Comprehending DTF Printer Performance

Following the introduction of its flagship DTF printers—the F8, F13, and F13 Pro—Procolored has consistently introduced enhancements to both the hardware specifications and the printing processes. These advancements have been successfully integrated into the three DTF printer models. This blog post aims to offer the latest insights into these Procolored DTF printers, helping potential buyers make well-informed decisions.

Written by Procolored - Published on Dec 19, 2024

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Written by Procolored - Published on Dec 19, 2024

PASSAGE SUMMARY

1. Brief Comparison
2. F8 - Perfect for DTF New-Beginners
3. F13 - Right for Your Business Upgrade
4. F13 Pro - Ideal Partner for High-Volume Printing Studio

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1. Brief Comparison

DTF printing, also known as Direct-to-Film printing, is an inkjet printing technique that excels in producing high-quality prints on a variety of fabrics, including cotton, polyester, wool, nylon, silk, and other materials.Thanks to its vivid color reproduction and user-friendly operation, DTF printing has become a favored choice among both hobbyists and professionals. According to market.us, apparel printing accounted for 37.5% of the Print-on-Demand (POD) market in 2023, making it the most popular category of POD products.

Given the vast and lucrative market for DTF printing, selecting an appropriate DTF printer becomes crucial for minimizing initial investment and accommodating various business scales. To enhance cost-efficiency, Procolored offers three distinct DTF printers—the F8, F13, and F13 Pro—each showcasing unique advantages as summarized in the chart below. In the following sections, we will delve into the details of each printer to help you better understand their features.

Procolored F8 DTF

Procolored F13 DTF

Procolored F13 Pro DTF

Print Head

L800

L1800

XP600*2

Printing Speed

Letter/A4:7min

Letter/A4:10min

Letter/A4:4.5min

Print Size

Width: 8.2"(210mm)

Width: 13"(330mm)

T-shirt

[M]Executive Size Prints

[7"x10.5"]

[L]Executive Size Prints

[8.5"x11"]

[XL]Executive Size Prints

[8.5"x14"]

Retail Sell Price

$15.9

$21.9

$25.9

Total Cost Per Unit

$3 Blank Apparel

$0.4 Inks

$0.45 Film

$0.05 Powder

$3 Blank Apparel

$0.4 Inks

$0.6 Film

$0.06 Powder

$3 Blank Apparel

$0.6 Inks

$0.75 Film

$0.07 Powder

Prints Per Hour

8pcs

6pcs

13pcs

Average Waste

15%

Profit Per Day

$474.6

$528.71

$1382.35

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2. F8 - Perfect for DTF New-Beginners

The F8, as it is commonly known, actually refers to the Procolored F8 Panda DTF Printer 8.2" A4 L800. This model represents the most compact offering in Procolored's lineup of printing products and serves as the upgraded successor to the discontinued Procolored L805.

2.1 Basic Specification

Printer dimension: 21*11*7inch

Printing width: 8.2"(210mm)

Print head: Single Printhead, L800

Printing speed: 7min for an A4 size print

Film type: Roll film

Ink color setting: CMYK+W*2

Ink circulation: Siphon White Ink Circulation System

Printhead safeguard system: Yes

Film cutter: Yes

Auto cleaning function: Yes

2.2 Further Understanding

When discussing compact electronics, there's often concern that machine performance and output quality might be compromised due to their portable sizes—but not with Procolored. Designed to offer DTF beginners a simplified and cost-efficient experience, the Procolored F8 Panda DTF Printer 8.2" A4 L800 boasts a compact form factor without sacrificing exceptional performance or configuration.

Reduced Consumable Consumption: The L805 was an A4 DTF printer previously available for sale. One reason we discontinued its production and introduced a replacement is its excessive consumption of sheet films. In DTF printing, roll film is generally considered more convenient and efficient. It enables continuous printing, imposes fewer limitations on graphic size, and reduces the need for manual intervention.

Built-in Triple Shields: Despite its compact size, the L800 is equipped with three comprehensive built-in systems, just like other Procolored DTF printers, ensuring a smoother printing workflow and enhanced performance.1) Procolored Siphon Circulation System: Ensures a stable supply of white ink.2) Auto Printhead Cleaning Function: Activates every 10 hours when the printer is on but idle, maintaining printhead cleanliness.3) Printhead Safeguard System: Performs real-time monitoring of the printing status to ensure accurate and reliable printing.These three shields guarantee stable ink supply, smooth film feeding, and precise printing, effectively reducing issues like nozzle clogging. Together, they provide a more efficient and dependable printing experience.

