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Prestige XL4 - Operation Guide

Every step links to its own moment in the videos, so you never hunt for the right part again.

  • 69 steps
  • 327 instructions
  • 6 videos
  • 6 chapters
  • Updated 2026-04-20

1. Safety Tips

  1. 0:01Overview
  2. 0:08Section One – Big Changes at DTF Station
  3. 1:11Section Two – Locating the Quick Start Guide
  4. 1:47Completion
Written steps 4

Overview

Watch this part0:01
  1. This video provides an initial overview of important setup changes and resources.
  2. The content is divided into two main sections: Big changes at DTF Station
  • Locating videos, software, and documents

Section One – Big Changes at DTF Station

Watch this part0:08
  1. R2 Pro users and higher models no longer require software activation codes.
  2. Instead, Neostampa software is provided with a physical dongle.
  3. The Neostampa software comes in bright yellow packaging labeled “Important.”
  4. Do NOT throw this packaging away.
  5. The dongle inside is required to run and print from the software.
  6. If the dongle is lost or thrown away, printing will not be possible.
  7. Replacement of a lost dongle is the user’s responsibility.
  8. The dongle also contains your software serial number.
  9. Follow the Quick Start Guide instructions to register your software via Discord.
  10. Refer to the official DTF Station YouTube channel for step-by-step Neostampa videos.
  11. Follow the channel to stay up to date with software and workflow updates.

Section Two – Locating the Quick Start Guide

Watch this part1:11
  1. Locate the USB drive included with your printer.
  2. If the USB drive is missing or incomplete, check the email from your printer dealer.
  3. The dealer email will contain a link to the most up-to-date Quick Start Guide.
  4. Double-click the Quick Start Guide PDF.
  5. Click on Important Resources inside the PDF.
  6. Download the Quick Start Guide PDF.
  7. Save a copy to your desktop or another easily accessible location.
  8. The Quick Start Guide is a one-page PDF.
  9. It contains QR codes and links to all required setup videos, software, and documents.
  10. Keep this file easily accessible for future reference.

Completion

Watch this part1:47
  1. Verify that the Quick Start Guide PDF is saved locally.
  2. Confirm that the Neostampa dongle is safely stored.
  3. Proceed to the next setup video as instructed.

2. Pilot Software Basics

  1. 0:04Introduction
  2. 0:10Suction Settings
  3. 0:37General Settings – Print Speed and Direction
  4. 1:10Pre-Flashing
  5. 1:30Auto Clean
  6. 2:13Carriage Margin Settings
  7. 2:45Media Settings
  8. 3:10Confidence Strip Settings
  9. 4:54Print Overlap Settings
  10. 5:29Ink Charge
  11. 5:49Print Settings
  12. 6:40Ink to Deepen
  13. 6:55Mirror Print
  14. 7:08Global Ink Setting
  15. 7:27Spot Color
  16. 8:29Completion
Written steps 16

Introduction

Watch this part0:04
  1. Open DTF Station Pilot.
  2. Make sure you are on the Settings tab before making any adjustments.

Suction Settings

Watch this part0:10
  1. Suction controls the printer bed vacuum.
  2. Open means the vacuum stays on at all times.
  3. Off means the vacuum only turns on when the print head carriage moves onto the media.
  4. Recommended setting is Off.

General Settings – Print Speed and Direction

Watch this part0:37
  1. Print speed controls how fast the carriage moves left to right.
  2. Available options are Low, Middle, and High.
  3. Middle provides the best print quality.
  4. High provides the fastest print speed.
  5. Print direction affects speed and color accuracy.
  6. Birect prints in both left and right directions.
  7. Left or Right prints in a single direction only.
  8. Single-direction printing slows prints but improves color accuracy.

Pre-Flashing

Watch this part1:10
  1. Pre-flashing is usually set to Open.
  2. Before printing or a nozzle check, ink is released onto the capping station cap.
  3. This ensures proper firing of the nozzles.
  4. Recommended setting is Open.

