The movie roll mounts to the again of the machine.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nI\u2019ve had no earlier DTF expertise, so this evaluation is from a brand new person angle. I wasn\u2019t fairly positive what to anticipate, however typically the educational course of is a part of the enjoyable.<\/p>\n
The P13 arrived packaged very effectively inside a wood delivery field. I used to be fairly impressed, as I\u2019ve acquired bigger and dearer gadgets that had been simply packaged of their cardboard bins. Transport injury is one among my greatest fears, and upon seeing this field, I knew the contents can be secure.<\/p>\n
Unpacking the P13 was comparatively simple. The directions stroll you thru every step, which consists primarily of mounting the switch movie curler brackets and the output tray and cutter.<\/p>\n
The software program set up course of was tough. I believe the P13 is simply delivery now, so it is perhaps labored out for normal retail by now. My predominant pc wouldn’t set up the required runtimes; regardless of supposedly being the identical Microsoft runtime, the software program wouldn’t run.<\/p>\n
The Procolored assist personnel tried to assist, however after attempting a couple of issues, I made a decision that I didn\u2019t wish to alter my major pc any additional. I moved over to a secondary pc, which had comparable points, however I lastly simply uninstalled the Microsoft runtimes that had been already put in and put in those from the Procolored obtain.<\/p>\n
The Procolored assist personnel wished to distant into my pc, or a minimum of screen-share, repeatedly. I do know that\u2019s in all probability simply because it\u2019s the quickest approach to resolve points with non-computer-literate individuals, however that basically shouldn\u2019t be step one. I assured them that I used to work at Microsoft, and I used to be a software program developer for 25 years, and I may inform them something they wanted to know.<\/p>\n![\"Procolored](\"https:\/\/the-gadgeteer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Procolored-P13-DTF-Printer-26-800x435.png\")
The driving force software program<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe software program is definitely two elements: the printer driver and the design software program. As soon as the printer driver is put in, you need to run it earlier than the design software program, however you actually don\u2019t must do something with it. I believe that Procolored may do higher with this, as this may very well be an issue for much less savvy pc customers.<\/p>\n![\"Procolored](\"https:\/\/the-gadgeteer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Procolored-P13-DTF-Printer-25-800x629.jpg\")
The design software program<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe Procolored P13 makes use of a 6-channel printhead, which mixes the CMYKW (Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, and White) inks whereas printing. The 6-channel printhead has the benefit of being a single print head, whereas a 4-channel print head would require two print heads.<\/p>\n![\"Procolored](\"https:\/\/the-gadgeteer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Procolored-P13-DTF-Printer-3-800x450.jpg\")
The ink tanks on the again of the machine<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe P13 additionally has a laser detection system to detect movie flatness to keep away from scratching the movie. The laser detection system additionally protects the printhead and the print, decreasing failures and upkeep prices. If the movie isn\u2019t mendacity flat, the printer will cease and difficulty an error, which you’ll be able to then appropriate and proceed the print.<\/p>\n
The P13 has a waste ink tank that collects waste ink when the machine performs cleansing and upkeep. I had some points with the alarm going off on a regular basis, however I ended up getting that working with some assist from the assist personnel.<\/p>\n![\"Procolored](\"https:\/\/the-gadgeteer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Procolored-P13-DTF-Printer-18-800x800.jpg\")
Ink tanks and waste tank.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe massive lid includes a hydraulic shock to carry the lid open, so there\u2019s no worry that the lid will slam shut. I actually like one of these shock.<\/p>\n![\"Procolored](\"https:\/\/the-gadgeteer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Procolored-P13-DTF-Printer-16-800x800.jpg\")
High quality hydraulic shock to maintain the lid open.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nAlong with the big lid, the P13 additionally options two entry doorways, one on every finish of the machine. The doorways have a magnetic latch, making entry for upkeep extraordinarily simple.<\/p>\n![\"Procolored](\"https:\/\/the-gadgeteer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Procolored-P13-DTF-Printer-11-800x533.jpg\")
The entry door on the left facet of the machine<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe cable chain features a sound-absorbing foam liner, which reduces noise. Procolored claims that this makes the P13 50% quieter than industrial DTF printers. I don\u2019t have one other machine to match it to, but it surely\u2019s a very quiet machine.<\/p>\n
Usually, once I get a brand new machine, I create a small take a look at, equivalent to a sq. or textual content, and take a look at the machine. With the P13, I made a decision to only go for a full picture. I had a Michigan picture that I beforehand made for a good friend to make stickers with, so I dropped it into the software program, sized it, and hit print. The brand was printed completely. I then proceeded to drop it onto the ground earlier than I had baked it, placing a small defect in the midst of it.<\/p>\n
I then lined the bottom with the DTF powder, shook off the surplus, and baked it within the oven at 130\u00b0C for 300 seconds. I then heat-pressed it onto a shirt at 320\u00b0F for 20 seconds. I used to be impressed. The print got here out nice. The DTF switch undoubtedly bonded higher than among the vinyl transfers I\u2019ve carried out previously.<\/p>\n![\"Procolored](\"https:\/\/the-gadgeteer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Procolored-P13-DTF-Printer-4-e1755876804677-609x800.jpg\")
My first print!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nSubsequent, I made a decision to make a shirt for my son. He has a 1977 Datsun 280Z, and was going to a automobile present in only a few days. I printed a few 2-inch (50mm) Datsun logos, however once I went to chop the movie, I had not prolonged the movie far sufficient and ran the cutter by means of the ink.<\/p>\n![\"Procolored](\"https:\/\/the-gadgeteer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Procolored-P13-DTF-Printer-5-800x450.jpg\")
