Valuejet

[Dave Stacey]

I saw the Valuejet printer from Mutoh at a sign show. The size looks about right for me as the Roland 54" is slightly to big. I'll have to get a new plotter.
Does anyone have any comments on this.

Thanks

Dave

[myronb]

Funny, I was just a few minutes away from posting the same question! I would also be interested in what anyone knows about this & also the PrismJet V from signwarehouse. They are supposedly the same machine. (I hope I didn't hijack your thread dave!)

[Flame]

I demoed one. Here's what I think.

It's stupid fast for the price. About 4-5 times faster than the Falcon Outdoor printers (I believe). I watched it with my two eyes....WOW.

Great quality. It lays down the ink in a wave pattern so no banding.

My only gripe... no auto take up reel. But it's cool.... WAY better than their Falcon printers IMHO.

If I didn't have a 2 month old Falcon (ie Prismjet) I'd buy the Valuejet.

[Pro Signs & Graphix]

Come on Flame - its only money! !LOL!

As a matter of fact, I am sure that someone here would be willing to give you a couple of peanuts for your "old and used" machine :Big Laugh

BTW - I really hope you know that I am busting chops - so please don't do anything foolish like give Mutoh an early Xmas gift! :Big Laugh

[myronb]

Bumping this up to see if anyone else has an opinion!

[Mrs. Uneedasign]

My only complaint is the size is odd. It accepts 50.2" media, but nobody makes media in that size. So it is really a 48" printer that will no print full bleed (edge to edge). So it you need to print and mount to a 4x8 panel, you will be 1/2" short. Mutoh is showing the new 64" valujet this month in Vegas, but at $24,995.00, I think other printers are a better option.

[Dave Stacey]

Thanks
Seeing as the 54" is to big this doesn't seem like a bad option. I'll still would like for someone that has one to respond.

Thanks

[f3rri]

I recently just finished our dealer training as a new "Authorized reseller of Mutoh Products" well legally that's what we can call ourselves.
Let me begin by saying that time is the most important item that matters.Our Family has been in the sign industry since 1927. If a company can stand that test of they must be doing something right. Mutoh is from the 60's and grew into the famous printer manufacturer it is today through the years.
Mutoh is the OEM manufacturer for many brands of printers they are just rebadged or reclothed with new plastic. Infact they make the larger Epson Aqueous printers. Yes, they manufacturer Epson printers. The truth lays here in the print head and the stepper motors. Epson has a fabuolus head out now and this head is a derivative of their Toucan LT model put into the ValueJET as a 4 color unit. Like colorspans, which make a great product, with incredible output, 4 color is all you need since the printhead technology allows smaller droplets. But the real meat and potatoes: Wave Pattern Printing. "Wholey Banding Reduction Batman" like the new digital cammo that the us military uses, this process is incredible at reducing edges "banding". Well that has astonished me print after print I had made in that week. But the truth is we live in a capitalistic society, money and makes the difference. ROI (return on investment for you newbies" a 30" Roland @ 12,995 can make you $$$ but the truth is we need to be able to print a minimum of a 4'x8' in our society since it is a manufacturing standard. For approx $2000 more you can take the jobs that you will be passing up on with the Mutoh 48" and pay for that difference. If you think the width won't justify $2000 how about the speed then it is tremendeously faster than the Roland. Which means you can make more prints more day or send out more invoices per day. Well the roland is a great product, it uses the same head and ink from epson but the truth is if you have a sign shop 48" is the way to go. As I have been told a take up reel will be avail. soon. Normally, I would agree with anyone that would say it's great because you sell them. But the truth is , I sell them because they are a great product that will make you $$$ROI$$$ and they make my customers money and they come back for repeat business.

Well, If you wanta Valuejet here's my email. My district is PA, but I'll look find out if I can go further into other markets. I urge you to take a cdrom with a 25meg file and print on the Mutoh and the competition. Print on the Mutoh last though. I garauntee with the difference in printing speed you will be writing a check and loading it in the car with the spare time on that print.

I'm advising you to go out and buy one, just to try one, It will sell itsself.


Chris Ferri
Ferri Design + Construct
Design | Construct | Communicate
412.294.1977
chris@phablab.com


Ps. the Valuejet name isn't winning me over, It should have been the profit jet. But I guess it looks better for any clients that see your printer.

