Plotter life

[Ruddbow]

I just recently had my first hiccup with my Summa D60. It is about 5 years old and has been an excellent machine. Their CS is incredible!!

For all you veterans out there, How often do you upgrade plotters? Do you trade in for newer models or use them til they die?

Also, your thoughts on the following plotters:
Summa D60SE and the Graphtec FC7000-75

I am wanting something with a registration mark sensor. I would like to go bigger but still do not see the huge benefit of going over 24-30".

Appreciate the input.


Ryan

 

[Checkers]

Hiya Ryan,
A good plotter will last many years if you maintain it properly. I've been in this business for almost 15 years and never had to replace one. I also know some guys that still run plotters from the 80's and early 90's.
That being said, I also own a D60, and expect it to last 5 to 7 years before I retire it to being a back up plotter.

Checkers

 

[Pro Signs & Graphix]

Ryan,

Plotters that are larger than 24" have their uses, although for most - it is very seldom. If you are tight on space, or plan on being able to move it around (place to place), a 24" is still the way to go.

As for retiring the plotter, our philosphy is: "if it ain't broke - leave it the hell alone!"

In your case, you are looking for a unit with an optical sensor. That may be worth the upgrade to you. Not being familiar with the operation of the Summa - does your machine have the ability to set the axis?

 

[Mike Paul]

You won't get much on a trade in.
I would keep it until it craps out or keep it as a back up. I have a Anagraph AE60e from 97 that just won't quit. Almost 10 years out of a $2,500 plotter. Still cuts great.

 

[Ruddbow]

In your case, you are looking for a unit with an optical sensor. That may be worth the upgrade to you. Not being familiar with the operation of the Summa - does your machine have the ability to set the axis?

Yes, I believe so.

 

[Pro Signs & Graphix]

Unless you you are just itching to spend some money (on a new plotter), it is a very valuable and useful function. This will help alleviate the need for an optical sensor. Another Summa user may be able to help you with instructions.

Not that it matters in your situation - the cheap plotters do not have this ability, which is why many have to get the sensor equipped models later.

 

[THATgirl]

plotters

My Roland PNC 1000 has been going since 89...no problems whatsoever. I have a friends 24inch GRC 61....so far I do not like it. My old roland may be slow and noisy...but it sure is dependable.

 

[OldPaint]

talked to a guy in ark, the other day bought a roland PNC-1100 for $250.00!!!!!! i got 2 of them, had a PNC-1000 I
for $1600 in 93, sold it in 2001-02 for $550 and bought both 1100 on ebay for $1000 each......and i have no problems...........if i had $3000 i would go for a new ROLAND CM-300.

 

[k.a.s.]

Our Graphtec is over 10yrs. old with no problems, I'll replace it when it quits.

 

[Cross Signs]

I've got a Gerber GS-15 that is over 15 years old and still used everyday, Sometimes I wonder how many miles of material I've run though it

 

[jayhawksigns]

We have our Summa T-1010 going strong for 10 years now. I consider the Mimaki CG-130FX we got with our JV3 as its backup, you just can't compare a tangential cutter with a drag knife.

 

[Pro Signs & Graphix]

You guys can buy all of the Summa that you want - but when they advertise for and praise your competition.......

http://www.summausa.com/news_detail.php?article_id=27&sess_id=33c621fbb64b8afa4d5e10782d48bc1c