Welcome to our Colour Machine FAQ section

These questions and answers have been prepared by technicians at Perfect laser Technologies and Perfect Colour Technologies.

At a glance

UV Eco-Solvent DTF
Prints on Rigid & flat items, bottles (rotary) Vinyl, banner, canvas, wallpaper Garments & textiles (via film)
Typical products Gifts, signs, awards, phone covers Signage, wraps, stickers, posters T-shirts, hoodies, caps, workwear
Inks CMYK + White + Varnish CMYK (+ optional colours) CMYK + White
Key add-ons Rotary, primer Vinyl cutter, laminator Shaker/dryer, heat press

We hope you find these 63 questions and answers useful. They have been compiled over many years.

Click a category below to expand its questions, then click any question to read the answer.

1. Choosing the Right Printer (Q1–Q5)

Q1. What is the difference between UV, eco-solvent and DTF printers?

UV printers cure ink instantly with UV-LED lamps, printing directly onto rigid/flat objects and cylindrical items via a rotary. Eco-solvent printers are roll-to-roll machines for flexible media like vinyl, banner, and canvas. DTF printers print onto PET film, coated with adhesive powder, and heat-pressed onto garments.

Q2. Which printer is best for my business?

It depends on your products: UV printers suit personalized gifts and rigid signs; eco-solvent printers suit signage, wraps, and stickers; DTF printers suit apparel like T-shirts and hoodies.

Q3. Can one printer do everything?

No single printer covers all applications well, though UV printers can produce UV DTF transfers and eco-solvent printers with contour cutters can produce heat-transfer vinyl.

Q4. What sizes are available?

UV flatbeds range from compact A3/A4 desktop units to mid-size beds (600×900 mm) and large-format beds. Eco-solvent roll widths go from 1.3 m to 1.8 m+. DTF printers commonly use 30 cm (A3) and 60 cm film widths.

Q5. Is wide-format printing a good business to start?

Yes, it features low running costs per print and strong demand, provided you choose the right equipment, commit to maintenance, and utilize proper training.

2. Printheads & Machine Specifications (Q6–Q10)

Q6. Which printheads are used in these printers?

Most machines use Epson printheads, including the entry-level XP600, industrial-grade i1600, and high-productivity i3200.

Q7. Why do some machines have more than one printhead?

Multiple heads increase speed and separate channels for colour, white, and varnish.

Q8. How fast do these printers print?

Speed depends on printhead type, number of heads, print mode, passes, and whether white or varnish layers are used.

Q9. What is the maximum object height on a UV flatbed printer?

This varies by model, ranging from a few centimetres on desktop units to 150 mm or more on larger flatbeds.

Q10. What resolution can I expect?

Modern Epson-based printers produce sharp photographic results when supplied with 300 dpi artwork and correct ICC color profiles.

3. Inks & Consumables (Q11–Q16)

Q11. What ink configurations are available?

UV utilizes CMYK + White + Varnish; eco-solvent utilizes CMYK (+ optional colours); DTF utilizes CMYK + White.

Q12. Why does white ink need circulation or agitation?

White ink contains heavy titanium dioxide pigment that settles over time, risking blocked nozzles if not continuously circulated.

Q13. Can I use third-party or cheaper inks?

It is strongly recommended to use supplied inks matched to printheads and RIP profiles to prevent blockages, poor adhesion, and voided warranties.

Q14. How long does ink last?

Unopened inks typically last 6 to 12 months when stored in a cool, dark place away from heat and sunlight.

Q15. What other consumables will I need?

Consumables include cleaning solutions, wipers, swabs, dampers, primers, media, PET film, and hot-melt adhesive powder.

Q16. What does it cost to print?

Costs depend on ink coverage, white ink usage, substrate types, and print modes.

4. UV Printer Questions (Q17–Q23)

Q17. What materials can a UV printer print on?

Acrylic, PVC, wood, glass, ceramic tiles, metal, leather, phone covers, and promotional items.

Q18. Does the UV printer detect the height of my object?

Yes, most units feature height sensors that automatically or semi-automatically configure the printing gap.

Q19. Is there protection against the printhead hitting the object?

Yes, anti-collision protection stops the carriage if it contacts an obstruction.

Q20. Can I print on bottles, tumblers and cups?

Yes, using an optional roller-type or chuck-type rotary attachment.

Q21. What is varnish used for?

Clear gloss varnish adds protective layers, spot-gloss effects, raised textures, and Braille-style tactile finishes.

Q22. Is UV ink safe to handle?

Uncured UV ink can irritate skin and eyes; nitrile gloves, safety glasses, and good ventilation are required.

Q23. Can a UV printer make UV DTF stickers?

Yes, using special A/B film to create transfer stickers for hard surfaces.

5. Eco-Solvent Printer Questions (Q24–Q28)

Q24. What can I produce with an eco-solvent printer?

Banners, vehicle wraps, window graphics, wall wallpaper, stickers, canvas prints, and backlit displays.

Q25. How durable are eco-solvent prints outdoors?

They are water-resistant and durable, with lamination recommended for extended outdoor and vehicle applications.

Q26. Do eco-solvent prints need drying time?

Yes, prints need about 24 hours of outgassing before lamination to prevent bubbling.

