Recommended print run for digital

Discussion in 'Xerox Digital Presses' started by Cailean, Jan 19, 2021.

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  1. Cailean

    Cailean Member

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    Jan 2021
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    Alloa, Scotland
    Hi, I've just bought a Xerox C75 and an DC 252 for short runs of leaflets, brochures and booklets.
    I'm from an offset background so this digiral printing is all new to me.
    Most leaflets will be printed 4 up on a SRA3 coated stock. Probably most runs will be for 1000 leaflets or 250 SRA3 sheets.
    My question is, what is the maximum amount of SRA3 sheets in colour that is viable to print on a digital press before cost of toner etc makes it too expensive?
    I'm self servicing my machines and have no click charges. My cost is the paper and toner.
     
  2. jwheeler

    jwheeler Senior Member

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    This is a very difficult question to provide an accurate answer on, especially since you didn't provide the cost of your consumables. Even if you did, there is no accurate info on exactly how many prints you'll get out of a toner bottle, or how long a drum, fuser, etc will last for. Any averages published by a manufacturer are usually based on 5-7% coverage of an 8.5x11/A4 sheet of 20# bond. It all depends on the amount of coverage and the types of prints. For example, if your prints are flooded with a solid background vs just light coverage of text. Therefore, a set of toners could last for 5,000 prints or 25,000 prints, which would completely change your cost per print. Then, at some point, you're going to have to replace some of the significantly more expensive components like the fuser, drums, or other parts like corona wires, etc. This is why a CPC (cost per click) service model is very helpful, because you know exactly how much your cost is per print. Additionally, since you're doing your own labor, your hourly pay rate should be a consideration into the costs, whereas, a CPC plan, all parts, labor, and consumables are included. The best thing you can do is start tracking how many prints you get out of each component, and then divide by how much you paid for those components. You'll find it changes every time, but maybe you'll be able to narrow in on an average. Some might say 5,000 clicks is their breaking point of when they go to offset, or before they outsource if they don't have an offset press. There really is no single answer here.
     
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  3. Cailean

    Cailean Member

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    Location:
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    Thank you for your reply. I reckon about 2500 will be my max print and I can split this across the two machines. Cheers Cailean
     
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