Newbie with CJV150-160 Help

Hi everyone. I'm about to purchase a used CJV150-160 and have it shipped to me. This will be my first printer as my business has been outsourcing our printing for the last 3 years. I have a few questions for some of you experienced owners.

1. I'm planning to have the ink flushed so when I receive it I will need to get ink flowing again. Is this something that can be done by me or does it have to be done through the service menu by a tech?

2.My current printing is sometimes very intermittent. Some months we are printing 500+ sqft. Sometimes we can go a few weeks without any printing. We're in advertising so were always printing large 5 foot x 10 foot prints. I'm slightly worried about keeping the machine in tip top shape if we aren't running a print every day. Are the auto cleanings the printer does sufficient to keep things flowing if the printer goes a few weeks without use? Can I get by with custody washes if I know the printer will be out of use for a longer time?

3. I'm about 8 hours from a mimaki tech. Which makes servicing tough and pricy. Are there service manuals or online resources for self servicing these machines?

4. How long do ink cartridges last before they expire? Is there anyway to lengthen the lifespan?

5. Lastly I'd love to hear any feedback or tips that will help me navigate this new machine or just make my experience better.

Thanks !!

 

Thanks for the reply. Do you know if the flushing fluid can freeze at colder temperatures.? I am in Canada and it will be travelling in a truck that could experience below freezing temps. I assume some of that fluid will remain in the lines and various passages. Wondering if I should be concerned about freezing related damages?

 

Thank you!. What are your thoughts on running Mimaki brand inks vs third party inks?

I've searched but can't seem to find any service manuals online. Are they available anywhere or does Mimaki keep that stuff out of owners hands so we use techs? I've been reading about inks SS21 VS ES3 from Mimaki. The printer will be in my shop but I don't currently have a ventilation plan. How much of an odour will this machine put out while printing? Obviously in the summers I can open doors but winters not so much.

EDIT:


Another question I have is I read a lot about print heads lasting 5-6 years. This machine is coming up on its 5th year and is showing 2 missing nozzles on a test print. I only print billboards at this time which are viewed from afar. How much life can one really expect from these machines before they won't even print anymore?

I also am wondering about using third party parts like dampers and capping heads? Do people have issues with these consumables if they stray from Mimaki.

 

Im having a hard time finding a Canadian supplier for Bordeaux inks. Has anyone heard or had experience with Marajet inks? Is the machine capable of running with 4 carts in a cmyk set up or do you always need to have 8 carts in the machine?