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.