Auto Clean

Watch this part1:30
  1. Auto clean manages automatic cleaning cycles.
  2. The printer stops after 10,000 passes to perform a cleaning.
  3. Default setting is Close.
  4. Clean Flush performs quick pre-flashing into the capping station.
  5. Clean Weak performs a standard cleaning.
  6. Clean Normal increases cleaning time and pump pressure.
  7. Clean Strong further increases cleaning duration.

Carriage Margin Settings

Watch this part2:13
  1. Type is normally set to Together.
  2. With Together enabled, the carriage moves only across the printed width.
  3. If disabled, the carriage travels across the full media width, slowing prints.
  4. Auto Reset is recommended to be set to Yes.
  5. Auto Reset ensures the carriage width resets after each image.

Media Settings

Watch this part2:45
  1. Print start position depends on how the media is loaded.
  2. Default example value is 50 mm.
  3. Measure from the carriage home position to the start of the media.

Confidence Strip Settings

Watch this part3:10
  1. Confidence strip prints ink along the edge of the media.
  2. This keeps CMYK inks firing properly.
  3. Recommended setting is Weeding.
  4. Status performs a nozzle check.
  5. Weeding and Status provides the highest quality.
  6. Minimum recommended setting is Weeding.
  7. Position should be closest to the carriage home position, usually the right side.
  8. Printing on both sides increases carriage travel and slows printing.
  9. Strength options are Weak, Normal, and Strong.
  10. Recommended strength is Normal.
  11. Width is commonly set to 3 mm.
  12. Distance should be at least 1 mm away from the printed image.

Print Overlap Settings

Watch this part4:54
  1. Print overlap controls resolution and speed.
  2. Light mode is fastest and ideal for daily production.
  3. Normal increases resolution.
  4. Depth increases resolution further.
  5. Super Occlusion provides the highest resolution but slows printing.
  6. Type options include Fog and Strong A.
  7. Fog prioritizes speed.
  8. Strong A prioritizes print quality.

Ink Charge

Watch this part5:29
  1. Ink charge is used during initial ink filling or clog recovery.
  2. Activating ink charge pumps ink into the waste bucket.
  3. This can be used periodically for maintenance.

Print Settings

Watch this part5:49
  1. Recommended print mode is CW (Color and White).
  2. 4C mode prints color only.
  3. Color control options are Normal, Color, and White.
  4. Normal prints both color and white as designed.
  5. White mode prints only white ink.
  6. Color mode prints only color ink.

Ink to Deepen

Watch this part6:40
  1. Ink to deepen is turned off by default.
  2. Three modes are available.
  3. Higher modes produce darker prints.
  4. This does not affect print speed.

Mirror Print

Watch this part6:55
  1. Mirror printing is typically handled in DigiRip.
  2. Horizontal mirror can be enabled if needed.

Global Ink Setting

Watch this part7:08
  1. Global ink setting allows ink amounts to be doubled.
  2. Doubling white ink significantly slows print speed.
  3. Example speed drops from around 0.91 m/hour to 0.28–0.42 m/hour.
  4. Increased ink layers increase print time substantially.
  5. Disable global ink setting after use to restore normal speeds.

Spot Color

Watch this part7:27
  1. Spot color is not currently used.
  2. If enabled, uncheck it and click Save.

Completion

Watch this part8:29
  1. Restore global ink settings to default if adjusted.
  2. Save all changes.
  3. This completes the overview of DTF Station Pilot settings.

