Yes, the JV33 still makes a great dye-sub printer, just keep in mind that there will be some costs involved. We have done a far number of solvent to dye-sub conversions on JV33s ourselves, and have never found a way to successfully return a solvent head back to running waterbased inks without loosing a large portion of nozzles. Here are the items you’ll need for a successful conversion:
1x Mimaki M007947 Print Head
8x Mimaki M006579 Dampers
8x Mimaki M006974 Joint Valves
8x Refillable cartridges or bulk system
1x InkControl PCB
We typically flush with mild solvent cleaner , then air, follow with acetone and then air again. We put in new Dampers and Joint Valves before installing the new Print Head because you don’t want any traces of solvent ink mixing with the new dye sub ink.
Excluding flushing fluid, ink and labor, parts will run about $3,500. If your JV33 is in good shape, this is still much cheaper than buying a new machine. Cheapest comparable new machine right now is the Mimaki TS30 at around $7-8K. It’s worth noting that the TS30 is basically a JV33 but cones only in 54” and have the heaters and takeup stripped out of it.
Not sure what you’re planning for a heat press but keep in mind that the cost on this hardware can outprice even a brand new printer - large flatbed presses (say 30 x 40”) are in the $5K to $10K range and rollfed calendar presses go for a minimun of $20K (i would argue $30K for anything decent)
If you want to talk to our technicians about a conversion, parts, inks or any other supplies, feel free to call our office at 855-927-2465
- Dave M
