Procolored F13 DTF Printer Bundle A3 T Shirt Printing Machine Review: The Ultimate Gateway to Professional Custom Apparel?

For any creative entrepreneur, designer, or small business owner in the custom apparel space, there’s a familiar bottleneck: the production process. I remember the early days of my own custom merchandise venture, juggling third-party printing services. The cycle was always the same—agonizing over minimum order quantities, compromising on colour vibrancy to fit a limited palette, and the frustratingly long turnaround times that made “on-demand” feel like a distant dream. Each delay, each print that didn’t quite match my digital design, felt like a small surrender of creative control. The inability to produce a single, perfect sample for a client without incurring huge setup costs was a constant barrier to growth. This isn’t just an inconvenience; it’s a direct cap on your business’s potential for agility, quality control, and profitability.

What to Consider Before Investing in a Professional DTF Printer

A professional Direct-to-Film (DTF) system like the Procolored F13 DTF Printer Bundle A3 T Shirt Printing Machine is more than just a piece of hardware; it’s a key solution that transforms your workspace into a self-sufficient production house. It directly solves the core problems of outsourcing by enabling you to print vibrant, full-colour, durable designs on a vast array of textiles—from cotton and polyester to blends—all in-house. The main benefit is absolute control. You control the quality, the colours, the quantity (from a single piece to a small batch), and most importantly, the timeline. This capability empowers you to react instantly to market trends, fulfill custom orders with lightning speed, and experiment with new designs without financial risk.

The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the exact frustrations I mentioned: the established Etsy seller looking to scale up, the promotional goods company needing to offer faster customisation, or the ambitious fashion startup that demands impeccable quality control from day one. It’s for the creator who is ready to invest in their craft and views the initial cost as a long-term asset for growth and independence. Conversely, this might not be suitable for those who are casual hobbyists printing only a handful of shirts per year, or for individuals who primarily need a printer for paper documents. For them, the investment in space, cost, and maintenance would be excessive, and simpler methods like heat transfer vinyl or screen printing for single-colour designs might be more appropriate.

Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:

• Dimensions & Space: This is not a standard office printer. The Procolored F13 itself measures 80 x 35 x 30 cm and weighs a substantial 30 kg. When you add the separate curing oven, film roll, and a workspace for powdering and pressing, you need a dedicated, well-ventilated workshop or studio space. Measure your area carefully and plan for workflow around the machine.
• Capacity/Performance: The key metric here is not just speed, but capability. The A3+ (13-inch) width allows for large, impactful designs. The roll feeder is a game-changer for efficiency, enabling continuous printing of multiple jobs without manually loading sheets. Critically, look at the resolution—up to 2880 x 1440 DPI—and the six-colour ink system (CMYK+White), which is essential for producing vibrant prints on dark-coloured garments.
• Materials & Durability: The printer’s build quality should be robust to handle the demands of a production environment. Beyond the machine itself, consider the durability of the final product. DTF prints are known for their excellent washability, stretch resistance, and soft hand-feel, far surpassing many older transfer methods. This ensures the garments you sell are of a professional, lasting quality.
• Ease of Use & Maintenance: DTF printers, by nature, require more hands-on care than a simple inkjet. Ink circulation and print head maintenance are paramount. The Procolored F13’s inclusion of an automatic cleaning system and an innovative siphon filtration system is a massive advantage, designed specifically to combat the notorious issue of print head clogging. Be prepared to learn the accompanying RIP software and the multi-step process of printing, powdering, curing, and pressing.

Keeping these factors in mind, the Procolored F13 DTF Printer Bundle A3 T Shirt Printing Machine stands out in several areas, particularly in its focus on maintenance automation and its all-in-one bundle approach. You can explore its detailed specifications here.

While the Procolored F13 DTF Printer Bundle A3 T Shirt Printing Machine is an excellent choice for its target user, it’s always wise to see how it stacks up against the competition in the broader world of printing. For a wider look at all the top models across different categories, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:

Unboxing the Procolored F13: A Complete Production Studio Arrives

The arrival of the Procolored F13 DTF Printer Bundle A3 T Shirt Printing Machine was an event in itself. The packaging was immense, secure, and professionally handled, a reassuring first sign for such a significant investment. Unboxing it revealed not just a printer, but a complete business-in-a-box. Nestled in custom-fit foam was the main printer unit, the separate curing oven, a full set of six CMYK+White ink bottles, a roll of PET film, and a large bag of DTF powder. The inclusion of spare parts and all necessary setup tools, as one user also noted, immediately made the maintenance aspect feel less daunting.

The machine itself feels substantial and well-constructed. The white chassis is clean and professional, and at 30kg, it has a reassuring heft that speaks to its internal components. Unlike flimsy consumer-grade electronics, this feels like a proper piece of workshop machinery. Setting it up on a sturdy workbench, the thoughtful design elements become apparent: the integrated roll feeder at the back, the clear ink level windows, and the accessible ports. It was clear from the outset that this system was designed as a cohesive whole, where the printer, oven, and consumables are meant to work in perfect harmony.