3. Basic Menu & Features Overview

  1. 0:00Introduction and Screen Operation
  2. 0:18Primary Control Buttons
  3. 0:34Ink Charge Function
  4. 0:48Head Cleaning Function
  5. 1:08Nozzle Check Function
  6. 1:46Evaluating Nozzle Check Results
  7. 2:05Manual Carriage Movement
  8. 2:25Pinch Roller and Media Control
  9. 3:02Pause and Cancel Printing
  10. 3:17Film Take-Up Motor Settings
  11. 3:39Auto Wet Cap System
  12. 4:14Touchscreen Settings Menu
  13. 4:24Heat Settings
  14. 4:50Vacuum Settings
  15. 5:02White Ink Management
  16. 5:16Environment and Lighting
  17. 5:34Head Strike Sensor
  18. 5:48Completion
Written steps 18

Introduction and Screen Operation

Watch this part0:00
  1. The touchscreen may enter sleep mode after 10 minutes of inactivity.
  2. To wake the screen, lightly tap once.
  3. Do not press hard, as this can damage the screen.
  4. A light tap is sufficient for all touchscreen actions.

Primary Control Buttons

Watch this part0:18
  1. The most commonly used buttons are: Ink Charge
  • Head Cleaning
  • Nozzle Check

Ink Charge Function

Watch this part0:34
  1. Tap the Ink Charge button to fill the print head with ink.
  2. The carriage moves to the home position.
  3. The capping station pulls ink from the print head.
  4. Ink is pushed into the waste ink bottle.
  5. To stop the process, tap the Cancel button.

Head Cleaning Function

Watch this part0:48
  1. Tap the Head Cleaning button to perform a weak head cleaning.
  2. Ink is pulled through the print head.
  3. The wiper blade cleans the print head surface.
  4. Excess ink is drained from the capping station.
  5. This prepares the printer for printing.

Nozzle Check Function

Watch this part1:08
  1. Tap the Nozzle Check button to print a nozzle test pattern.
  2. The carriage moves over the media and prints the pattern.
  3. Perform a nozzle check before every print.
  4. If printing was paused for 20 minutes or more, perform another nozzle check.
  5. Pilot software must be open and connected for nozzle check to work.
  6. The printer cover must be closed for the pattern to print.

Evaluating Nozzle Check Results

Watch this part1:46
  1. A good nozzle check shows small horizontal dots forming a solid square.
  2. If the pattern is complete, the printer is ready to print.
  3. If lines are missing or broken: Perform an ink charge.
  4. Repeat until the pattern appears correct.
  • Run several weak head cleanings.

Manual Carriage Movement

Watch this part2:05
  1. Tap the left or right arrow icons to move the carriage.
  2. Press once to lift the carriage from the capping station.
  3. Press and hold to slide the carriage left or right.
  4. To return the carriage home, tap the Carriage Reset icon.
  5. Always return the print heads to the home position to prevent clogging.

Pinch Roller and Media Control

Watch this part2:25
  1. Up and down arrows control the pinch rollers.
  2. Hold Down to advance the film.
  3. Hold Up to retract the film.
  4. Tap the Load/Unload Media icon to raise or lower pinch rollers.
  5. An electric lever switch on the back right side performs the same function.
  6. Use the rear lever when loading new media from the back.

Pause and Cancel Printing

Watch this part3:02
  1. Tap the Pause icon to pause printing.
  2. When paused, Resume and Cancel options appear.
  3. Tap Resume to continue printing.
  4. Tap Cancel to stop the print job.
  5. The Cancel icon can also stop the current print immediately.

Film Take-Up Motor Settings

Watch this part3:17
  1. The film loading system maintains even tension automatically.
  2. Motor switch settings: 0: Motor off
  3. Use setting 2 when unloading media.
  • 1: Normal operation (auto tension control)
  • 2: Reverse operation to retract film

Auto Wet Cap System

Watch this part3:39
  1. When idle for 2 hours in the home position, the auto wet cap system activates.
  2. Cleaning solution fills the white ink capping station automatically.
  3. Keep the cleaning solution bottle at least half full.
  4. Low solution levels can cause air bubbles and poor nozzle checks.
  5. To activate manually: Open the right side panel.
  • Press the silver auto wet cap button.

