Choosing the Right DTF Printer: Epson 1390 vs. Epson L1800

When selecting a Direct-to-Film (DTF) printer for your printing business, the Epson 1390 and Epson L1800 are popular models, each with its own strengths and considerations. In this comprehensive guide, we'll explore the differences in performance, ease of maintenance, printing speed, and operational smoothness between these two widely used printers.

Unclogging and Maintenance Ease

One of the first considerations in maintaining a DTF printer is managing clogs. The Epson L1800 has an advantage here; it's relatively easier to unclog than the Epson 1390. If you're new to DTF printing, choosing the L1800 might make your initial experience smoother, extending the printer’s lifespan with less frustration.

However, experienced users who are comfortable with routine maintenance might prefer the Epson 1390. The 1390 often feels smoother with consistent daily maintenance and requires fewer interruptions overall.

Cleaning Cycles and Efficiency

Regular cleaning cycles are essential for maintaining print quality in DTF printers. Both printers have comparable cleaning durations, typically around 1 minute and 30 seconds. Yet, there's a significant operational difference post-cleaning.

With the Epson L1800, after a cleaning cycle, the printer often enters a waiting mode during which no printing can occur. Occasionally, about 80% of the time, it experiences errors during this waiting phase. These errors require a full shutdown and restart, significantly increasing downtime. On the contrary, the Epson 1390 smoothly transitions from cleaning to printing without errors, making it ideal for streamlined workflow management.

Operational Workflow

The operational workflow difference between these two printers is noticeable. The L1800 uses a vacuum platform that activates during printing, frequently pausing at the capping station to perform automatic wipes and cleaning cycles. This stop-and-start nature prolongs the printing process.

In contrast, the Epson 1390 utilizes a left-whiz pad that is naturally integrated into its operation, removing the need for frequent stops. This seamless integration significantly enhances workflow efficiency, especially during bulk printing jobs.

Speed Comparison

Print speed is crucial when handling bulk orders. In a direct comparison, the Epson L1800 took about 12 minutes and 20 seconds to print four all-white shirts. Including necessary cleaning cycles, the total time rose to roughly 15 to 16 minutes.

Conversely, the Epson 1390 completed the same task in just 9 minutes and 34 seconds, about three minutes quicker than the L1800. This efficiency gain is particularly significant for high-volume production environments.

Continuous Operation and Ink Reset

The Epson 1390 allows for continuous operation by integrating cleaning cycles seamlessly into the printing workflow. After printing, you can initiate cleaning by holding the ink button, when the printer automatically queues up the next print job. This method significantly reduces downtime between tasks.

However, the Epson 1390 does require occasional manual ink resets after a series of print runs. If forgotten, this reset can stall operations until manually addressed. Therefore, operators typically use timers or reminders to manage this step effectively, ensuring minimal interruptions.

Print Quality and Limitations

While the Epson 1390 excels in speed and workflow efficiency, it has certain limitations in droplet size and print density compared to the Epson L1800. These aspects can impact the overall print quality depending on your specific needs. If exceptionally detailed print quality and density are your priorities, the Epson L1800 might offer slight advantages despite its slower workflow.

Which Printer Fits Your Workflow?

Choosing between the Epson 1390 and Epson L1800 depends on your printing habits, workflow preferences, and maintenance capability. If you're new to DTF printing or prefer a machine with easier unclogging procedures, the Epson L1800 is a solid choice. However, for businesses prioritizing speed, workflow smoothness, and reduced operational downtime, the Epson 1390 may prove more suitable.

We have included a detailed video below, demonstrating the operational differences between these two printers, allowing you to see firsthand how each performs in real-world conditions.