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Hi gang...I have been in the sign biz for 15 years or so, and I am fainally thinking hard about getting a digital printer. I am familiar with setting up files to be printed, but I know very little about large printers, and printer/cutters.
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Try to get something with outdoor durabilty. I know I sometimes sound like a Roland VersaCamm commercial, but check it out. They run $14K. print fast, up to 1440 dpi quality, use Eco-Sol Ink, and have an estimated print cost of $.22 per foot.
-------------------- Jerry VanHorn, Pres. Pure Sports Designs, LLC Pro Sign Design / United Wholesale Signs www.prosigndesign.comwww.unitedwholesalesigns.com West Liberty, OH 937-465-0595 866-942-3990 Since 1990 Posts: 925 | From: West :Liberty, OH | Registered: May 2004
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The hottest ones out are probably the Mimaki JV3 and the Roland Eco-sol machines. The mimaki will print on almost anything, but is pure solvent with the odor and quite a bit of maintaining of the machine. The Rolands are alot tougher to find vinyls (uncoated) that print real well. But, the Rolands are almost mainteneance free. Th Rolands also die-cut, the Mimaki doesn't and requires a seperate plotter.
-------------------- Bruce Evans Crown Graphics Chino, CA graphics@westcoach.net Posts: 910 | From: Chino, CA | Registered: Nov 1998
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You have to look at what you want to do with it, My matan Spark is a jewel, thermal printer, runs a meter a minute in full color. But it's a high priced machine geared towards productivity. You have to pick out your market is and buy the appropriate machinery.
-------------------- Mike O'Neill
It has yet to be proven that intelligence has any survival value. - Arthur C. Clarke
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Mike I saw that spark in action at a sign show a couple of years ago, what a magnificent machine it is, a bit like an edge on steroids. (i hope theres not a bit of phallic envy going on there) But it was not the machine for us , as you were saying that you need to find the right machine for you.
-------------------- Greg Baker Sign City 14 Milton Circuit Port Macquarie NSW 2444 signcity1@bigpond.com Posts: 48 | From: australia | Registered: Oct 2002
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I reread this thread this morning, what I see are different sign makers with different markets using different machines that suit them best.
I understand your question and If I didn't have a digital machine I'd be asking the same thing, but there is no cut and dry answer in today's market of digital machines.
Mike uses a Matan Spark to run high volume runs, Bob uses his Soljet to do POP work and I use my edge to do most truck lettering with multiple colors or anything that you have to layer vinyl for, some decal work and a multitude of different items when needed.
We all have different needs and do different work for select markets.
A lot of these machines can cross the lines into other markets but not always does it do it well and the most cost effective. Each machine has it's shining moment and that should be the one you choose it to do for you.
I will say one other thing in my opinion, look past the 'cost' and look at you return on your investment, Just like a sign, your machine should not cost a penny to you, it should work for you, ( not you for it) and it should make you money.
It isn't any fun or cool to own a digital machine that drains the budget.
Good Luck
[ July 05, 2004, 09:05 AM: Message edited by: Bob Rochon ]
-------------------- Bob Rochon Creative Signworks Millbury, MA 508-865-7330
"Life is Like an Echo, what you put out, comes back to you." Posts: 5149 | From: Millbury, Mass. U.S. | Registered: Nov 1998
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