Touchscreen Settings Menu

Watch this part4:14
  1. Access the Settings panel on the touchscreen.
  2. Adjustable settings include: Printer bed temperature
  • Bed vacuum intensity
  • White ink stirring and circulation timing
  • Environment temperature and humidity
  • Internal LED light

Heat Settings

Watch this part4:24
  1. Adjust front and back bed heater temperatures.
  2. The middle heater is disabled on the XL2 Pro.
  3. Recommended temperature range is 35°C to 45°C.

Vacuum Settings

Watch this part4:50
  1. Control bed vacuum intensity.
  2. Default vacuum level is 5 for color prime films.
  3. Increase vacuum for thinner films if needed.
  4. Adjust only if film slides or shifts.

White Ink Management

Watch this part5:02
  1. Manage white ink stirring and circulation from this menu.
  2. Leave default settings unchanged for normal operation.
  3. Increase circulation only during initial ink charge or flushing.

Environment and Lighting

Watch this part5:16
  1. The environment icon displays room temperature and humidity.
  2. Tap the Light On/Off icon to control the internal LED light.

Head Strike Sensor

Watch this part5:34
  1. The head strike sensor button activates the laser safety system.
  2. The system stops the carriage if an obstruction is detected on the print bed.

Completion

Watch this part5:48
  1. This concludes the basic touchscreen control panel overview.
  2. Proceed to the next video for maintenance and advanced operation tips.

4. How to Load & Unload Media

  1. 0:06Preparation and Safety
  2. 0:22Mounting the Film Roll
  3. 0:42Feeding the Film
  4. 1:17Securing the Film
  5. 1:40Aligning and Tensioning
  6. 2:00Media Guide Adjustment and Safety
  7. 2:20Completion
Written steps 7

Preparation and Safety

Watch this part0:06
  1. Loading film correctly is critical for print quality and head safety.
  2. Pause the video as needed and follow each step carefully.
  3. Wear gloves to avoid marking or damaging the film coating.
  4. Inspect the film roll and confirm it is evenly rolled on the core.

Mounting the Film Roll

Watch this part0:22
  1. Spread the takeup reel motors located at the back of the printer.
  2. Place the film roll into position.
  3. Set the takeup motor switch to 0 to turn the motor off.
  4. Attach the film roll onto the takeup reel.
  5. Adjust the takeup reel knobs to center the film on the printer bed.
  6. Once centered, tighten the knobs to secure the roll in place.

Feeding the Film

Watch this part0:42
  1. Press the electric lever switch to raise the pinch roller.
  2. Feed the film under the tension bar and toward the printer bed.
  3. Guide the film upward until it reaches the pinch roller.
  4. Check both sides of the tension bar and confirm they are raised to the highest point.
  5. This confirms the film is feeding straight.
  6. Verify the film is straight on the core itself.

Securing the Film

Watch this part1:17
  1. Press the electric lever switch again to lower the pinch roller.
  2. This locks the film in place.
  3. Set the takeup motor switch to 1.
  4. The takeup reel motor will turn until the tension bar drops and blocks the sensor.

Aligning and Tensioning

Watch this part1:40
  1. Move the media guides outward on both sides of the printer bed.
  2. Press the Down button on the control panel to advance the film outward.
  3. Hold the film with one hand.
  4. Press the electric lever switch twice to disengage and reengage the pinch roller.
  5. This removes uneven pressure and corrects misalignment.

Media Guide Adjustment and Safety

Watch this part2:00
  1. Slide the media guides inward toward the film.
  2. Do not press the guides tightly against the film.
  3. The film naturally moves slightly left to right during printing.
  4. Guides that are too tight can cause film buildup.
  5. Film buildup may result in a print head strike.
  6. Media guides are designed to prevent excessive up and down movement only.
  7. They do not restrict left to right movement.

