Nautilus Heads

[mark jones]

let me start by saying that i am not familiar with this printer. However i have worked (serviced) the thermal range from roland. Thermal machines are good, but, if past experience is to go by, the heads are basically a consumable. You will need to have a clean and dust free environment for this type of machine to function properly. another question is the warranty. is this machine available from a uk dealer? if so are they a reputable reseller? are they known for good service?. this type 0f machine can soon cost you money. what type 0f work are you hoping to reproduce on this machine?

[ldalmas]

I am getting this printer from the factory and we will use it for T-shirts , small stickers and car wraping. 🙂

[CTS]

I’m thinking of buying one! Any Comments or guidence? 😮

[ldalmas]

I have seen the nl600 at the officices in holland and the works quite well and quite flexable it is ideal for the first time buyer no drying ink and no clocked nosels I like thermal technology you only have to keep spotless free from dust on the media and you will get a perfect result every time. it is also good for car wraping (not in muss production ) it can also print on glossy reflective which is ideal for road signs (most printers cant) 😀

[Rodney Gold]

Made by GCC , same folk that I bought my lasers from (they are great in relaibility and support – sort of) , they make great cutters too.
For what its worth My local GCC (Great computer corp) agents wont sell me one or thaink of carrying them when I enquired – they were not at all enthusiastic about this machine!!
There have been some nigtmare stories on other boards re this machine. Most of these machines are high maintenance and flaky and require very clean environments.
I would steer VERY clear of a co first thermal offering , others have had decades to perfect it and havent managed to as of yet.

Thermal printing is being outdated by inkjet and is VERY expensive in terms of consumables

[ldalmas]

I have been working on all sorts pf printing mach and cutters on my island not many do this job of serviceing and the agents here sell you the machine and kiss you good buy, I would chose on this criteria if you intend to print below 3000 sqr meters per year go for a thermal printer because the wear on the heads depends directly on the meters printed, if more go for an inkjet because the heads wear away by time and not by meters printed if you have an eco solvent priner the heads would last 12 to 18 months if you have a solvent printer with xaar heads they do not last more then 8 months before begining to clog, If you get a printer with spectra heads (for me the best) you may get up to 2 years or more but they are quite expensive. you have to calculate this also in your running cost. the good of thermal printing is that you do not have to stay flushing and wipeing the heads all the time (manual or automatic) but you have to have a spotless environment and carfull of not touching the media with your fingers because you will get many finger prints on your print. runnig cost here in malta for thermal printers is aprox 10 euros per meter (calcualtaing head wear) and the good thing is that you do not get the over flowwing waste ink tank, and in thermal printing ypu can print in withe gold and chrome (not possable in other printers) 😛