Found a good deal on a hardly used HP Designjet 3500 CP, and just wanted to get opinions on this machine.
Does anyone use it? How durable are the UV inks? Would I be able to do vehicle wraps (I know I need a laminator)
Any input would be appreciated.
This would be my first, and only large format printer, and I would most likely be getting it for less than $500
Thanks!!
-------------------- Brian Ooms for CVD -Custom Vinyl Designs Merrillville, In Posts: 244 | From: Merrillville, IN | Registered: Dec 1998
| IP: Logged |
-------------------- Brian Ooms for CVD -Custom Vinyl Designs Merrillville, In Posts: 244 | From: Merrillville, IN | Registered: Dec 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted July 11, 2009 02:54 PM
it seems like a similar printer to my ENCAD 736. I WOULD NOT DO WRAPS WITH IT!!!!! but for INDOOR or short term(6 months to 12 months)OUTDOOR, with lam.........is about all you can expect from it. you can make money with it, and it can save you some time.
[ July 11, 2009, 02:54 PM: Message edited by: old paint ]
-------------------- joe pribish-A SIGN MINT 2811 longleaf Dr. pensacola, fl 32526 850-637-1519 BEWARE THE TRUTH.....YOU MAY NOT LIKE WHAT YOU FIND Posts: 11582 | From: pensacola, fl. usa | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted July 11, 2009 03:45 PM
I figured outdoor durability to ba about a year with lamination, would be good for banners and such right?
HP has UV inks they say are good for about a year outside, but I am a bit skeptical since they are still dye pigmented inks.. Thought maybe I could upgrade it to a Mutoh, or a Prismjet later on...
-------------------- Brian Ooms for CVD -Custom Vinyl Designs Merrillville, In Posts: 244 | From: Merrillville, IN | Registered: Dec 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted July 12, 2009 09:25 AM
I have a designjet 5500. It's a good printer but I only use it for art giclee prints. If you want a printer for exterior signage save up for a more appropriate printer which works on uncoated vinyl.HP inks are expensive.Don't expect to get much for it if you plan to upgrade to a different printer.Hope this helps.The inks are fine but the media coating will separate even with lamination on exterior applications.
The UV inks are great for archiving prints and indoor displays, but they do not last long outdoors. I've had prints start to fade in less than a month in Las Vegas sun - with UV, pressure sensitive, laminate applied.
I wouldn't say no to the printer if it's a really good deal, but I would not plan to use it for anything outdoors.
Havin' fun,
Checkers
-------------------- a.k.a. Brian Born www.CheckersCustom.com Harrisburg, Pa Work Smart, Play Hard Posts: 3775 | From: Harrisburg, Pa. U.S.A. | Registered: Nov 1998
| IP: Logged |
posted July 15, 2009 03:43 PM
I had one, first wide format printer I had. The inks were very expensive and it would print only on coated vinyls which were also very expensive. The print life was ~reasonable with UV inks and lamination, print quality was good. But it's not something I would even consider for vehicle wraps. And price-wise you wont be able to compete with the solvent based printers that dominate the market now
Resale value on these machines is zilch, I took mine to the dump 4 months ago... including about $1200 worth of media and inks
-------------------- Mike O'Neill
It has yet to be proven that intelligence has any survival value. - Arthur C. Clarke
Printer-friendly view of this topic