Power On & Initial Check
Watch this part0:00- Turn the printer power on from the right side.
- Confirm the front heating is activated.
Prestige R1
Prestige R1 - Maintenance Guide
Every step links to its own moment in the videos, so you never hunt for the right part again.
Beginning of Day Procedure
- 0:00Power On & Initial Check
- 0:01Waste Ink Bottle & Disposal
- 1:52Fill Ink Procedure
- 2:45Head Cleaning Procedure
Prestige R1 — Daily Maintenance (Before Printing)PurposeComplete these steps before starting any print job to ensure proper ink flow, print head health, and consistent print quality.
Written steps6
White Ink Preparation
What you need
- Ink alarm system is functioning
- If the alarm rings, refill ink as needed
- Do not exceed 50% capacity
- Locate the white ink bottle.
- Shake the bottle for 30 seconds.
- Store ink bottles in a cool, dry area after shaking.
Film & Circulation Check
- Check the film supply.
- Replace the roll if necessary before printing.
- Confirm white ink circulation is set below 20%.
Waste Ink Bottle & Disposal
Watch this part0:01- Checklist
- Inspect the waste ink bottle
- Empty the bottle if necessary
- Handle carefully due to chemical and environmental considerations
- Disposal Guidelines
- Follow local hazardous waste regulations
- Approved disposal options:
- Pour waste ink onto damaged garments and allow it to dry
- Dried water-based ink is non-hazardous and may be discarded as general waste
- Use a water-based ink hardener
- Mix hardener with ink
- Once solidified, dispose as general waste
- Consult a professional disposal service or recycling center if unsure
Fill Ink Procedure
Watch this part1:52- Press Menu.
- Press the Down button three times.
- Press Enter.
- Press the Down button two more times.
- Press Enter again.
- Select One Head.
- Allow fill ink to run for 10–30 seconds.
- Visually confirm ink is flowing into the waste ink bottle.
- Press Cancel to stop the process.
Head Cleaning Procedure
Watch this part2:45- Press the Cleaning button to perform the first head cleaning.
- Verify:
- Capping station cap is fully engaged
- Wiper blade contacts the print head surface
- Press the Cleaning button again for the second cleaning.
- Confirm:
- Ink on the cap flushes into the waste ink bottle
- Wiper blade wipes the print head surface twice
- Step 7: Software Check & Nozzle Verification (03:38–End)Confirm the film is loaded correctly.
- Close all printer covers.
- Turn on the computer.
- Open DTF Station Pilot.
- Verify the print start position is correct.
- Perform a nozzle check.
- Evaluation Checklist
- Nozzle pattern matches the reference video or
- Nozzle check is 90% or better
- If nozzle check is poor
- Perform additional head cleanings
- Run fill ink again if needed
- Repeat nozzle check until acceptable
- Step 8: Idle-Time Rule (End)If the printer is idle for more than 20 minutes:
- Perform another nozzle check before resuming printing
- Execute fill ink and cleaning as needed
- ResultThe Prestige R1 is properly maintained, primed, and ready for safe, consistent printing.
Complete Maintenance Guide
Maintenance for ovens or accessories is covered in separate videos.
- 0:00Prepare the Printer
- 1:10Clean the Print Head Area
- 2:44Clean Capping Station & Wiper Blade
- 4:11Cap & Power Down
- 5:27Encoder Strip & Bed Cleaning
- 7:44White Ink Stirring (Monthly)
Prestige R1 — Maintenance Overview (Daily, Weekly & As-Needed)PurposeProper maintenance prevents clogging, ink dry-out, and premature print head failure. This guide covers printer-only maintenance for the Prestige R1. Section 1: Daily MaintenanceRequired ToolsPolyester print head cleaning swabs Lint-free cloth DTF Station–approved cleaning solution only Protective gloves ⚠️ Only use authorized DTF Station cleaning solution (distilled-water based). Other solutions may damage components.
Written steps6
Prepare the Printer
Watch this part0:00- Open the printer cover.
- Press and hold the Up button to advance the film off the printer bed.
- Press and hold the Left Arrow to move the print head carriage to the left side.
Clean the Print Head Area
Watch this part1:10- Pour a small amount of cleaning solution into a cup.
- Open the left panel cover to access the print head.
- Dip a polyester swab into the solution.
- Carefully clean around the print head edges.
- Do not touch the print head face directly.
- Focus on the perimeter where ink buildup is most likely.
- Use a dry swab or lint-free cloth to remove excess solution.
- Why this matters
- Prevents the wiper blade from pushing old ink residue back onto the print head
- Reduces risk of severe nozzle damage
Clean Capping Station & Wiper Blade
Watch this part2:44- Dampen a swab with cleaning solution.
- Clean the wiper blade surface thoroughly.
- Clean the capping station cap and surrounding ink buildup.
