After confirming that the Edge 1 printhead is the same part number as the Edge 2 printhead, we would like to swap them out. Scott in Gerber tech support says "But, I must be recalibrated . There are a number of things that must be done so it will print correctl. We do not support customers changing out the printhead. As if one thing is off, we maybe on the phone all day trying get the unit to print."
He also told me that Gerber charges $220 per hour "port to port" for a tech to come out. We are in Birmingham, 2 hours away from Atlanta, so if I'm doing the math right, I'll have $880 in drive time before he ever looks at the machine. (This is where I start hearing the chant in my head - "Summa, Summa, Summa, Summa...."). But, before I give up the last piece of equipment in my building that still says Gerber on it, can this printhead swap be done by a mere mortal? Thanks for your help.
(At the risk of seeming unfairly critical of Gerber, these Edge printers were pretty awesome little machines, but Gerber has been stuck in neutral in the innovation department while their competitors have continued to improve and innovate. So it feels like they are taking advantage of the few remaining people in this industry who still use Gerber equipment. Gouging us and damaging their brand reputation is not a problem for them because they are clearly phasing out of this market and aren't trying to build loyalty for future equipment sales. "Might as well gig these last few customers for all we can" seems to be the management philosophy. End of rant.)
He also told me that Gerber charges $220 per hour "port to port" for a tech to come out. We are in Birmingham, 2 hours away from Atlanta, so if I'm doing the math right, I'll have $880 in drive time before he ever looks at the machine. (This is where I start hearing the chant in my head - "Summa, Summa, Summa, Summa...."). But, before I give up the last piece of equipment in my building that still says Gerber on it, can this printhead swap be done by a mere mortal? Thanks for your help.
(At the risk of seeming unfairly critical of Gerber, these Edge printers were pretty awesome little machines, but Gerber has been stuck in neutral in the innovation department while their competitors have continued to improve and innovate. So it feels like they are taking advantage of the few remaining people in this industry who still use Gerber equipment. Gouging us and damaging their brand reputation is not a problem for them because they are clearly phasing out of this market and aren't trying to build loyalty for future equipment sales. "Might as well gig these last few customers for all we can" seems to be the management philosophy. End of rant.)