We recently had the opportunity to visit DTF Station headquarters and got an exclusive look at their newest addition, the Prestige R1. Vince, one of their experts, walked us through the features of this incredible machine, and we're excited to share the details with you.
Introducing the Prestige R1
The Prestige R1 is a 13-inch entry-level DTF (Direct to Film) printer that's perfect for crafters and hobbyists. Despite being an entry-level model, this machine is packed with features that make it stand out. It’s designed to be user-friendly while delivering professional-quality results.
Key Features of the Prestige R1
One of the first things you'll notice about the Prestige R1 is its compact size, which is significantly smaller than the Prestige R2. This makes it a great fit for smaller workspaces without compromising on capability. The R1 is equipped with a single print head, unlike the R2, which has dual print heads. While this means the R1 isn’t as fast as the R2, it's ideal for gang printing, which involves printing multiple designs on a single sheet.
The Prestige R1 can handle a full 13-inch print width, making it perfect for creating gang sheets. It comes with an ink alarm that alerts you when ink levels are low, and a vacuum system on the front heat platen to keep the film flat during printing. This vacuum system also dries the ink as it prints, ensuring a smooth and precise finish.
The Most Unique Feature: Print Head Detection Sensor
What really sets the Prestige R1 apart is its print head detection sensor, a feature that’s rarely seen in entry-level machines. This sensor protects the print head by pausing the machine immediately if it detects a head strike. This not only extends the life of the print head but also prevents potential damage to your prints, making the R1 an incredibly reliable option for beginners.
Additional Innovative Features
The Prestige R1 also includes auto-wide ink circulation, which helps maintain ink quality even if you haven’t used the printer in a while. You can control the strength of this circulation, which is a unique and practical feature. Additionally, the machine comes with an auto-cleaning function, meaning you don’t have to worry about daily maintenance as much as with other printers.
Despite its advanced features, the Prestige R1 uses the same ink, film, and print head as the R2, ensuring that the print quality between the two machines is identical. This makes it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to produce high-quality prints without the need for a larger, more expensive machine.
Perfect for Home Use and Small Businesses
Whether you're printing for your own brand, creating custom decorations, or even starting a small transfer production business, the Prestige R1 is versatile enough to handle it all. It's a true desktop printer that fits easily in a home environment, so you don't need a special workspace to get started.
The software that comes with the Prestige R1 is the same DigiRIP software used with the R2, so if you’ve used other Direct To Film printers before, you’ll find it easy to transition to this one.
Maintenance and Support
Maintenance is straightforward with the Prestige R1. As long as you leave the machine on, it will automatically circulate the white ink and perform auto-cleanings, making it incredibly easy to maintain. End-of-day maintenance involves just a couple of minutes of cleaning the wiper blade and around the capping station.
Support is also a key focus for DTF Station and Heat Press Nation, the exclusive distributor of the Prestige R1. If you run into any issues, Heat Press Nation’s knowledgeable technicians are there to help. And if additional support is needed, DTF Station provides a second layer of assistance, ensuring that you’re always taken care of.
Where Does the Prestige R1 Fit in the Lineup?
In terms of where the Prestige R1 fits within the lineup of DTF Station printers, it sits between the A4 and the R2. While the A4 is a great machine for smaller projects, the R1 offers a larger print size and more features, making it the perfect next step for those looking to expand their capabilities without jumping straight to the R2.
Conclusion
We’re really excited about the Prestige R1 and what it offers to crafters and small businesses. With its advanced features, easy maintenance, and robust support, it’s an excellent choice for anyone looking to get started with DTF printing or to upgrade their current setup.
You can check out the Prestige R1 and the complete lineup of DTF Station printers here.
