Last updated: October 2026 · By the DTF Gears team
The Epson I1600 printhead is one of the most popular printheads in modern DTF printers. It's fast, precise and built on Epson's industrial PrecisionCore technology, and it's the head inside the xTool DTF Apparel Printer. This guide covers the I1600-A1's specs, which printers use it, how it compares with the XP600 and I3200, what it costs, and how to replace it without damaging a new head.
Key takeaways
- The Epson I1600-A1 is a water-based (aqueous) PrecisionCore MicroTFP printhead with 1,600 nozzles in 4 rows, 600 npi resolution and a 1.33" (33.8 mm) print width.
- It's used in the xTool DTF Apparel Printer Plus (dual I1600) and in DTF printers from Sublistar and Infiniti.
- Prices at DTF Gears: generic unlocked Epson I1600-A1, $649; genuine xTool Apparel Printer Plus printhead (I1600-A1), $999 (regularly $1,099).
- xTool Apparel Printer owners should use the genuine xTool head. Other I1600-based printers use the unlocked I1600-A1.
- Printheads are final sale once installed, so confirm your exact model and replace worn printhead cables before installing.
What is the Epson I1600 printhead?
The Epson I1600 is a 1,600-nozzle industrial inkjet printhead from Epson's PrecisionCore MicroTFP range. The I1600-A1 version is designed for water-based (aqueous) inks, which makes it a common choice for DTF and DTG printers. It sits between the smaller Epson XP600 and the higher-output Epson I3200-A1. Many printer makers choose it because it offers industrial reliability and fast printing in a compact head.
Epson I1600-A1 printhead specifications
| Specification | Epson I1600-A1 |
|---|---|
| Technology | Epson PrecisionCore MicroTFP |
| Ink type | Aqueous / water-based (DTF, DTG) |
| Nozzles | 1,600 (4 rows) |
| Nozzle pitch | 1/300 inch |
| Resolution | 300 npi per row · 600 npi across 2 rows |
| Max ink colors | 4 |
| Effective print width | 33.8 mm (1.33 in) |
| Droplet sizes | Binary 6 pl at 43.2 kHz · 3-level 6.3/12.3 pl · 4-level 3.8/6.1/9.4 pl at 21.6 kHz |
| Ink viscosity range | 3–4 mPa·s |
| Dimensions / weight | 69.1 × 59.4 × 35.6 mm · approx. 80 g |
| Made in | Japan |
Why the droplet sizes matter: variable droplets let the I1600 lay down tiny dots for fine detail and smooth gradients, and larger dots for solid color and white underbase. That's a big part of why I1600-based DTF printers produce sharp transfers.
Which DTF printers use the Epson I1600 printhead?
The best-known I1600 printer is the xTool DTF Apparel Printer Plus, which uses dual Epson I1600 printheads. Other compatible printers include:
- xTool: DTF Apparel Printer / Apparel Printer Plus. Use the genuine xTool printhead.
- Sublistar: DTF-300 Ultra A, DTF-450 Ultra A, DTF-mini 600 Ultra, DTX-4050I DTF and DTX-4050I DTG
- Infiniti: FY-200A, FY-AF230
Compatibility can vary with a printer's electronics, firmware and head configuration, so always check the exact printhead model on your current head before ordering. Not sure? Ask us with your printer model.
Epson I1600 vs XP600 vs I3200: what's the difference?
The I1600 sits in the middle: more nozzles and industrial durability than the XP600, and half the nozzles of the I3200.
| Epson XP600 | Epson I1600-A1 | Epson I3200-A1 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nozzles | 1,080 (6 rows) | 1,600 (4 rows) | 3,200 (8 rows) |
| Class | Desktop / entry | Industrial, compact | Industrial, high output |
| Typical printers | A3 DTF (e.g. Procolored F13 Pro) | xTool Apparel Printer, Sublistar, Infiniti | 24" commercial (e.g. Audley S7070-3 to 8076-3) |
| Price at DTF Gears | $399 | $649 | $999 |
For a deeper comparison, read which DTF printhead does your printer use? XP600 vs I1600 vs I3200.