Completion

Watch this part2:20
  1. Confirm the film is straight, secure, and properly tensioned.
  2. Film loading is now complete.
  3. The printer is ready for operation.

5. How to Send Print w/ NeoStampa

  1. 0:00Initial Setup
  2. 0:22Importing Images
  3. 0:52Resizing and Rotating Images
  4. 1:18Duplicating Images
  5. 1:34Nesting Images
  6. 1:55Print Settings and Connection
  7. 2:19Job Processing and Printing
  8. 2:40Completion
Written steps 8

Initial Setup

Watch this part0:00
  1. Open Neostampa on your computer.
  2. Pin the Neostampa software icon to your taskbar for easy access.
  3. Click New Job.
  4. Select your printer and scheme.
  5. For this example, select Prestige R2 Pro and the 720 x 800 scheme.
  6. Click OK.

Importing Images

Watch this part0:22
  1. Click Add File.
  2. Select one image to import, or hold the Control key to select multiple images.
  3. Imported images will appear on the workspace.

Resizing and Rotating Images

Watch this part0:52
  1. Select an image that is too large.
  2. Use the resize controls at the top to scale the image down.
  3. If the image is still outside the print bounds, rotate it using the rotate icon.
  4. Confirm the image is fully within the printable area.
  5. Repeat resizing and rotating for all remaining images as needed.

Duplicating Images

Watch this part1:18
  1. Select the image you want to duplicate.
  2. Click Copy.
  3. Click Paste.
  4. Repeat this process to create additional copies as needed.

Nesting Images

Watch this part1:34
  1. Click the Nest icon.
  2. Set the minimal separation value to 0.25 inches.
  3. Click OK.
  4. The software will automatically arrange the images to minimize media waste.

Print Settings and Connection

Watch this part1:55
  1. Click the Print icon located at the top or bottom right.
  2. In the print dialog window, verify the connection is set to TCP IP port.
  3. If TCP IP is not selected, click Configure and choose TCP IP port.
  4. File connection can be used to save the print file, but TCP IP is recommended for direct printing.

Job Processing and Printing

Watch this part2:19
  1. Select a job processing method.
  2. Note that slower computers or low RAM may affect performance.
  3. Process and send simultaneously is recommended for most systems.
  4. Click Print to send the job to the printer.

Completion

Watch this part2:40
  1. Confirm the print job begins processing.
  2. The print has been successfully sent using Neostampa.
  3. Printing setup is complete.

6. A Deep Dive into NeoStampa

  1. 0:00Overview
  2. 0:20Importing Images
  3. 0:55Modifying Images in a Job
  4. 1:46Saving Jobs as CPS Files
  5. 2:10Creating and Saving a PRT File
  6. 2:50Understanding CPS vs PRT Files
  7. 4:05File Compatibility Warning
  8. 4:20Adjusting White Ink Intensity Per Image
  9. 4:55Adjusting White Ink via Profile Settings
  10. 5:20Adjusting White Ink Choke
  11. 6:00Adjusting Color Settings Per Image
  12. 6:50Saving Color Adjustments as Default
  13. 7:20Color Matching with Color Replacement
  14. 7:55Managing Color Replacement Rules
  15. 8:10Printing a Color Chart for Accuracy
  16. 9:22Completion
Written steps 16

Overview

Watch this part0:00
  1. Open Neostampa.
  2. Click New Job.
  3. Select your printer and scheme.
  4. For this example, select Prestige R1 with the 720 x 440 scheme.
  5. This creates your first job or batch.

Importing Images

Watch this part0:20
  1. Import images using one of the following methods: a) Click Add File and select an image. b) Drag and drop an image from your desktop. c) Click Open Job and select an image.
  2. Each import method creates a job tab.
  3. Multiple tabs indicate multiple jobs or batches.

Modifying Images in a Job

Watch this part0:55
  1. Select images in the first job tab.
  2. Resize images as needed.
  3. Make copies of images if required.
  4. Click Nesting to maximize media usage.
  5. Set the nesting margin to 0.25 for cutting space.
  6. Confirm the layout.