Explore the following websites to experience all of Mutoh's Capabilities.
www.Mutoh.com (http://www.Mutoh.com)
www.Mutoh.be (http://www.Mutoh.be)
www.mutoh.jp (http://www.mutoh.jp)

[Matt Cuellar]

I have to say that the ValueJet is absolutely impressive. My company has been HP DesignJet dealers for over 13 years, and the ValueJet beats the 5500 in quality and speed, HANDS DOWN! That's hard for me to say since I've bled "5500" since entering this industry a few years ago. The Interweave function on the ValueJet eliminates banding in everything we've seen and the color gamut of the CMYK process is phenomenal. For the price point, there is nothing better, and quite honestly, it still is pretty fast for the unit. We've got some great sample books that we're marketing on this printer and the feedback has been 100% positive thus far. Mutoh makes a great product with great support and they treat their dealers very well. I'm located in Seattle, so anyone in WA/OR/ID interested, please give me a shout. Good luck and happy printing!

Matt Cuellar
Unica digital media llc
mattc@unicadigital.com

[RonSF]

My only gripe... no auto take up reel. But it's cool.... .

I saw this printer at SGIA and spoke with them about a take up reel. It is standard on the larger model and optional on the 48" one. I seem to recall that it was fairly pricey, around $1,500, if I recall correctly. I know that the roll mounting system is a little slicker on the big machine too. I liked what I saw from them, particularly the wavy print pattern concept.

How about some more feedback on these machines? They are bound to have sold more than one or two already. :rolleyes:

[Matt Cuellar]

I've been very impressed with this printer. We have the 48" model and the downside is that there's no takeup reel, but overall, not a big concern compared to the benefits. The quality is phenomenal, great speed, really quiet...sometimes I don't even realize it's on. =0)

I think Mutoh has a winner here and this will be a big-selling product for the next little while. Tip my hat to Mutoh!

Matt Cuellar
Unica digital media llc
mattc@unicadigital.com

[juan45215]

Does anyone have any specs on the speed? I spec are not not very accurate, but it's starting point.

Is the Valuejet faster than the JV3?

[ChiefBL]

Hello all,

We just recieved our Prismjet V (Mutoh Valuejet...clearly marked on the packaging) TODAY! Was only able to unpack and mount on its stand. Looks great.

Signwarehouse gave me (I think) a great deal, end of month special, 48" Prismjet V, 54" Q130 Plotter, 60" Cold Laminator, FLEXIsign 8.0 and a complete startup package of inks, media, graphics, misc and FREE shipping, for $18K total.

Will have to get back with you on the quality, speed etc. They stated it prints at 140ft/hr at production resolution.

This is out first printer...looking forward to learning.

Good input on this board.

Bill
Signxpress

[ChiefBL]

Valujet specs from signwarehouse.

PrismJET V
• Print Method Drop-on-Demand Dynamic Variable Dot Piezoelectric Inkjet
• Maximum Color Print Speed: Up to 140 square feet per hour in Production Mode
• Head Height Adjustment: 1.5, 2.3 mm with maximum media thickness of 1 mm
• Resolution Options: 1440, 720, 540, 360
• Print Mode Options: 10 modes (resolutions, passes, and carriage speed)
• Print Control Options: Media microstep adjust, origin reset, automatic head cleaning, dry time interval between copies
• Heater/Dryer: Individually controlled pre. platen, and post heaters
• Ink Reservoir Capacity: 220ml per color with 4 ink reservoirs
• Available Ink Options: Eco-Solvent Ultra ink. No lamination required in normal applications. Heavy duty applications, such as car wraps, floor graphics, etc., require lamination.
• User Panel: LCD Display 4 line x 20 character with LED backlight
• Standard Data Interface: 100Base-TX Fast Ethernet NIC and IEEE 1284 ECP Parallel
• Feed & Take-up System: TBD
• Media Handling: Sheet, front feed/front exit roll, rear feed/front exit
• Roll Media Specifications: 3" core, 42 lbs
• Print Speed: Production Mode (720x720, 2 pass) @ 140 sf/hr; Graphics Mode (720x720, 4 pass) @ 70 sf/hr; Quality Mode (720x720, 4 pass) @ 55 sf/hr; 7 other modes available
• Max. Media Width: 51.2" • Max. Print Width: 48"
• Assembled Printer Size: 70Wx27Dx38.5H
• Assembled Printer Weight: 150 lbs
• Shipping Size: 75Wx30Dx33H
• Warranty: 1 year on site printer, parts & labor; 6 months or 2 billion droplets on the print heads, whichever comes first

Note: No lamination required in normal applications. Heavy duty applications, such as car wraps, floor graphics, etc., require lamination.