- For heavy buildup:
- Soak dried ink first
- Follow with a lint-free cloth or swab
- Avoid using lint-free cloths directly on the wiper blade.
- Remove excess liquid gently.
- Clean the top surface of the capping station.
- Additional Checks
- If excessive ink buildup exists inside the cap:
- Remove the metal capping station cover
- Clean thoroughly
- Use remaining solution to lightly fill inside the cap
- Stop before liquid reaches the lip
- Clean spills immediately
Cap & Power Down
Watch this part4:11What you need
- Printer bed vacuum noise stops (indicates proper capping)
- Printer is covered with a fabric cover to prevent dust
- Computer is powered off daily to release memory
- Step 5: Low-Usage / Weekly Operation SettingsIf the printer is used less frequently:
- Leave the printer powered on
- Prevents white ink separation and clogging
- Set the following
- Heater: Off
- LED Light: Off
- Ink Alarm Arm Switch: Off
- Ink level: Above 60%
- White ink circulation: 20%
- Remove film and store in a cool, dry environment
- Automatic Behavior
- Auto head cleaning every 4 hours
- White ink circulation every 15 minutes
- Section 2: Weekly MaintenanceRequired ToolsIsopropyl alcohol 90% or higher
- Lint-free cloth
- Gloves
- Press Enter to return the carriage to the capping station.
- Confirm the print head is properly capped.
- Close all covers.
- Turn off the main power if used daily.
Encoder Strip & Bed Cleaning
Watch this part5:27- Open the printer cover.
- Remove the film from the printer bed.
- Apply isopropyl alcohol to a lint-free cloth.
- Gently clean both sides of the encoder strip.
- Move the carriage to the left and clean the home position.
- Press Enter to return the carriage to the capping station.
- Lift pinch rollers and clean with a dry cloth only.
- Do not use alcohol or cleaning solution on rubber
- Clean:
- Printer bed
- Media guides
- Avoid spilling alcohol into bed holes (can damage vacuum fan).
- Clean:
- Back plate
- Media rod
- Step 7: Waste Ink System CheckEmpty the waste ink container.
- Test the waste ink alarm.
- Confirm proper alarm operation to prevent overflow.
- Section 3: As-Needed MaintenanceRequired ToolsPolyester head cleaning swab
- Cleaning solution
- White lithium grease (paste only)
- Gloves
- Ink stirrer
White Ink Stirring (Monthly)
Watch this part7:44- Open the white ink container.
- Insert the ink stirrer.
- Stir thoroughly at the bottom of the bottle.
- Perform only when ink level is below 50%.
- Rinse the stirrer with distilled water after use.
- Store stirrer in a dust-free container.
- Step 9: Carriage Rail LubricationOpen the printer cover.
- Clean the metal rail with a dry swab.
- Apply white lithium grease paste using a swab.
- Do not use spray grease
- Move the carriage left.
- Press Enter to return it to the home position.
- ResultFollowing this maintenance regimen will:
- Prevent ink drying and clogs
- Extend print head life
- Maintain consistent print quality
- Reduce costly downtime
Clean Around the Head (Daily)
Required SuppliesPolyester cleaning swabs
Prestige R1 — End-of-Day Print Head Area CleaningPurposeCleaning around the print head is one of the most critical end-of-day maintenance tasks. Performing this daily prevents ink buildup that can damage the print head, wiper blade, and dampers, and reduces long-term clogging issues. DTF Station–approved cleaning solution Paper towels
Written steps4
Prepare the Printer
Watch this part0:00- Open the front cover.
- Remove the film from the printer bed.
- Move the print head carriage to the left side of the printer bed.
- Open the cover fully to prevent ink spillage.
Protect Surrounding Areas
- Place paper towels around the print head area to catch excess ink or cleaning solution.
Access the Print Head Components
- Gently unfold the cables from the carriage to access the dampers.
- Use caution:
- Do not pinch cables
- Do not pull with force
- Improper handling can cause electrical or ink-flow issues.
Clean Around the Print Head
- Dip a cleaning swab into the cleaning solution.
- Carefully clean around the print head.
- Avoid direct contact with the print head face.
- Focus on the side of the print head where the wiper blade passes.
- Ink buildup here can damage both the wiper blade and the print head.
- Apply additional cleaning solution if needed.
- Use a dry swab to remove excess solution and loosened ink.
- Important Notes
- Heavy ink buildup is often caused by:
- Poor nozzle checks
- Skipping daily cleaning
- If this task is not performed daily, dried ink becomes much harder to remove and increases the risk of permanent damage.
- Step 5: Return Printer to Ready State (01:20–End)Press Enter on the control panel to return the carriage to the home position.
- Reload the film onto the printer bed.
- Close all covers.
- ResultThe print head area is clean, protected, and properly positioned for shutdown or the next print cycle—helping ensure long print head life and consistent print quality.
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