT replacement ink pad (from accessory box — if the spare has been used, contact support for assistance)
• 🪛 Screwdriver (from accessory box — Phillips head)
• ✂️ Scissors or cutting tool (for cutting waste ink tubes)
• 🧤 Gloves (recommended)
• 🧻 Paper towels or cloth (for any ink spills)

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.

Follow these steps carefully. The entire process takes about 10 minutes.

1. On the touchscreen, click "Left" to move the printhead to the center position.
2. 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. 

1. Use the screwdriver from the accessory box to remove the four screws around the ink pad. (Refer to Pic 2)
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.

1. Loosen the tube fixing screw located under the capping station to release the waste ink tubes fully.

1. Take a replacement ink pad from the accessory box (or contact support if the spare has been used).
2. Connect the two waste ink tubes securely to the new ink pad.
3. Tighten the four screws to secure the ink pad in place.

1. Place the tubes into the groove to ensure they are properly routed and not pinched.
2. 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.

1. Turn the printer back on. The printhead will automatically return to the home position.
2. Watch the movement of the capping station as it goes through its initial cycle.
3. If the ink pad is absorbing ink properly and waste ink is draining during cleaning cycles, the replacement was successful.

📘 Related tutorial: For more information on waste ink alerts and monitoring, see Lesson 6: Low & Waste Ink Alert Guide.

Watch the 1-minute 57-second video below for a complete visual walkthrough of the ink pad replacement process.

Quick Summary:
1. Position printhead → Click "Left" on touchscreen → Turn off printer.
2. Remove old pad → Remove 4 screws → Cut waste ink tubes underneath.
3. Loosen tube fixing screw under capping station.
4. Install new pad → Connect waste ink tubes → Tighten 4 screws.
5. Secure tubes → Place into groove → Tighten fixing screw.
6. 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)

You now know how to replace the ink pad on your D2 DTF Printer. In the next and final replacement guide, we will cover:

• 🧴 How to Replace the Ink Sac – Replacing the ink delivery components (ink sacs/dampers) when they become clogged or damaged

Stay tuned and keep your D2 in perfect condition! 🔧

📘 Previous Replacement Guides:
How to Replace the Cable
How to Replace the White Ink Filter

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

📧 Need help? Contact HTVRONT support: support@htvront.com