Procolored L1800 DTF Printer Rollers Not Turning: Causes, Checks, and Repair Directions

Question:
I have a Procolored L1800 DTF printer and the rollers stopped working. Can you point me in the right direction to fix it?

Answer

When rollers stop working on a Procolored L1800 DTF (or most L1800-based DTF builds), the cause is usually in one of three areas: (1) mechanical binding, (2) a drive/electrical issue, or (3) a control/sensor interlock that prevents feeding. Below is the "right direction" to diagnose it in a safe, logical order.

1) Confirm what "rollers stopped working" means

Different users mean different things by "rollers," so start by identifying which rollers are not moving:

• Paper/film feed rollers (the ones that advance the film through the printer)

• Pinch rollers / pressure rollers (the ones pressing the film against the drive roller)

• Exit rollers (the ones guiding film out)

• DTF take-up reel rollers (if your setup includes a motorized take-up system)

Why this matters: The printer's internal feed rollers are controlled by the printer's board and sensors, while a take-up reel is often a separate motor/controller.

2) Mechanical checks first (fastest and most common)

Before chasing electronics, rule out the simple mechanical causes:

A. Film jam, adhesive buildup, or debris

• Remove film and inspect the entire film path.

• Check for DTF adhesive powder residue, ripped film pieces, or sticky buildup on rollers.

• Clean rollers (carefully) so they can grip again.

B. Pinch roller tension / lever position

• Make sure the pinch rollers are actually engaged and applying pressure.

• If the pinch mechanism is not locked down, the drive roller may spin but the film won't move.

C. Roller gear slip or cracked gear

• Some L1800-based units use plastic gears that can crack or slip.

• Signs: clicking noises, intermittent motion, or one roller turning while another doesn't.

D. Carriage obstruction / maintenance station interference

• If the printhead carriage can't move freely or the printer thinks it's not homed correctly, it may refuse to feed.

• Check the right-side cap station area for binding or anything blocking motion.

3) Electrical and drive system checks

If nothing is physically jammed and rollers still don't respond, move to the drive side.

A. Listen for motor activity

• If you hear the feed motor trying to move (a hum or brief attempt) but nothing turns, it suggests mechanical resistance or a stripped gear.

• If there is no sound at all, it may be power, cable, controller, or motor failure.

B. Inspect the roller motor wiring and connectors

• Power off, unplug the printer, and reseat connectors going to the roller/feed motor.

• Look for loose plugs, bent pins, or damaged insulation near moving parts (wires can get pinched).

C. Check the motor driver / control board symptoms

• In many printers, a failed driver circuit can stop feed even though the printer powers on normally.

• If you recently had a short, fluid spill, or static discharge, this can contribute to board damage.

D. If your "rollers" are the take-up reel

• Many DTF take-up reels have their own:

  • power adapter

  • fuse

  • speed knob/controller

  • directional switch

• If the take-up reel stopped but the printer still feeds internally, troubleshoot the reel as a separate device.

4) Sensor and interlock-related causes (common in DTF setups)

Some systems won't feed film normally if a sensor condition isn't met.

A. Paper/film sensor behavior

• L1800-based printers typically rely on sensors to confirm media presence/position.

• If a sensor is dirty, blocked, or misaligned, feeding may stop to prevent damage.

• Powder dust is notorious for coating sensors over time.

B. Firmware/software command vs physical feed

• The printer doesn't always advance film unless it's executing a feed-related action (loading, printing, cleaning sequences, etc.).

• Make sure you're testing during a function where the printer should actually feed.

5) Error codes

You didn't mention a specific error code in your message. If your Procolored is showing any code or message on-screen (for example "paper out," "paper jam," "encoder error," etc.), that detail can point directly to the cause.

If you see an error, write down:

• the exact text/code

• when it happens (startup, print start, mid-print)

• whether the carriage moves normally

That helps determine whether the feed is being blocked by a sensor condition versus a motor/gear failure.

Addressing printer issues can be a complicated affair due to the hands-on nature of the problems, and many failures depend on what we can physically see, hear, and measure on the machine. Because of that, we're not able to provide remote troubleshooting, suggestions, or support for printer repairs. We offer an in-person evaluation and repair service via our local diagnostic facility: printer repair service (https://bchtechnologies.com/printer-repair-service). Given the high demand, we operate on a first-come, first-served basis, so it might take a few weeks before we can get your printer in when you drop it off. Our services are structured to repair either an entire printer or specific parts, with clear instructions on how to proceed. However, we acknowledge that our rates aren't the most economical. For that reason, we strongly recommend self-help through online research first. You can start by checking out YouTube or visiting our YouTube channel's homepage: BCH Technologies on YouTube (https://youtube.com/@bchtechnologies). Look for specific videos using the search icon next to "About" on the right-hand side of the menu bar. I receive dozens of queries every day asking about videos for specific topics. Having created videos over the past nine years, it's challenging to remember every single one. Therefore, using YouTube's search function is usually the fastest approach-and YouTube may also suggest relevant videos from other channels that could help.

Thank you again for reaching out and for your support of BCH Technologies. We truly appreciate it, and I hope these checks point you in the right direction to get your rollers moving again.