Thermal VS Inkjet VS latex

[jason91]

Can somebody give the low down working cost on these three type of printers...I've had a roland inkjet for 10 years, so I know the cost of inkjet. However, I don't know how it compares to these other two. I'm looking to buy another machine, and the type of work I do (racecars....bling bling graphics) the thermal Summa DC5 looks interesting. It can put out mirrors, brushed mirror, and even flourescents. That could be very valuable to me company? Any help and info would greatly be appreciated

 

[Gary Wiant]

I don't have experience with the DC 5 but I have an edge 2 and a Mimaki, the edge is much more expensive than the inkjet, Thermal printing costs depend on how many colors you are printing it would be pretty easy to figure out. Take the cost of the foil ÷ the cost by the length of the foil roll and figure it out the per foot cost. If I remember correctly the edge was around $.70 per foot per color.

Enjoy

 

[XtremeXccessories]

We've had a DC 4 for a few years and I wouldn't recommend it. The consumables are expensive, it's extremely slow, very sensitive to the type of media you use and the slightest imperfections in it's surface, low resolution, it's very hard to get a decent looking CMYK print (virtually always banding every 4 inch pass), each color needs it's own cassette ($84 + shipping) or you have to swap the ribbons in and out of them which is a pain...

That being said it does have some awesome spot colors, but keep in mind the matte gold and silver have a 2 year outdoor life and the mirror colors are for indoor use only. Unlaminated you're lucky to get 3-4 weeks in the summer sun for the mirrors (can't recall how long it lasts with lam).

In my opinion it's a niche printer best suited for decals under 4" which aren't needed in a rush and the customer is willing to pay a premium for the neat spot colors.