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Roland VP 540 low throughput
Hi I am thinking of buying a Roland VP 540 as I would like a wide format printer. I am concerned if I only use it once or twice a week will the printheads or anything else block up with ink?
Thanks
Gary -
3 Replies
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Our SP540v gets left over christmas and new year without being "used" and always fires up straight away without a problem.
Just make sure you leave the main power on (the one on the side of the machine) which will allow it to do a regular self clean when it see’s fit. I dont think you’ll have a problem only printing twice a week.
Andy
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Gary,
A long winded reply, but here goes……
In my opinion, the heads on low-use machines do NOT last nearly as long as those on printers that spend several hours per day printing. The continious flow of ink through the heads keep them in shape for many more square metres. I base my statement on the following 2 observations:
1) A few years ago, several local companies purchased Roland SP 300 printers. The place I worked for had the first one, and the other 3 companies followed our lead within 12 months. Our machine was worked hard every day, while the other printers were "once or twice a week" printers. They all had replaced print heads before we did, despite our printer being the oldest, and most used.
2) Ask any Roland owner which colour starts deflecting and blocking first on their printer. In 9 out of 10 cases the answer will be the black head. If I look at my pile of empties, there is 1 black for every 6 to 10 of M, Y, and C. I may not be Albert Einstein, but I do spot a trend with relation to more ink = longer life.
Why dont you consider the SP 540 rather. Half the number of heads means double the ink flow per head on every job. Your print volumes does not need a fast printer. One year old Second owner examples can be had for less than half what a new VP costs. And the SP is good for 20 to 30 square metres per day output – double that if you print high speed.
Also, dont fool yourself thinking you are going to use it only 2 times a week. Within 6 months the printer will be happily singing along every day. It is incredible how dependent you become on them in a very short time!
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Thanks Andy and Gert a lot of very helpful information there, didn’t know you could still get the SP540 have only seen the VP version. I think the SP would be perfect for me, will need to look around a bit more.
Thanks again
Gary
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