HTVront LokLik iPrinter DTF-A3 XP600 vs. Procolored K13 A3: Which One Should You Choose?

Question:

I would love to hear your thoughts on which is better, the HTVront LokLik iPrinter DTF-A3 XP600 or the new Procolored K13 A3. I have no experience with DTF printing and could use some advice on which printer to purchase! HTVront is more affordable and faster, while Procolored is pricier, which also appears similar to their older models. I also looked at the Procolored A4, but its print size was too small for me. I considered converting an Epson 8550, but most people hit snags with conversion. What would you recommend?

Answer:

So, let’s unpack your options, so you can see which works best for your needs.

HTVront LokLik iPrinter DTF-A3 XP600 vs. Procolored K13 A3 comparison: What Are the Key Differences?

HTVront LokLik iPrinter DTF-A3 XP600

Pros:

• Cheaper than the Procolored K13 A3.
• Uses an XP600 printhead, which is inexpensive to replace.
• Touted as being faster than their Procolored 14 in the printer.
• Great for beginners looking for an affordable introduction to DTF printing.

Cons:

• The XP600 printhead is notorious for durability issues, particularly clogging and failure.
• No proven track record on long-term reliability (not enough user feedback in the market).
• May Contact option in case of issues

Procolored K13 A3

Pros:

• Long-standing brand reputation along with a great history of standing behind its printers.
• Better parts as well due to better build quality than HTVront.
• Less modification required; made explicitly for DTF printing

Cons:

• More expensive than HTVront.
• It uses the same kind of printhead as other models before it, so there will likely be no significant upgrades.
• No clear indication that the extra cost is worth it for better performance than the HTVront.

What about DTFing the Epson 8550?

The Epson 8550 conversion that you mentioned considering is also worth discussing.

• While the Epson 8550 is a fantastic printer for printing photos and regular inkjet prints, DTF conversion creates complexity.
• Once you convert, you will experience ink flow, clogging, and firmware issues.
• Like the XP600, the ET8550's printhead (PrecisionCore technology) is delicate.
• Converted printers aren’t built to use DTF ink long term, like in dedicated DTF printers.
• Epson regularly updates firmware to turn off third-party ink cartridges or reset the chips’ settings.
• If you are starting, wrangling a converted printer can be daunting.

If all of the above sounds like something you'd want to deal with, and you're new to DTF printing, don't convert the Epson 8550 to DTF, but you should know you should already be comfortable with maintenance and troubleshooting.

My Recommendation: Which Printer Is Right For You?

If you are new to the scene and have zero experience, I would probably recommend the HTVront LokLik iPrinter DTF-A3 XP600—but only if you are ready to replace printheads constantly. While the XP600's replacement costs are relatively cheap, this print head is fragile, and you will need to babysit it, clean it, maintain it, etc.

However, I suggest you want a more consistent machine with better long-term support. In that case, the Procolored K13 A3 might be the better investment—so long as Procolored significantly improved its technology from its last generation of models. Since you noted that the K13 looks like previous generations, it’s worth investigating whether any significant design changes or enhancements were made.

Final Thoughts

Since printer problems are practical, they can be challenging to deal with. Thus, we cannot remotely troubleshoot, provide recommendations, or assist with printer repairs. Our local diagnostic facility provides in-person evaluation and repair (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service) for both makes and models. Due to the high demand for service, we work on a first-come, first-served basis; hence, there may be a wait for your printer's service.

Choosing the right DTF printer is a significant decision, so I strongly recommend checking out YouTube (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies) for user reviews and comparisons. The right-hand side of the YouTube menu bar has a search icon next to step 3, “About. " This icon allows you to discover related videos. YouTube might also recommend videos from other channels to help you.