Putting the Procolored F13 Through Its Paces: A Performance Breakdown

A DTF system’s true worth is proven not on the spec sheet, but on the workshop floor. Over several weeks, we put the Procolored F13 DTF Printer Bundle A3 T Shirt Printing Machine through a rigorous testing process, evaluating everything from initial setup to the durability of the final, pressed garments. Our goal was to simulate a real-world small business environment, complete with complex designs, varied fabrics, and the pressure of production deadlines. The machine didn’t just perform; it consistently impressed.

From Box to First Print: Setup and Software Experience

Getting a professional printer up and running can often be a complex, frustrating ordeal. We were pleasantly surprised by the F13’s straightforward process. The physical assembly, mainly involving attaching the roll holder and connecting the oven, was intuitive and well-documented. Following the clear video tutorials provided by Procolored, we had the hardware ready in under an hour. This ease of assembly was echoed by multiple users, with one stating, “Everything was easy to assemble and so we were quickly printing the designs.”

The software side, while requiring more attention, was equally well-supported. After installing the drivers and the included RIP (Raster Image Processor) software on a Windows 11 machine, the next step was filling the ink tanks. The built-in siphon system is a clean process, drawing ink from external bottles, which is far less messy than using syringes on older systems. The most critical part of any DTF setup is the initial “wetting” of the system and performing the first print head checks. This is where Procolored’s acclaimed customer support truly shines. We intentionally reached out to their technical team with a question and, just as users reported, received a quick, efficient, and knowledgeable response. Having an engineer available via live chat to guide you through the final calibration steps is an invaluable resource that demystifies the process for newcomers and provides confidence that you’re starting on the right foot.

The Heart of the Machine: Print Quality and Color Vibrancy

This is where the Procolored F13 DTF Printer Bundle A3 T Shirt Printing Machine truly excels. The core of its performance lies in the L1800 print head, capable of a maximum resolution of 2880×1440 DPI. We tested it with a series of challenging graphics: one with fine-line details and small text, another with smooth photographic gradients, and a third with bold, solid colours on a black background. The results were consistently stunning.

The six-colour ink system is the key. The printer first lays down a precise layer of colour (CMYK), and then follows it with a perfectly registered layer of white ink on top. This white base is what allows for incredibly bright and opaque colours on any garment, from black hoodies to navy polo shirts. We found the colour accuracy to be excellent right out of the box, with the RIP software providing deep customisation for those who need to fine-tune profiles. A fellow user perfectly captured our experience, noting the “fantastic quality prints” and “very vibrant prints.” The gradients were smooth with no visible banding, and even the smallest text was crisp and legible. Once heat-pressed onto a cotton t-shirt, the transfer feels remarkably soft and flexible, integrating into the fabric rather than sitting on top like a stiff plastic shield. It stretches with the garment and, after multiple wash cycles, showed no signs of cracking or fading.

Workflow and Efficiency: The Roll Feeder, Cutter, and Curing Oven

For a business, quality is only half the battle; efficiency is the other. This bundle is intelligently designed to optimize the entire DTF workflow. The rear-mounted roll feeder is a massive upgrade over sheet-fed systems. We were able to load a roll of film and queue up an entire series of different designs, letting the printer run uninterrupted. This “set and forget” capability frees you up to prepare the next batch of garments, dramatically increasing output.

Once printing is complete, the built-in automatic cutter neatly slices the film, saving material and eliminating the manual step of cutting each transfer from the roll. From there, the process moves to the powdering station (a simple tray works best) where the adhesive powder is applied and the excess shaken off. The final step before pressing is the curing oven, which was included in our bundle. This dedicated unit melts the powder evenly, creating the adhesive layer that will bond to the fabric. It’s far more consistent and reliable than using the bottom platen of your heat press. The entire integrated system, from roll feeding to a perfectly cured transfer, is streamlined for production. As one user noted, the machine is also “a very quiet machine,” a welcome bonus in a busy workshop.

The Unsung Hero: Maintenance and Long-Term Reliability

Anyone with experience in DTF printing knows that the number one enemy is a clogged print head. White ink, in particular, is notorious for settling and causing blockages that can be costly and time-consuming to fix. This is arguably the most critical area where Procolored has innovated with the F13. The printer is equipped with two key technologies to combat this: a white ink stirring and circulation system and an automatic cleaning function. The circulation system keeps the white ink agitated to prevent pigment from settling, while the auto-clean can be scheduled to perform periodic maintenance cycles, even when the machine is on but not actively printing. This proactive approach eliminates much of the manual cleaning hassle.

