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New Printer Advise
Hi all
We have now decided to purchase our first machine.
As i have seen on all the forums the JV3 seems to be one of the best options for a small to medium sign shop that is looking to print full color vehicle graphics as well as the PVC banners, roll ups etc.
Unfortunately here in Botswana we will have to rely on a South Africa’s distributor to supply us with all consumables etc. This does not pose a huge problem as we are close distance wise. Unfortunately from rumors and some experience ourselves the Mimaki agents are VERY unreliable and many people have had problems with them when it comes to backup support etc. Does this warrant us buying another machine all together.
We are looking seriously at the Uniform Cadet Plus as the Agent for Uniform is extremely good and will at the drop of a hat come through and offer support at any time and place. Is the cadet a good machine, a little worried about the speed.
The other option is the HP 8000 a bit more expensive and also expensive on inks. But buying technology is excellent.
We really do not want to go for a Roland due to the Eco solvent inks. the weather here is very harsh and with our experience inks fade quickly and rub off easily.
I also read about the Mutoh is it a good machine what would your choice be between a Mutoh and a Uniform or would a Mimaki be woth it even if the support is terrible
Would really appreciate your professional advise on this we are so confused at the moment
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6 Replies
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I mate.
I have a Roland SC540ex converted to Techink full solvent inks. It may not be suitable to you though. I changed from eco inks because a lot of my signs are in high traffic situations, and lamination is sometimes not in the clients budget.
As far as buying a new machine goes, backup support is very important, as if/when these machines fail, you need to know that support will be there as soon as possible,
I’d go for either machine… Uniform or JV3. The new Mutoh is an unknown with reliability (here at least) but the JV3 and Uniform are proven.
End of the day, I’d be looking for a combination of good machine and reliable service. If Uniform fits that bill, I’d probably steer you in that direction.
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Hi, Dane
We’re based in Walvis Bay, Namibia, and have pretty much the same problems as you with suppliers. We also source all from South Africa.
The Uniform and Roland are pretty much the same machine. We run a Roland, and no probs with UV. A banner in front of our shop was printed 3 years ago, and is only now starting to fade(slightly) And this was printed with Eco Sol, not the newer and much better eco sol Max inks. I must add that the colours fade fairly uniformly, so you dont notice it very easily.
Who do plan to buy from? Midcomp sell Uniform, and also refillable carts and bulk ink. Price is R450 per refillable cartrage, R 650 per litre for ink. This works with both Uniform and Roland printers. Cost is about 4 times less than OE cartrages. (I,m planning to do this change, as soon as the boss OK’s it). As for the Roland, it is extremely reliable and durable. Ours now run 7 – 12 hours per day, no problems yet.
Oh, welcome to the Boards. We are now 3 guys from Southern Africa contributing regularly!
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Hi
Thanks for the advise. Do you guys have any idea on the HP 8000s this machine is the same price as the cadet, but has a separate cutter. Also it comes with cartridges not bulk ink system. It is more expensive to run but the technology is far better. Also the big plus is it is 1600mm wide. This to us poses a lot of advantages as we do a lot of spirit flex signage which often needs PVC prints wider than 1200mm do you think it is worth paying the extra on consumables. Does anyone have any experience with the HP 8000
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I dread to think of the problems you will get with Cadet inks drying up in your climate. Make sure the Uniform service backup works.
Peter
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Hi
I am using a HP 9000 …its a great printer
I think that the HP 8000 is also a great printer maybe a little slower
HP/Scitex have a good reputation -
hi,
i have Roland sp 300 and use ECO SOL MAX ink, for my is perfect,
i don’t have problem whit ink, just you must detect right materials and profiles,
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