How much does an Epson I1600 printhead cost?
At DTF Gears, the unlocked Epson I1600-A1 costs $649. The genuine xTool Apparel Printer Plus printhead (Epson I1600-A1) costs $999, regularly $1,099.
Epson I1600-A1 Printhead (unlocked)$649
For Sublistar, Infiniti and other I1600-based DTF/DTG printers
Genuine xTool Apparel Printer Plus Printhead$999
Fully compatible with the xTool DTF Apparel Printer
Should xTool Apparel Printer owners buy a generic I1600?
No. Use the genuine xTool Apparel Printer Plus printhead, which is listed as fully compatible with the xTool Apparel Printer. The unlocked I1600-A1 is meant for printers built for unlocked Epson I1600-A1 heads, such as Sublistar and Infiniti models.
Signs your I1600 printhead needs replacing
Replace the I1600 only after cleaning no longer helps. Common signs:
- The same nozzles stay missing after several cleaning cycles and a soak with cleaning solution.
- A whole channel won't fire, often white ink.
- Banding keeps coming back after alignment, new dampers and capping parts.
- A printhead error doesn't clear after reseating the cables.
Before buying a new head, work through our clogged printhead guide and banding & streaking fixes.
How do you install a new Epson I1600 printhead safely?
Confirm the exact model, replace worn cables, and follow your printer maker's procedure. Printheads can't be returned once installed.
- Check the label on your current head (for example "I1600-A1") and match it exactly.
- Replace the printhead cables when installing a new head. Worn or damaged cables can cause electrical faults and damage the new head.
- Use compatible water-based ink within the 3–4 mPa·s viscosity range. Non-original or incompatible ink is excluded from warranty.
- Follow your printer maker's installation, cleaning and ink-loading steps. Professional installation is recommended.
- Remember it's final sale: once installed or exposed to ink, a printhead can't be returned.
How do you make an Epson I1600 printhead last longer?
- Print every day, even just a nozzle check. Idle white ink is the most common cause of clogs.
- Moisturize the head during downtime. xTool owners can use the xTool moisturizing liquid.
- Keep up with maintenance using the xTool Apparel Printer cleaning kit and maintenance kit.
- Use quality ink: see our premium DTF inks and the xTool DTF supplies.
- Keep the room stable: roughly 59–86°F with 40–60% humidity.
FAQ
How many nozzles does the Epson I1600 have?
The Epson I1600-A1 has 1,600 nozzles arranged in 4 rows, with 600 npi resolution across two rows.
Which printers use the Epson I1600 printhead?
The xTool DTF Apparel Printer Plus (dual I1600), plus Sublistar DTF-300 Ultra A, DTF-450 Ultra A, DTF-mini 600 Ultra, DTX-4050I, and Infiniti FY-200A and FY-AF230.
How much is an Epson I1600 printhead?
At DTF Gears, the unlocked Epson I1600-A1 is $649. The genuine xTool Apparel Printer Plus printhead (I1600-A1) is $999.
Is the I1600 better than the XP600?
The I1600 is an industrial PrecisionCore head with more nozzles (1,600 vs 1,080), built for faster, more durable production. The XP600 is a lower-cost desktop-class head.
What's the difference between the I1600 and I3200?
The I3200-A1 has twice the nozzles (3,200 in 8 rows) and higher output, which is why it's used in 24" commercial printers like the Audley range. The I1600 is more compact.
Can I return an I1600 printhead?
Once a printhead has been installed or exposed to ink, the sale is final. Confirm compatibility before ordering.
📚 Related guides
- Printheads for every DTF & UV printer · Shop all printheads
- XP600 vs I1600 vs I3200 explained
- Replacement printhead guide: find the head for your printer
- xTool DTF Apparel Printer · xTool Apparel Printer Plus Starter Bundle ($5,399)
- Epson XP600 ($399) · Epson I3200-A1 ($999) · Epson I3200-U1 UV ($1,399)
- New to DTF Gears? Start with everything you need for DTF & UV printing
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