Hello and welcome! My name is Brian, and I am very excited to bring you an unboxing review and tutorial of my new Procolored A3 DTF L1800 printer. In this article, I will show you what comes in the box, how to assemble the printer, set it up, install and use the software, and create your first customized t-shirt. Let’s dive in!
Recently, I started using a DTF printer, which has revolutionized my workflow and made it much easier to create custom designs for my customers. I did a little upgrade for my small business to dtf printing.
DTF printing, or Direct-to-Film printing, is a new technique that allows you to print with white ink. This is in contrast to traditional print centers, which can only print with black ink. By using a special film, you can create transfers that can be either sold directly or used to personalize garments.
I was fortunate enough to find a DTF printer with excellent reviews at an affordable price and now I have the DTF printer, oven, heat press, and air purifier delivered right to my doorstep.
Unboxing and Initial Impressions
I purchased the Procolored A3 DTF L1800 Complete Bundle and this is what came in The Box:
- DTF L1800 A3 size roller printer
- Heat Press
- Oven
- Full Set of Initial Ink Cartridges (CMYKW 5*250ml)
- Protective For Printhead Moisturizing Device
- PET roll film
- Procolored RIP Software
- Power cable/USB interface data cable
- InkTube/Dust Free Cloth/Syring
The Procolored L1800 DTF printer came in a well-packed and protected wooden box. As I eagerly unboxed the package, I was pleased to see that everything arrived securely packaged and in pristine condition. Inside, I found the printer, oven and a heat press which are a bit heavy as i placed them on my work table. The printer and oven were already assembled, and I only needed to attach the handle to the oven’s tray.
Additionally, the package includes the power cord, USB cable, tanks for five colors of ink (cyan, magenta, white, black, and yellow), accessories, DTF film, DTF powder, and more. The attention to detail in the packaging ensured that nothing was damaged during shipping.
Procolored L1800 Specs
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Print resolution | 5760 x 1440dpi |
| Print head | L1800 Single print head |
| Print width | 13 inches |
| Print speed | Up to 7 minutes per A3 sheet |
| Ink colors | 6 colors (CMYKWW) |
| White ink output | Yes |
| User interface | User-friendly interface |
| RIP software | Built-in RIP software |
| Self-diagnostic system | Yes |
| Warranty | 3-year warranty |
Setting Up the Procolored DTF Printer
Setting up the Procolored L1800 DTF printer was a breeze thanks to the detailed instructions provided on the accompanying USB. Following the steps, I installed the Swiss Basket at the back of the printer to collect waste ink. Then, I connected the power cord and USB cable to my computer, ensuring that all the necessary connections were in place.
Once assembled, I turned on the main switch and started the printer. It performed a power-on path check, and the indicator light will be steady after it was finished. With the printer set up, it was time to prepare the inks.
Ink Setup and Configuration
The ink cartridges are color-coded, making it easy to identify the correct tanks for each color. I simply poured the ink from each bottle into its respective container on the printer. To help guide the ink through the system, I used syringes and needles to draw out a small amount of ink from each cartridge. This process ensures that the ink flows smoothly through the tubes and prepares the printer for printing.
The process was straightforward, requiring no additional accessories. While some inks were slightly thicker, requiring a bit of pressure to dispense, overall, the ink setup was hassle-free. I made sure to screw the lids tightly back on to prevent any spills or leaks.
Connecting and Installing Software
The Procolored L1800 DTF printer comes with Pro Rip software, but alternative rip software can be purchased separately. Connect the printer to your computer using the provided USB cable. Additionally, connect the white USB stick memory and blue dongle to your computer. Open the USB memory and copy the software folder to your computer.
Install the software by selecting your system, country, and following the installation steps. After installation, an icon for the Pro Rip software will appear on your desktop. The rip software enables us to utilize the white ink required for DTF printing. I recommend you communicate with the Procolored support team to ensure a seamless installation process.
Using the Software
Open the Pro Rip software and make necessary adjustments. Change the scale unit (millimeters, centimeters, or inches) and adjust the size of the working area or canvas. Import the image you want to print and customize its size. Mirror the image and set colors for printing and the white layer. Set the print options (e.g., combination, DPI) and select automatic print after rip. Finally, click on “Print.”
The First Print Experience
The DTF printer I received incorporates a white ink channel to ensure vibrant and visible colors on both light and dark fabrics. Excited to try it out, I loaded a design onto the included rip software. The software was user-friendly and guided me through the necessary adjustments and configurations.
With everything set up and the rib software installed, it was time for my first DTF print. The print quality exceeded my expectations, with crisp details and vibrant colors. The white ink, essential for DTF printing, showed excellent opacity on the film, ensuring a vivid and eye-catching result. I was delighted with the outcome and eager to move on to the next step of the DTF process.
Powdering and Curing the Design
After the print was complete, we proceeded to powder the image. Powdering is an essential step in DTF printing as it helps enhance the adhesion and durability of the ink on the film. I used a specialized powder and applied it evenly over the printed design, ensuring every part was adequately covered. This step ensures that the ink adheres to the fabric during the transfer process. The powder adhered well, and I carefully rolled the excess off.
It was time to transfer it onto a t-shirt using the oven. I adjusted the oven temperature to 120 degrees Celsius and set the timer to 200 seconds (3 minutes), as recommended. I placed the print in the oven, I initiated the timer and let it work its magic. Once the time was up, I allowed the print to cool for approximately 10 minutes before removing the white paper layer. The result was an incredibly vibrant and durable print on the fabric.
Final Touches and Review
To complete the process, I gave the t-shirt a final press to enhance durability and smoothness. The final product was a stunning, custom-designed t-shirt, perfect for a trip to Disneyland or any fun occasion. The quality of the print exceeded my expectations, and I was thrilled with the outcome. Additionally, I used the included air purifier, which effectively eliminated the toxins and smoke generated during the DTF baking process, creating a safer working environment.
After a month of using the Procolored L1800 DTF printer, I can confidently say that it has transformed my small business. The printer’s ease of setup, user-friendly software, and exceptional print quality have made it a valuable addition to my home setup. With minimal ink usage and routine maintenance, the printer has proven to be reliable and efficient. I’m grateful for the opportunity to work with this incredible technology, which has broadened the horizons of my creative endeavors. If you’re interested in exploring DTF printing for your own projects, I’ve included the relevant links below for your convenience.
Procolored A3 L1800 DTF printer Bundles:
Procolored L1800 DTF Printer & Complete Bundle:
Procolored L1800 DTF Printer Ultimate Bundle:
Procolored L1800 DTF Printer & Oven Bundle:
Procolored L1800 DTF Printer & Heat Press Bundle:
Conclusion
The ProColored DTF printer offers exciting possibilities for customizing various fabrics with vivid and bright colors. With easy assembly, software installation, and printing steps, you can create personalized designs on cotton, polyester, synthetic materials, and more. Whether on white or dark-colored fabrics, the results are stunning.