New things can be intimidating due to their unpredictability or perceived lack of control. However, for DTF beginners, the L800 serves as a powerful guide into the world of DTF printing. Equipped with all the aforementioned advantages, it offers user-friendly operations, seamless machine configurations, and vibrant print output.

3. F13 - Right for Your Business Upgrade

The F13, as it is commonly known, actually refers to the Procolored F13 Panda DTF Printer 13" A3 L1800. For an extended period, the F13 has been Procolored's best-selling product, widely regarded for offering the highest cost-efficiency for growing printing businesses.

3.1 Basic Specification

Printer dimension: 31*13*8inch

Printing width: 13"(330mm)

Print head: Single Printhead, L1800

Printing speed: 10min for an A4 size print

Film type: Roll film

Ink color setting: CMYK+W*2

Ink circulation: Siphon White Ink Circulation System

Printhead safeguard system: Yes

Film cutter: Yes

Auto cleaning function: Yes

3.2 Further Understanding

Wider Print Size: Compared to the F8, which has an 8.2-inch printable width, the F13 offers a significantly broader printable area of up to 13 inches. Despite only a slight increase in size and weight, this expanded print capacity greatly enhances the F13's versatility, opening up a more flexible business niche.For instance, in t-shirt printing, when handling a single graphic print order, the F13 can accommodate a wider range of garment sizes, whereas the F8 may be limited to smaller-sized garments. This flexibility allows businesses to meet diverse customer needs more effectively, making the F13 an excellent choice for those looking to expand their offerings without a substantial increase in equipment size or weight.

This flexibility is also why we recommend the F13 to users with growing printing businesses. The F13 can quickly pay for itself even with moderate-volume printing needs. Unlike smaller printers, it maintains optimal performance without requiring frequent use or regular cleaning, which can otherwise lead to clogged or dried printheads. This reduces maintenance costs and minimizes interruptions to your business or individual printing schedules.

4. F13 Pro - Ideal Partner for High-Volume Printing Studio

The F13 Pro, as it is commonly known, refers to the Procolored F13 Pro Panda DTF Printer 13" A3 Dual XP600. As the "Pro" in its name implies, this model has been significantly enhanced compared to other Procolored DTF printers, featuring several notable improvements that we will explore below.

4.1 Basic Specification

Printer dimension: 39*21*18inch

Printing width: 13"(330mm)

Print head: Dual Printhead, XP600*2

Printing speed: 4.5min for an A4 size print

Film type: Roll film

Ink color setting: CCMMYK+W*6

Ink circulation: Siphon White Ink Circulation System

Printhead safeguard system: Yes

Film cutter: Yes

Auto cleaning function: Yes

4.2 Further Understanding

Ace - Dual Printhead: The F13 Pro stands out as the fastest printer in Procolored's DTF lineup, thanks to its dual printhead design. An A4-sized print that takes 7 minutes on the F8 and 10 minutes on the F13 can be completed in just 4.5 minutes on the F13 Pro.

How Does the Dual Printhead Make a Difference?

To understand the impact of the dual printhead, let’s first explore how a Procolored DTF printer operates. Generally, the printhead assembly moves back and forth, first laying down a base layer of white ink, followed by color inks (CMYK) to create the graphic content. For single-printhead models (F8 and F13), they use a single printhead with six ink cartridges arranged as CMYK+W*2 (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, and two White cartridges). This configuration requires multiple passes to complete both the white base layer and the color layers. However, for dual-printhead model (F13 Pro), which features two dedicated printheads, the printing speed reaches an unmatched level. The first printhead manages CCMMYK (two Cyan, two Magenta, Yellow, and Black), while the second printhead handles only white ink. This division of labor significantly reduces printing time by allowing simultaneous application of the white base and color layers.

Combining with the three built-in shield systems, there's no doubt that the F13 Pro showcases the most reliable and efficient performance. For printing studios managing high-volume orders, this printer ensures a seamless, continuous printing workflow that adheres to high standards. The majority of our F13 Pro users have also acquired our automatic powder shaker to handle the spreading and curing process of DTF adhesive powder, effectively transforming DTF printing into a highly automated business.

About the Author - Joyce

Joyce has worked with Procolored since the first day she joined inkjet printing career. Through continual training courses and years of working experiences, Joyce has formed a comprehensive understanding over Procolored products and a thorough knowledge of printing technologies.

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