Furthermore, the “innovative siphon filtration diaphragm pump” is designed to filter out impurities before they ever reach the delicate print head nozzles. This enhanced anti-clogging architecture is the machine’s best feature for long-term reliability. We found that by following the simple daily shutdown procedure, the printer started up perfectly each morning with a flawless nozzle check. This reliability is the foundation of a stress-free production environment. The fact that Procolored includes a six-month warranty on the print head with one free replacement is a testament to their confidence in this system. If you want a professional machine that prioritizes uptime and minimizes tinkering, the maintenance features of the F13 are a compelling reason to invest. You can see the full details of this advanced system here.

What Other Users Are Saying

Across the board, the sentiment from other owners of the Procolored F13 DTF Printer Bundle A3 T Shirt Printing Machine strongly aligns with our own findings. There is a consistent and overwhelming chorus of praise for two main areas: print quality and customer support. One user states they “Absolutely love this printer, fantastic quality prints,” which perfectly mirrors our tests. Another confirms, “Brilliant printer. Very vibrant prints and so far been trouble free.”

However, the most frequently mentioned positive is the support service. Reviewers use words like “excellent,” “amazing,” “very helpful and professional,” and even “a magic team ready to support you.” This is a critical factor for a complex piece of equipment. Knowing that “very quick and efficient engineers on hand to help” removes a significant amount of anxiety for new owners. The seamless experience is further confirmed by international customers, with one noting the fast and careful shipping and that everything arrived “perfectly intact and well explained.” The consensus is clear: Procolored provides a robust, high-quality machine and backs it up with world-class support.

How Does the Procolored F13 Compare to Other Printers?

While the Procolored F13 DTF Printer Bundle A3 T Shirt Printing Machine operates in a professional niche for textile customisation, it’s useful to understand how its purpose and capabilities differ from more common types of ink printers you might come across. The comparison isn’t about which is “better,” but about which is the right tool for a completely different job.

1. HP OfficeJet 200 Mobile Printer

The HP OfficeJet 200 is a specialist in its own right, but its specialty is portability. This is a compact, battery-powered printer designed for professionals who need to print documents, invoices, or contracts while on the road. Its entire design philosophy is built around being small, lightweight, and functional away from a desk. Comparing it to the Procolored F13 is like comparing a scooter to a transport truck. The HP excels at printing on A4 paper anywhere, anytime, whereas the F13 is a stationary production powerhouse designed exclusively for creating durable, high-resolution transfers for fabric. You would choose the HP for mobile office work, and the F13 for starting a custom apparel business.

2. Canon PIXMA TR150 Portable Printer

Similar to the HP, the Canon PIXMA TR150 is built for portability and convenience. It’s a fantastic option for printing high-quality documents and even glossy photos on the go. Its strength lies in its excellent colour reproduction on photo paper, making it a favorite among photographers or real estate agents who need to produce materials in the field. However, its ink system and paper transport mechanism are designed exclusively for paper and photo media. It cannot handle the thick PET film or the specialised pigment inks required for the DTF process. The TR150 is for creating memories on paper; the F13 is for creating products on fabric.

3. Canon PIXMA TS205 Inkjet Printer

The Canon PIXMA TS205 represents the entry-level home printer market. It’s an incredibly affordable and compact device designed for basic tasks: printing homework, boarding passes, or the occasional web page. Its purpose is to provide fundamental printing capabilities at the lowest possible cost. The contrast with the Procolored F13 is stark and highlights the “investment vs. expense” dynamic. The TS205 is a low-cost tool for occasional document needs, while the F13 is a significant capital investment in a professional machine designed to generate revenue through the production of high-quality custom goods. One is for the home office, the other is for the professional workshop.

Final Verdict: Is the Procolored F13 DTF Printer Bundle a Worthy Investment?

After extensive testing, our conclusion is unequivocally positive. The Procolored F13 DTF Printer Bundle A3 T Shirt Printing Machine is a superb, well-engineered solution that effectively bridges the gap between hobbyist-level setups and prohibitively expensive industrial machines. Its genius lies in its holistic approach: it’s not just a printer, but a complete, streamlined system that includes the essential curing oven and workflow-enhancing features like a roll feeder and cutter. The print quality is nothing short of professional, producing vibrant, soft, and durable graphics that will satisfy even the most discerning customers.

Its standout feature, however, is the sophisticated anti-clogging and automated maintenance system, which tackles the biggest pain point of DTF printing head-on. This, combined with the company’s stellar, responsive customer support, makes it an exceptionally compelling choice, especially for those new to DTF technology. While it requires a dedicated space and a significant initial investment, it pays dividends in creative freedom, production control, and business agility. We highly recommend it for any serious entrepreneur, Etsy seller, or small business looking to bring their professional textile printing in-house.

If you’ve decided the Procolored F13 DTF Printer Bundle A3 T Shirt Printing Machine is the right fit to elevate your creative business, you can check its current price and purchase it here.