To buy or not to buy?

[graphix45]

I have found a new Mimaki CJV30-160 that is setup at a distributor in their showroom for $14,500. They are including 440ml of CMYK x2. I have been told this was a good deal but also that it does not work well with Flexi Pro. They said I would have to use Illustrator or Corel with a plug in to rip/print from. I have Illustrator but don't use it much and was wondering if this was going to be alot of trouble to use. Also how hard will it be to print, remove, laminate & then contour cut as far as the rip program. I've been looking for a print/cut machine for a while now, but didn't want to jump into something that was not going to be user friendly just because it a good deal. I've been told the Rolands were easier to use and less of a learning curve. What do you all think? I would love some input from anyone that uses a Mimaki.

Thanks in advance!

 

[Matt-Tastic]

I've used Flexi with the CJV several times with no issues in ease of use. It is harder to find profiles for flexi, but that is the case with a lot of printers.

Print & Cut can be done as:
Print only
Cut only
2 separate jobs (a print job and then a cut job)
hybrid job (prints, then immediately switches over to cut)

the second option would be your choice if you need to laminate in between, and it is no harder to do than if you were using 2 separate machines. If you're that nervous, on-site training by a experienced vendor would be the best bet for you, but it's nothing you can't do yourself, as long as you don't mind messing up.

 

[graphix45]

They said they would come set up the printer and show me how to operate it, but I'm not sure if that's considered training. I think with some pointers from experienced Mimaki users I could learn it with no problems. I'm not really nervous just curious as to ease of operation using Flexi.
Thanks for the reply!

 

[HulkSmash]

seems high for a demo unit.

 

[graphix45]

I was told the normal price on the CJV30-160 (63") was over $20k. I actually got a quote early last year on a CJV30-130 (54") and the retail was $19,995 but the "demo" sale price was $16,000. I have been told by another dealer that sells both Mimaki & Roland that it was a good price.

 

[knucklehead]

Place in Florida is selling the new 60 inch print/cut for 12.5k, two year warranty, two full sets of inks, delivery and set-up, don't know.

 

[Robert Gruner]

$12.5K and two sets of ink? You sure that's not the price for JV33-160?

Some resellers took a deal from Mimaki prior to ISA on JV33-160 and CJV30-160.

End users can still get new, in the box CJV30-160 including install and training for $14.5K.

Bob Gruner
bob@busignsupply.com

 

[MikePro]

buy it!!!!!!
MIMAKI ROCKS!!!!!!!

p.s. fork over the extra loot and get yourself a decent rip. no point in spending that kinda cheech just to jerry-rig a workaround.

 

[graphix45]

Thanks for the replies. I feel like the price is in the ballpark and since the dealer is only an hour down the road, set up & service after the sale will be fine. My biggest concern here was the compatability printing with Flexi 8.1 which I'm currently using. I didn't want to have to export & import into Illustrator an then use a plug in just to print everyday jobs. Seems like too many steps involved. I'm sure I could get use to it and even get to where I could do it quick, but others I know that use Roland or even Mutoh just print directly from flexi... Seems pretty simple. I just haven't talked to anyone that uses a Mimaki w/ Flexi.

You know, I want to do like most customers think its done... just hit print.:ROFLMAO:

 

[graphix45]

p.s. fork over the extra loot and get yourself a decent rip. no point in spending that kinda cheech just to jerry-rig a workaround.[/QUOTE]

What kinda rip do you suggest?

 

[Matt-Tastic]

Thanks for the replies. I feel like the price is in the ballpark and since the dealer is only an hour down the road, set up & service after the sale will be fine. My biggest concern here was the compatability printing with Flexi 8.1 which I'm currently using. I didn't want to have to export & import into Illustrator an then use a plug in just to print everyday jobs. Seems like too many steps involved. I'm sure I could get use to it and even get to where I could do it quick, but others I know that use Roland or even Mutoh just print directly from flexi... Seems pretty simple. I just haven't talked to anyone that uses a Mimaki w/ Flexi.

You know, I want to do like most customers think its done... just hit print.:ROFLMAO:

The CJV30 is not an option in Flexi 8.1. You'll have to upgrade to FlexiCloud, or roll that money into AI and run out of the included RIP. I like Rasterlink, but it does have issues with Profiles (so will FLexi, to be 100% honest), and having to send print to cut out of AI is odd to get used to. If you're used to using AI, i'd go that route, otherwise, upgrade you flexi and be done with it.