Suggestions New Flatbed Printer Suggestions

[jbarry14]

I am looking into purchasing a new flatbed printer. We currently have a JFX 200-2513 that is getting old and becoming unreliable.
Our top priority is print quality. We do a lot of high end artwork, signage and displays for universities and professional sports.

The ink set currently used is CMYK,CL,W. Both white and gloss are used on a daily basis. Having a good quality white is a must.
The main materials we print on are Acrylic, PVC, and ACM.
The printer would be in an office environment, the quieter the better.
Another benefit would be the ability to repair the machine myself without voiding a warranty.

I have been looking at the Vanguard VR6, SwissQPrint Impala / Nyala, Digitech TruFire LT, and the Epson V7000.
I have been leaning towards the Digitech machine as they are made in the USA and make everything in house.

Our budget is flexible. I'd like to stay under $300k, but can go up for the right machine.
I'd like to get some feedback from people who own and operate these machines, as well as other flatbed recommendations that fit our needs.

I will be attending the ISA show in Vegas and hope to get some hands on time with these machines.

 

[Zach Starr]

I would recommend take a look at the Stratojet Shark Flatbed as well. You can get upto 13 colors on that printer. Similar technology to the SwissQ but would fit in the budget you are looking for. Been using them for while now its a workhorse, but I am using Colors and white. We use about 6-9 hours almost everyday. I have not used the extra colors they have, but heard it would enhance the quality if I do. Its upgradable so I can another two rows of CMYK and increase my speed as well or add other colors varnish etc.

 

[Bonzai901]

Digitech TrueFire is fast and print high quality, got the option to get with a conveyor and a Colex router, ask them to give you at least a few profiles since we only got one profile for Caldera Rip

 

[zspace]

Digitech printers have been solid work horses in our shop for about 6 years. i appreciate their reliability but truly appreciate the service responsiveness when issues occur. I don’t remember a printer ever being down longer than 2 days.

 

[parrott]

I believe we are coming up on year 5 with our Digitech. Could not be happier with the purchase. Incredible machine that is fast, reliable and great quality. As a company they really do care about their customers and success. It’s great to partner with a vendor that is so excited to see you succeed.

 

[ProColorGraphics]

I have a V7000 and really like it. From what I am told, I was in the first few to get one installed when it came out. The quailty is amazing!! I had several companies send me print samples showing me the best print quality possible. Print quality is my number 1 priority in a new machine as well. The ONLY one that looked better was SwissQ. $300k+ was not in my budget, so I ended up with the Epson. It's not the fastest, but speed is not an issue for me. I have no regrets, I still would recommend them to anyone looking at one. The techs are great is well if you have any questions.
If you are serious about the Epson, I HIGHLY recommend calling and talking to Will at IT Supplies.

I too have looked at the Stratojet as the color options they have look very interesting!

 

[White Haus]

I have a V7000 and really like it. From what I am told, I was in the first few to get one installed when it came out. The quailty is amazing!! I had several companies send me print samples showing me the best print quality possible. Print quality is my number 1 priority in a new machine as well. The ONLY one that looked better was SwissQ. $300k+ was not in my budget, so I ended up with the Epson. It's not the fastest, but speed is not an issue for me. I have no regrets, I still would recommend them to anyone looking at one. The techs are great is well if you have any questions.
If you are serious about the Epson, I HIGHLY recommend calling and talking to Will at IT Supplies.

I too have looked at the Stratojet as the color options they have look very interesting!

That's good to know, glad to hear you're happy with the Epson flatbed. How is ink adhesion and cover? Any issues with poor adhesion or some materials showing fingerprints etc? Any substrates you just can't get to work?

 

[swordguy3222]

We are very happy with our Fuji Acuity Prime L. Very little service has been required over the past year of having it, and when something is needed, Fuji is very quick to either call to assist with the issue or have someone come out and resolve it within a day or two. This is our 3rd Fuji printer over the past 13 years, and might be adding another one by next spring.

 

[ProColorGraphics]

That's good to know, glad to hear you're happy with the Epson flatbed. How is ink adhesion and cover? Any issues with poor adhesion or some materials showing fingerprints etc? Any substrates you just can't get to work?

I don't trust that boards are super clean, so I wipe down all of the pastic I print. Since I am wiping it anyways, I just use an adhesion promoter. I use the Supply55 2155 for plastics. It's supposed to help against static too. Easy/cheap insurance for that and prevents chipping when cutting too.

 

[jfiscus]

We have been VERY happy with our FluidColor flatbed, and suggest you check them out. They are made in the USA also, and their service/support is top notch, AND they are user-serviceable for the most part.
My only complaint is the software (TopJet) isn't exactly what I like, but that is just me.
We have CMYK/W/V inks, and the ability to add more heads later if we need more speed.

 

[DPICopy]

Can anyone give me a ballpark cost for a Digitech TrueFire ST? Looking at it as an eventual replacement for our aging Arizona 318GL.