Saving Jobs as CPS Files

Watch this part1:46
  1. Click File.
  2. Click Save.
  3. Choose a save location, such as the desktop.
  4. Save the job as a CPS file.
  5. Close the job tab.

Creating and Saving a PRT File

Watch this part2:10
  1. Open the second job tab.
  2. Import a new image.
  3. Resize and rotate the image as needed.
  4. Duplicate images using Ctrl + C and Ctrl + V.
  5. Click Nesting and adjust margins if required.
  6. Click Print.
  7. The file is saved automatically as a PRT file.
  8. Close the tab after saving.

Understanding CPS vs PRT Files

Watch this part2:50
  1. Locate the saved PRT folder on your desktop.
  2. Note that PRT files can only be opened in DTF Station Pilot.
  3. Double click a CPS file to reopen it in Neostampa.
  4. Ensure the correct scheme is used when reopening CPS files.
  5. CPS files are ideal for reprints and reorders.
  6. Do not move or use PRT files until processing is fully complete.

File Compatibility Warning

Watch this part4:05
  1. Do not attempt to open PRT files in Neostampa.
  2. PRT files are supported only in DTF Station Pilot.
  3. CPS files are supported only in Neostampa.

Adjusting White Ink Intensity Per Image

Watch this part4:20
  1. Select an individual image.
  2. On the right panel, click White Effect Layer.
  3. Under Flat method, adjust the intensity percentage.
  4. Lower intensity if there is too much white ink.
  5. Click Save to apply and update the default.

Adjusting White Ink via Profile Settings

Watch this part4:55
  1. Click the three dot menu in the upper right.
  2. Select the correct profile next to the five color option.
  3. Click the profile icon.
  4. Select White Ink.
  5. Adjust the intensity percentage.
  6. Click OK.

Adjusting White Ink Choke

Watch this part5:20
  1. In the White Ink settings, locate the choke value.
  2. Right click the choke setting and switch units to millimeters.
  3. Adjust the choke value to reduce white ink edge pickup.
  4. Example: Set choke to 1 mm.
  5. Click OK and Save.
  6. Confirm saving when prompted to apply changes to all images.

Adjusting Color Settings Per Image

Watch this part6:00
  1. Select an image.
  2. Click Color Adjustments on the upper right.
  3. Adjust brightness, contrast, and saturation.
  4. Preview the changes.
  5. Click Apply.
  6. Apply adjustments one image at a time for best accuracy.

Saving Color Adjustments as Default

Watch this part6:50
  1. Click the three dot menu.
  2. Select Advanced.
  3. Click Input Defaults.
  4. Enable color adjustments.
  5. Adjust values as desired.
  6. Click OK.
  7. Click Save and confirm.
  8. Color adjustments now apply to all images.

Color Matching with Color Replacement

Watch this part7:20
  1. Select an image.
  2. Click the Color Replacement icon on the left.
  3. Select the color to adjust.
  4. Review the current RGB values.
  5. Modify values as needed.
  6. Click OK to apply the replacement.

Managing Color Replacement Rules

Watch this part7:55
  1. Remove color replacement rules if they affect gradients.
  2. Delete unwanted color replacement entries as needed.

Printing a Color Chart for Accuracy

Watch this part8:10
  1. Open the Color Replacement tool.
  2. Select the target color.
  3. Click Variations.
  4. Adjust deviation and step values.
  5. Click OK to generate a color chart.
  6. Rotate the chart if needed.
  7. Remove unused images.
  8. Click Nest and confirm.
  9. Print the chart.
  10. Identify the preferred RGB value and adjust your graphic accordingly.

Completion

Watch this part9:22
  1. Confirm all adjustments are correct.
  2. Save or print the job as needed.
  3. Neostampa deep dive workflow is complete.

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