VUTEk GS3200 Super-wide Format Printer - IT Enquirer

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VUTEk GS3200 Analysis & Findings
4 Most super wide format printers will print on a large range of media. The capability to print on many different media from many different suppliers improves a wide format printer’s ROI. Flexibility During our tests, we saw the VUTEk GS3200 being used for printing on materials such as: It allows the printer to be used in many different vertical markets without being locked in by the printer manufacturer when it comes to media. There is always a lock-in on the level of ink, but this is understandable as a manufacturer can only guarantee quality results when using the standard inks. However, in super wide format printing a lock-in at the level of ink and media makes a printer less flexible and more expensive (in operating cost terms; manufacturer branded media is usually sold at a premium) than it should be. Media flexibility is of crucial importance as users will need to exploit the printer for as many vertical markets as possible. This benefits the printer’s TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) and rapid payback of the investment. It also benefits TCO because — in cases where media quality is less important — it enables users to shop around for the best price/quality ratio materials available. ÃÃ Construction materials such as concrete and stone tiles ÃÃ Glass plates and film ÃÃ Plastics, Polypropylene, Vinyl, and other synthetic rigid and roll-based materials ÃÃ Wood, metal, mesh The range of materials that can be used with a super wide format printer partly depends on drying time and the curing system used. A water based ink such as Latex will use a lot of energy (heat) to create the necessary bonding between the inks and the media. A UV curable ink does not need heat but UV light to make the ink polymerize. This process is much faster and more energy efficient.. In order to keep curing times within efficiency ranges, the applied heat is higher with water-soluble inks. Many materials will deform or melt at high temperatures even if they are only exposed for a couple of seconds. Hence the need for either drastically reducing the number of materials a water based inkjet printer can use or the introduction of media that has been made to the printer’s specifications. The latter are usually not to be readily found with materials suppliers. Vendors will regard these branded materials as “consumables” for which they can charge extra. ÃÃ Fabrics, including curtain, materials, losely woven fabrics, etc. (Open media needs backing aka. “liner” to avoid printing on the belt). All of the materials we tested were supplied by third party suppliers —none were VUTEk branded or VUTEk sold. Given the fact that ‘media’ in a super wide format printing environment can mean anything, the VUTEk GS3200 therefore doesn’t lock in the user at all. The VUTEk GS3200 uses a temperature point at which practically all materials are unaffected. The VUTEk GS3200 proved to be a flexible device in more ways than just media independence. For example, the VUTEk GS3200 can be equipped with multiple zero points. This requires the operator to install up to © IT-Enquirer Reports – Erik Vlietinck 2010-2011 - All Rights Reserved. Reproduction and distribution of this publication in any form without prior written permission is forbidden. The information contained herein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable. E. Vlietinck disclaims all warranties as to the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of such information. Although E. Vlietinck’s research may discuss legal issues related to the information technology business, he does not provide legal advice or services and his research should not be construed or used as such. E. Vlietinck shall have no liability for errors, omissions or inadequacies in the information contained herein or for interpretations thereof. The opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice. For information contact: info@it-enquirer.com.
Page 1 and 2: Product Report VUTEk GS3200 Super-w
Page 3 and 4: Contents Executive Summary iii INTR
Page 5 and 6: VUTEk GS3200 Introduction
Page 7: 2 The printer The VUTEk GS3200 is a
Page 11 and 12: 6 can from the operator panel be sw
Page 13 and 14: 8 the need for mounting and laminat
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VUTEk GS3200 Super-wide Format Printer - IT Enquirer

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