Direct to Film
Procolored F13 - L1800 Panda DTF Printer: A Reliable Solution for High-Quality Textile Printing
The Procolored F13 Panda L1800 is a high-performance DTF (Direct-to-Film) printer, catering to both small businesses and creative professionals. Its robust metal construction, intelligent ink circulation system, and high-resolution printing technology make it an ideal choice for those looking to produce durable, high-quality textile prints. The printer is designed to streamline the DTF process, allowing users to transfer designs onto fabric with ease and efficiency.
Design & Build Quality
The Procolored F13 Panda L1800 is built to meet the demands of professional printing. Its full-metal body gives it a durable and industrial-grade feel, while the Panda branding adds a touch of playfulness to its otherwise professional look. The printer's roll feeder and paper cutter are securely attached, ensuring precise operation.
Despite being a wide-format printer, the F13 Panda L1800 has a compact footprint compared to similar fabric printers. It is large enough to accommodate 13-inch PET film rolls, yet small enough to fit in a workspace without taking up excessive room.
On the right side, five large 250ml ink bottles are positioned for easy access, ensuring sufficient ink capacity for continuous operation. The total weight of the printer is approximately 18kg (40lbs), making it relatively lightweight for a semi-professional fabric printer.
Internally, clear plastic tubing carries the ink from the reservoirs to the print head, ensuring smooth ink flow. There is no built-in touchscreen, but the LED display provides temperature readings and essential operational controls.
To complement the printer, Procolored also offers a curing oven, which is a sturdy metal unit designed to heat the printed film to 120°C, effectively curing the ink and preparing it for transfer. The oven is tabloid-sized, making it easy to handle A3 film sheets.
Key Features & Specifications
Advanced Ink Circulation System
One of the standout features of the F13 Panda L1800 is its white ink circulation system. White ink is notorious for clogging print heads, but this printer prevents sedimentation by automatically circulating the ink, even when the printer is idle. This extends the lifespan of the print head and minimizes maintenance issues.
Dual Printing Modes
The F13 Panda L1800 supports both roll film and sheet film, allowing for flexibility in different print jobs. It includes Pro RIP software, which is compatible with Windows 7, 10, and 11, ensuring ease of use for most professionals.
Efficient Roll Feeder & Heating Station
The integrated roll feeder ensures that the PET film is fed smoothly, preventing paper jams and misalignment. Additionally, the printer includes a built-in heater, which helps maintain the correct film temperature during printing, leading to better ink adhesion.
High-Quality Printing Resolution
With a maximum resolution of 1,400 x 1,400 DPI, the F13 Panda L1800 can produce sharp, detailed, and vibrant images. Whether printing intricate designs or bold graphics, the printer ensures professional-grade results.
Comprehensive Package
Each purchase of the Procolored F13 Panda L1800 includes:
-
A3-sized L1800 DTF printer
-
Procolored curing oven
-
6 × 250ml CMYKW ink bottles
-
500g adhesive powder
-
30cm x 100m roll of PET film
-
USB stick with instructional setup guides and software
User-Friendly Heating System
The built-in heater ensures that the adhesive powder melts evenly, creating a strong bond between ink and fabric for a long-lasting print.
Performance & Ease of Use
The F13 Panda L1800 is designed for efficiency and ease of use. Once set up, the printing process is straightforward. Users can:
-
Upload their design into the Procolored RIP software.
-
Adjust print settings and process the image.
-
Print the design onto PET film.
-
Apply adhesive powder and cure it in the Procolored oven.
-
Use a heat press to transfer the design onto fabric.
The printer can produce 20-50 garments per day, making it suitable for small to medium-scale businesses.
Challenges & Setup Considerations
While the printer is efficient, it does require some setup effort:
-
Windows-only software: Currently, Mac users will need to wait for future updates.
-
No Wi-Fi: Requires a USB dongle for software operation.
-
Setup Complexity: The initial software installation and ink filling require careful handling.
Customer Reviews & Feedback
Rated 4.7/5, users have praised the Procolored F13 Panda L1800 for its:
-
Excellent print quality
-
Durable and stretch-resistant prints
-
Reliable ink circulation system
-
Great customer support & fast shipping
Common complaints include software installation difficulties and lack of Mac compatibility.
Who Should Buy the Procolored F13 Panda L1800?
Small Business Owners
This printer is ideal for entrepreneurs looking to start a custom apparel business. The ability to print on-demand designs makes it a great investment for growing brands.
Creative Designers
Artists and designers who want to create unique and detailed prints on T-shirts, hoodies, and accessories will find this printer invaluable.
Commercial Printers
For those running medium-scale operations, this printer provides high efficiency and professional-grade results.
Expert Opinion
The Procolored F13 Panda L1800 is an excellent DTF printer, offering professional print quality, affordability, and versatility. While software setup may pose some challenges, the outstanding print resolution, efficient ink circulation system, and ease of use make it a top choice for textile printing.
Price: $3,299.00
What is DTF Printing?
Direct-to-Film (DTF) printing is a method where specially formulated liquid ink is printed onto a plastic PET film, which is then transferred onto fabric using a heat press. Unlike sublimation printing, which requires polyester-based fabrics, DTF works on a wide range of materials, including cotton, polyester, and blends. The main advantage of DTF technology is its ability to print on dark-colored fabrics, thanks to its white ink layer, which is absent in sublimation printing.
The Procolored F13 Panda L1800 utilizes an Epson inkjet print head to apply fine ink droplets onto 13-inch (33cm) rolls of PET film. This allows users to print high-resolution graphics up to A3 size width (or tabloid size) and up to one meter in length. The printer is available as a complete DTF package, including software, consumables, and an optional curing oven for processing transfers.
