This is a great printer We have cmyk cmww. WE LOVE the device. We do not do volume production but we do high end custom applications and this printer adds so many possibilities...we are still coming up with ideas all the time. Add a nice cnc machine and a laser and the possibilities get even greater.
The only down side (other than typical adhesion issues of UV) is the ink expiration periods. The vendors we have used do not move enough ink to have fresh ink on the shelf at all times. With a one year life (Typically only 4-5 months left when it leaves the vendors shelf) One must be careful not to buy beyond the consumption rate of the shop.
On the up side the device is ink frugal. You will like this machine. We traveled to Dallas and Atlanta to look at other options and this was hands down the best option for the money.
We are looking at true flat bed printers. Started with CET Q5, then Oce 460GT, we really liked that and are leaning that way. Then discovered that Mimaki actually has a true flat bed. We also do not do mass production printing by more high end themed entertainment stuff, i.e. entertainment theme parks, casinos, and also signs with small print and fine graphic detail with back light signs.
How would you rate this printer to fall into this category? What are some of your dislikes with the printer? How is the tech support side?
Any opinions on other printers?, this would be our first printer, whatever we choose.
Thanks for your time
When I began looking I traveled to trade shows, then to CET and then across Atlanta to Mimaki. I spoke with people who had CET and worked through several issues. Some were happy, some were quite open about their dislike and distrust for CET. CET did some heroic efforts to please some of the customers who had trouble including swapping the printer. I could not get comfortable with them and they are definitely a small operation. I looked hard at the Canon 318 and think I would have been safe but the machine, though very good, was known for its slowness. When I went to Mimaki the president was there. He observed my personal demo. A man of few words indeed but the JFX 2515 so impressed me. It was night and day from my observations at CET.
Reaching techs is sometimes a little tough as they are servicing quite a bit of equipment. I have the 85th JFX200. They have many other printers so staff seems a little thin. They do have some very good techs in my area. The ink delivery system with its expiration warnings is the only real down side. The chips will let you print 30 days past expiration then they quit. You have to throw away the unused ink even though it is fine. Do not store ink on your shelf. Let your vendor do it. Be sure to get the exp. date when ordering. That was my mistake when I bought. I thought it wise to have back up ink before I knew my consumption rate. My Mimaki rep took care of me on this mistake and I am fully happy. Still hate the ink supply warnings and such but not a deal breaker. I would highly recommend the JFX 200. The head crash protection is amazing. It will not let the head crash period. Print quality is amazing. Easy to keep up and running. We love it and would buy another. Wish it was a 5x10 though. This is where CET has them. Their 5x10 is less than Mimakis 4x8.
hope this helps.
We are looking at true flat bed printers. Started with CET Q5, then Oce 460GT, we really liked that and are leaning that way. Then discovered that Mimaki actually has a true flat bed. We also do not do mass production printing by more high end themed entertainment stuff, i.e. entertainment theme parks, casinos, and also signs with small print and fine graphic detail with back light signs.
How would you rate this printer to fall into this category? What are some of your dislikes with the printer? How is the tech support side?
Any opinions on other printers?, this would be our first printer, whatever we choose.
Thanks for your time
Hello all, We are looking at possibly purchasing a new Mimaki JFX200. I was wondering if any one on the forum has one and your thoughts on it?
Thanks, John
Thank you for the info. We currently have the older jf1631 that we are in the market to replace. This printer has served us well, but one of the main issues we have is the amount of ink it wastes. We do not do an excessive self cleaning, only daily manual cleaning and 1or 2 self cleanings to get fired up. However, it fills waste tank up every 2 - 3 months. Every time I empty it, I'm draining cash right from my wallet. I know this machine is completely different, so I wonder if you can let me know how many hours a day you print andhow often waste tank gets filled? Also, mimaki says lamps will last about 5000 hours, so that would mean we need to replace after about 2.5 years. Did you get a cost on replacement lamps from mimaki?
thanks
The waste issue is also true with us. Had the machine for almost a year now.
Well not sure exactly how much since I empty before it gets full, I do it more frequently. But so far this year maybe once? (we are on a slow season) which would be a gallon.So you have the jfx200 and you are filling that waste tank a lot? How many times have you filled it this year? I find it hard to believe mimaki saying it costs .20/ sq ft if your filling that waste tank often. My old hp hardly ever wasted ink.
Well not sure exactly how much since I empty before it gets full, I do it more frequently. But so far this year maybe once? (we are on a slow season) which would be a gallon.