Q27. Do eco-solvent printers need ventilation?

Yes, rooms housing eco-solvent printers should be well ventilated due to mild solvent odours.

Q28. Can I cut out the printed stickers?

Yes, when paired with a vinyl cutter supporting contour cutting via registration marks.

6. DTF Printer Questions (Q29–Q34)

Q29. How does DTF printing work?

Design is printed in reverse on PET film, covered with hot-melt powder, cured, and heat-pressed onto garments.

Q30. Which fabrics can I print on with DTF?

Cotton, polyester, poly-cotton blends, nylon, denim, fleece, and canvas on light or dark colours.

Q31. How washable are DTF prints?

Correctly cured transfers withstand many washes when washed inside out in cold/warm water.

Q32. What equipment do I need besides the DTF printer?

A powder shaker/dryer or curing oven, heat press, PET film, adhesive powder, and RIP software.

Q33. DTF, sublimation or screen printing: which should I choose?

DTF works on most fabrics with no minimums; sublimation suits white polyester; screen printing suits massive production runs.

Q34. Can I store DTF transfers and press them later?

Yes, cured transfers can be stored flat in a cool, dry place for future application.

7. Software, Computer & Power Requirements (Q35–Q39)

Q35. Which RIP software is supplied?

Compatible packages like FlexiPrint, Maintop, or PhotoPrint manage colour profiles, white layers, and print modes.

Q36. Is the software licence permanent?

Licence terms vary by package, frequently supplying a permanent single-user licence for one computer at a time.

Q37. What computer do I need?

A dedicated PC with an Intel Core i7 processor, 16 GB RAM, 1 TB SSD, and a stable Windows version.

Q38. Do I need a voltage regulator or UPS?

Yes, a voltage stabilizer protects against surges/load shedding, and a UPS allows safe shutdowns.

Q39. What environment should the printer be installed in?

A clean, dust-free room with stable temperature (18 to 28 degrees Celsius) and moderate humidity (40 to 60%).

8. Purchasing, Delivery & Installation (Q40–Q47)

Q40. How do I get a price?

Contact sales for a formal quotation detailing machine specs, software, training, and delivery.

Q41. Do you deliver nationwide?

Yes, delivery costs depend on location and machine size.

Q42. Is installation and training included?

Yes, installation, commissioning, and operator training are included or quoted directly.

Q43. What is included with the printer?

An initial set of inks, cleaning solution, and basic starter tools listed on your quotation.

Q44. What do I need to prepare before installation?

A dedicated PC, voltage regulator, properly earthed power point, and a clear, ventilated room.

Q45. How long does delivery take?

In-stock machines deliver within a few working days of payment, while imported units follow lead times.

Q46. Can I see a demonstration before I buy?

Yes, demonstrations can be arranged using your own 300 dpi artwork and materials.

Q47. Do you offer demo or refurbished machines?

Demonstration or serviced pre-owned units become available periodically upon inquiry.

9. Warranty (Q48–Q52)

Q48. What warranty do your printers carry?

A manufacturer-backed warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship from installation date.

Q49. Are printheads covered by the warranty?

Printheads are industry consumables; installation day faults are covered, but subsequent blockages or crashes are excluded.

Q50. Which parts are covered?

Electronic, mechanical, and ink-system parts are covered for manufacturing defects during the warranty term.

Q51. What can void the warranty?

Using unapproved inks, missed maintenance, unstable power supplies, unsuitable environments, or unauthorized modifications.

Q52. How long do warranty repairs take if parts must be imported?

Local stock parts are immediate; imported parts take approximately two to four weeks.

10. Technical Support & Spare Parts (Q53–Q57)

Q53. What after-sales support do you offer?

Telephone, WhatsApp, remote online support, and on-site technician visits.

Q54. How quickly will you respond to a support request?

Promptly, with remote response immediately and technician dispatch typically within 24 to 72 hours.

Q55. Do you charge for call-outs?

Remote support is free; out-of-warranty visits incur standard call-out, labour, and travel fees.

Q56. Do you keep spare parts in stock?

Yes, critical spares including printheads, dampers, capping stations, and pumps are kept locally.

Q57. Do you service printers not bought from you?

In many cases yes, depending on the make, model, and printhead type.

11. Maintenance & Care (Q58–Q63)

Q58. What daily maintenance is required?

Print a nozzle check, clean capping station/wiper, check white-ink circulation, and inspect waste levels.

Q59. What weekly maintenance is required?

Deep-clean capping components, clean encoder strips, inspect dampers, and empty waste systems.

Q60. Should I switch the printer off at night?

UV and DTF units with white-ink circulation should generally remain powered on in standby to maintain circulation.

Q61. What if I will not use the printer for a while?

Extended shutdowns require proper storage procedures, such as flushing systems with cleaning fluid; contact support prior.

Q62. What causes blocked nozzles?

Infrequent use, dust, settled white ink, dry capping stations, and skipped maintenance.

Q63. Do you offer service plans?

Yes, preventative maintenance visits are available to maintain reliability and extend lifespan.

Should you wish to have different questions answered or you wish to discuss a particular answer.

Please email support@perfectlaser.co.za and we will reply within 2 days.

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