The print that I tousled was utterly my fault.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n![\"Procolored](\"https:\/\/the-gadgeteer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Procolored-P13-DTF-Printer-13-800x533.jpg\")
The cutter is being operated throughout the entrance output shelf<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nI believe it could be good if the slicing platform had a line throughout it so you’ll be able to be sure that the print is prolonged sufficient. That straightforward line would let you understand how far to increase it, and also you wouldn\u2019t even notice it.<\/p>\n![\"Procolored](\"https:\/\/the-gadgeteer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Procolored-P13-DTF-Printer-7-800x533.jpg\")
The completed small Datsun brand<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n![\"Procolored](\"https:\/\/the-gadgeteer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Procolored-P13-DTF-Printer-8-800x533.jpg\")
Shut-up of the small Datsun brand<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nThe oven was included within the bundle that Procolored despatched me. The oven options separate controls for temperature and time. I like separate controls, as you don\u2019t have to recollect how one can toggle between them, like some units have. Typically when corporations \u201csimplify\u201d the controls, they really make it harder to make use of.<\/p>\n![\"Procolored](\"https:\/\/the-gadgeteer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Procolored-P13-DTF-Printer-19-800x533.jpg\")
The Procolored Oven<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nProcolored additionally included their warmth press. Though I just like the bodily design and operation of the warmth press, I wasn\u2019t as impressed with the controller. The controller includes a multi-function knob that rotates and presses to alter numerous settings. I don\u2019t like having to recollect the operations:<\/p>\n
+ 6-second press and maintain, then flip the wheel to change between temperature items (F to C).
+ Temperature alter: Half flip clockwise, await beep, then alter.
+ Time alter: Half flip counter-clockwise, await beep, then alter.
+ 3-second press and maintain to show off.
+ Quick press to decrease lid.<\/p>\n![\"Procolored](\"https:\/\/the-gadgeteer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Procolored-P13-DTF-Printer-21-800x800.jpg\")
The warmth press controller<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n![\"Procolored](\"https:\/\/the-gadgeteer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Procolored-P13-DTF-Printer-20-800x533.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Urgent the crimson button on the lid (or short-pressing the management knob) will open or shut the press. When the urgent is completed, the lid will robotically open. I do like that function, as you can begin an operation and never have to fret about being on the machine when it finishes. The warmth press may even robotically shut down after 120 minutes if there isn’t a operation.<\/p>\n
![\"Procolored](\"https:\/\/the-gadgeteer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Procolored-P13-DTF-Printer-22-800x800.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
I\u2019m unsure about how different individuals really feel about multi-function controllers like this, however I favor a bit extra separation of capabilities, equivalent to having separate buttons for beginning the temperature and time capabilities. I like intuitive controls, not controls that you need to know how one can use.<\/p>\n
My first Datsun shirt got here out nice with the small brand, so I made a decision to make a bigger one. I printed the second brand at a measurement of three.5\u2033 x 8.5\u2033. As soon as once more, it got here out nice.<\/p>\n![\"Procolored](\"https:\/\/the-gadgeteer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Procolored-P13-DTF-Printer-6-800x533.jpg\")
The Datsun Racing brand<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n![\"Procolored](\"https:\/\/the-gadgeteer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Procolored-P13-DTF-Printer-9-800x533.jpg\")
Shut-up of the Datsun Racing brand<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nI made a decision to maneuver on to one thing a bit extra colourful. I purchased a espresso design on Etsy that I wished to check print in each a small and a big measurement. I printed one at 4\u2033 sq. and one at 8\u2033 sq.. Notice that the white \u201csplotches\u201d within the textual content are a part of the design, not a print defect. I used to be very pleased with how the print got here out.<\/p>\n![\"Procolored](\"https:\/\/the-gadgeteer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Procolored-P13-DTF-Printer-10-800x800.jpg\")
4-inch model<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n![\"Procolored](\"https:\/\/the-gadgeteer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Procolored-P13-DTF-Printer-12-800x800.jpg\")
8-inch model<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n![\"Procolored](\"https:\/\/the-gadgeteer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Procolored-P13-DTF-Printer-14-800x533.jpg\")
The 8-inch model on a shirt<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nSubsequent, I bought one other design and printed some eagles to placed on shirt sleeves. The colours and particulars are wonderful.<\/p>\n![\"Procolored](\"https:\/\/the-gadgeteer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Procolored-P13-DTF-Printer-23-800x800.jpg\")
Sharp element and nice colours!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\nI made a decision so as to add my brand to one among my favourite shirts, so I printed it at 12\u2033 large. I wished to check how the warmth switch labored on shirts which were worn and washed many occasions. The print labored nice, however I did uncover that the reflective stripe on the shirt was heat-sensitive, and a part of it melted onto the warmth press. Fortunately, I seen shortly sufficient to have the ability to wipe it off. The lesson discovered right here was to all the time use a protecting switch sheet on high of the print.<\/p>\n![\"Procolored](\"https:\/\/the-gadgeteer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Procolored-P13-DTF-Printer-24-800x533.jpg\")
One in every of my favourite shirts, now even higher!<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
![\"Procolored](\"https:\/\/the-gadgeteer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/08\/Procolored-P13-DTF-Printer-1-800x450.jpg\")
<\/strong><\/p>\n