Procolored DTF F8 Power Button Not Working - Causes, Fixes, and What to Check

Question

A customer explained that their Procolored DTF F8 printer suddenly stopped responding to the front power button, even though the main power switch on the back of the unit still works. After contacting Procolored support, they received a replacement printhead, motherboard, and front key-panel board (the board containing the power button). They wanted advice on what else they should check, especially since the printer is relatively new.

Answer

Why the Power Button Fails on the Procolored F8

The Procolored F8 is essentially built from two major systems:

1. The Printer Core (Epson-Based Engine)

This includes:

• Mainboard

• Printhead

• FFC ribbon cables

• Control panel / key panel

• Firmware and logic circuits

2. The External Ink System

This includes:

• White ink circulation pump

• Mixer/stirrer

• Agitators

• (Sometimes) vacuum platform or platen heater

These two systems share the same rear main switch, but they operate independently once powered.

This is why your rear switch still turns on the mixer or circulation system, but the front button cannot turn on the actual printer engine.

When this happens, the failure typically lies with one of the following:

Most Common Causes

1. Faulty or Misaligned FFC Ribbon Cable (Most Likely)

The front key panel sends its power-on signal to the mainboard using flat flexible cables (FFC).

If even one of these cables is:

• Slightly misaligned

• Tarnished

• Oxidized

• Creased

• Inverted

• Only partially inserted

...then the button won't work-even if the panel itself is good.

Since you already received a new key panel and motherboard, the next logical step is the FFC cables.

A tiny bit of tarnish on the silver contacts can cause a short.
If you see any darkening, fogging, corrosion, or scratches on the shiny metal contacts, that cable should be replaced.

Based on your symptoms, it is extremely likely that:

• The FFC cable carrying the power-on line is bad

• The original failure blew a protective component on the mainboard

• A faulty FFC cable could be what damaged the original parts

This is why I strongly suggest requesting new FFC cables from Procolored support. They should include them in the repair package, but they often don't unless you specifically ask.

2. Mainboard Logic Not Receiving "Power ON" Signal

Even brand-new replacement boards need:

• Proper grounding

• Proper seating

• Matching firmware

• Clean connectors

If the FFC cable between the key panel and mainboard is not making clean contact, the "soft power button" signal never reaches the mainboard. The rear switch still works because it bypasses that logic circuit.

3. Printhead Ribbon Cable Short

If the FFC cable leading to the printhead shows any tarnish on the silver traces, that can cause:

• Power button failure

• Mainboard fuse damage

• Burned driver ICs

This is extremely common on DTF printers because white ink produces vapors that oxidize metal surfaces.

Check both ends of the printhead cables:

• They should be shiny silver

• No dark spots

• No cloudy film

• No sticky residue

• No uneven wear on the traces

If anything looks even slightly "off," replace the cable.

What You Should Ask Procolored Support For

Based on your symptoms, you should request:

• A complete set of FFC cables (printhead cables + key panel cables)

• They should be new, not reused, and the correct length for the F8

Most F8 power button failures are corrected simply by replacing the bad cable that carries the power-on signal.

Tell them you already replaced:

• Motherboard

• Printhead

• Key panel

...and that the only remaining suspect is the FFC ribbon cable pair.

With the new cables installed, the printer should power on normally.

Addressing DTF printer issues is often more hands-on than it may seem, and for that reason we're unable to provide detailed remote troubleshooting or repair instructions. We do offer in-person diagnostic work at our repair facility:
BCH Technologies Printer Repair Service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service)
[https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service]
Please note that due to high demand, our service works on a first-come, first-served system and turnaround can take several weeks. We handle repairs for entire machines or specific components depending on your needs. That said, because our repair service may not be the most budget-friendly option, we strongly recommend beginning with self-help options through online resources. You can also browse our YouTube channel at BCH Technologies (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies)
[https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies].
Use the search icon next to the "About" tab to find videos on specific topics-after nine years of content, using that search function is much faster than expecting one person to remember every video. You may also discover helpful videos from other creators.

Thank you again for reaching out, and we truly appreciate your support. If you need further assistance or decide to pursue additional repairs, we're here to help.