Need Help HP DesignJet 5500 - Advice

[RacingGuy]

Hello everyone, I've been following the forum for a while and I'm excited to participate.

I recently purchased an HP DesignJet 5500 at auction. It came with the UV inks (90% full) and only has 1550 ft. of usage. I realize that this unit is a bit old, but I could not resist it for $200.

I've set up the printer on my network and used the different diagnostic tools on the printer, everything appears to be working. Everything is working before I try printing.

My real questions are the following:
1 - What type of vinyl do I purchase for printing banners?
2 - What's an easy software program to use for creating the banners?

I've read various articles online about making banners, but they all tend to be generic.

Thank you,
The New Guy

 

[Nicholas@74]

Here is the Hp source for Materials. https://hp.globalbmg.com/uk/banner-and-sign-materials
Some materials don't work well, best to get some samples and try it out. Don't forget to laminate your outdoor prints.
For indoor: Just an information sheet
https://hp.it-shop.bg/uploaded/10/8/Banners with Tyvek.pdf

 

[Steenland]

The Designjet 5500 uses water-based inks, so the media must have a special coating for that ink. You must use media that is Aqueous compatible. Yes, you got it cheap, but make sure you look at your operating costs. Aqueous-compatible media, besides being harder to find, generally costs more than other media. Also, it's a six-color printer, and each ink cartridge costs more than $250.

Unless you're producing products only for indoor or short-term outdoor, you will need a laminator.

Have you printed anything with it yet? If I were you, I would buy a roll of HP Universal Heavyweight Coated Paper (part # Q1413B) or something similar to use for testing to make sure it's working OK before investing in banner media.

Not trying to be a downer, just want you to know what you're getting into. I made a living for over 20 years with HP aqueous printers before adding latex capability. Mostly exhibit work. I laminated everything. Very few banners. You may find it hard to compete in the banner market with an aqueous printer.

Best of luck!

 

[kanini]

That printer is also good for one-offs or small batches of large format posters on paper (matte, photo etc.) and produces really good quality even with today's standards. Also photos on canvas and fine art materials are available. Outdoor banner stuff, vinyl etc. is a bit limited and the durability is not as near as good as with eco-solvent or latex.

 

[Bly]

I had several of those a long time ago.
They're real workhorses and as kanini said are great for photos and art prints.
Before we had solvent we did a bit of outdoor signage and they lasted quite well with the right media & laminates.
The trouble was that media was expensive and so was the ink.

 

[BigfishDM]

Hello everyone, I've been following the forum for a while and I'm excited to participate.

I recently purchased an HP DesignJet 5500 at auction. It came with the UV inks (90% full) and only has 1550 ft. of usage. I realize that this unit is a bit old, but I could not resist it for $200.

I've set up the printer on my network and used the different diagnostic tools on the printer, everything appears to be working. Everything is working before I try printing.

My real questions are the following:
1 - What type of vinyl do I purchase for printing banners?
2 - What's an easy software program to use for creating the banners?

I've read various articles online about making banners, but they all tend to be generic.

Thank you,
The New Guy

I have many great materials for that machine. It is an older model but you can still do lots of stuff with it! Reach out if you need those materials, I have them all and can help you with lots of stuff. 714-878-7989

 

[RacingGuy]

Wow, I definitely appreciate all the responses and good information! I'm really excited about learning more and producing product at the same time.

I've been looking at different used laminators, there seems to be a lot of them for sale on FB marketplace.

 

[gelink]

Hello everyone, I've been following the forum for a while and I'm excited to participate.

I recently purchased an HP DesignJet 5500 at auction. It came with the UV inks (90% full) and only has 1550 ft. of usage. I realize that this unit is a bit old, but I could not resist it for $200.

I've set up the printer on my network and used the different diagnostic tools on the printer, everything appears to be working. Everything is working before I try printing.

My real questions are the following:
1 - What type of vinyl do I purchase for printing banners?
2 - What's an easy software program to use for creating the banners?

I've read various articles online about making banners, but they all tend to be generic.

Thank you,
The New Guy

you must use media with coating
best rip for is Sai or wasatch