print head replacement - how often?

Hello all - I'm just curious to hear your experience on this, and different printer models. We're considering switching from using Canon IPF8000s's to a mix of HP z6100 and T1200 for advertisement poster printing and time-table type posters, respectively. We're trying to compare running costs right now. Our paper types won't likely change, and they're both inkjets with similar ink types. So we're looking at things like ease of use and consumables... it looks like HP's print heads are less expensive, but maybe require changing more often?

Any one have any experience with this, or ink consumption for that matter? I'd be interested in hearing some experience before making a recommendation.

Thanks in advance, hope this is a suitable place for this post... I'm not a desinger. more on the software and tech side.

JP

 

There are many manufacturers of wide-format printers, but among the leaders in the industry are Hewlett-Packard, Canon and Epson.

1. Hewlett-Packard. Hewlett-Packard’s offering to the users of wide-format printers comes in the form of the HP DesignJet line of printers. The best of this product line is the HP DesignJet 500 inkjet printer. This printer is great for graphic artists and technical professionals who need to come up with illustrations, line drawings and the like that are accurate and high in resolution. This printer is also noted for its printing speed and precision.

2. Canon. For Canon, the company has the Canon imagePROGRAF series to cater to users of wide-format printers. Considered to be among the best in this line is the Canon imagePROGRAF W8400. Its ink system is pigment-based, which assures users of printing outputs that truly last. It also has a very high maximum resolution that allows the accurate capturing and rendition of detail. Though it works well with line drawings and drafts used in architectural and engineering offices, the Canon imagePROGRAF is more suited to graphical output such as banners, posters, fine art reproduction and the like.

3. Epson. Epson’s printers have always set benchmarks in quality prints, and it is the same with their wide-format printers. What is thought of to be among the best of Epson’s line of wide-format printers is the Epson Stylus Pro 3800. The Epson Stylus Pro 3800 is a favorite among digital photographers in that it produces high-quality prints with very good resolution at a considerably fast speed. Moreover, it is very efficient in its use of ink.

Wide-format printers may not be a common feature of household computing systems or some small offices, but a demand for them does exist. They are cheap alternatives to screen printing and other methods of large format printing.

 

Hello, what about DesignJet 600? Thank you in advance.

 

The designjet 500 is ancient, while a work horse and a great printer will not produce that great an image. It might be better for us if you let us know what type of work you want to do with the printer so you can pick the right one.

As far as printheads go you can probably get anywhere between 400ml and 1200ml of ink through an hp printhead.

 

Our mass production is produced with Laser A3+ printer, but sometimes customers want A2 format posters. Currently we have partners that print, but they are not in our town, so it is not handy for us.
That's why I decided to look for a used (old) cheap machine on eBay. It is important the price of print plus print should be weather-proof (stay outside) at least for month.

 

You will need to get a pigment based printer then, You may be able to find an old epson 7600 or 4000 possibly. The HP designjet 500/800 are a dye based printer and would not last more than a few days outside.

 

Only HP DesignJet printers offer good value for money (with ref to running costs) which come with long life printheads. These printheads do not fail frequently unless you are using very cheap rough paper or canvas which damages the print nozzels.

Regards ..... www.cadservices.co.uk

 

Hello, again, all.
Has anyone tested how long can be a print outside, printed with dye. How important for this is paper?
Can c350/450/750 be used with pigment? (Of course, not genuine)