[juan45215]

http://www.mutoh.com/products/ValueJet/ValueJet%20Comparison%202_files/slide0004.htm

[mark in tx]

I wouldn't take another Mutoh if they gave it to me for free.

[ezkimo]

Ill get mine tomorrow ;) I cant wait

[Gene@mpls]

Please let us know your experiences with it. thanks Gene

[Freddy]

We have been a Mutoh dealer for 2 years and along with several other lines of printers, cutters and finishing equipment - the Mutoh printers have sold well and have held there own. But - I have to tell you that the ValuJet has been a homerun for our cuatomers. Whether it is a 48", 64" or a 100" ValuJet, our experience as a sales and technical support group has blown away our expectations.

If we can be of any assistance, please let us know - Gregory, Inc. 800-835-2221

[ezkimo]

Please let us know your experiences with it.

Well two days all i've been doing is printing sandblast films (b&w design) I have had no time for tests, I had a little color difficulties, But i don't think its the VJ's fault. I've got profiles for Avery 2010 and Avery 3000 and i will be using the 2000 series for printing and contour cutting. The dealer took some tests on it before he delivered it to me and it looks super, i saw him print 2pt letters in 720dpi and it was easily readable.

The steps are super narrow and you can see small waves ~1-2mm maby.

It does not come with a take-up, and we ordered a 3rd party take-up with a IR dryer (which i don't think is really necessary)

Installing Media and starting the device is really easy i walk in to the printer room and in less than 5 minutes its up and running

That is my first impression.

[Gino]

Installing Media and starting the device is really easy i walk in to the printer room and in less than 5 minutes its up and running.


Sounds like waking up in the morning and wandering into the bathroom !!! :Sleeping:

[Buddy]

We just bought the ValueJet after much deliberation and studying of alternative brands. Waiting shipment.

[GB2]

I saw and demoed the ValueJet at the USSC Sign World Show in Atlantic City this past weekend. It was generating a lot of interest from everybody there and did a great job on some test printing files that I brought with me. I'm very, very interested in anybody's opinion on actual use of the machine. Mutoh was never really a brand that I had interest in, nobody seemed to speak very highly of the name previously but when I suggested to a vendor at the show that I'd like to ask around for opinions before I'd plunk down some cash, he said quite frankly, "Nobody has one and nobody likes Mutoh". Huh? What was that? Well, as he went on to tell me, the ValueJet is a completely new design which uses the newest model print heads and technology and is set to turn the company around and separate it from it's past experiences. Now, this is a vendor that sells Mutoh, HP, Mimaki and maybe another and he claims there is no comparison in this price category. From my limited previewing, I can't argue, but I would love to hear some actual in use feedback.

[FrankenSigns.biz]

I am getting opinions about this machine that run the gamut from "you're a fool not to buy it" to "you're a fool if you buy it". The trashing is derived from Mutoh's apparent horrid reputation. This machine sounds too good to be true and you know what they say, "if it sounds too good to be true then it probably is". There has to be a catch or Achilles heel. I have three Roland print-plotters and they are busy 9 to 5. I could really use this this kind of throughput at this price-point. It sounds like a no-brainer. But I need concrete, real-world information or maybe a 90 day money-back guarantee. I would really like to investigate this and get some concrete data. I'm not one to drop $14,000 on a white elephant.

Biff Smith
http://www.colorondemand.com/

[Bradster941]

I wouldn't take another Mutoh if they gave it to me for free.


It would be helpful if you explained why you feel this way.

[Andrea]

My company (Creative Visual Systems -NJ) also jumped on the Mutoh bandwagon when this printer was released. I agree with the posters who say that this new, "wave" print technology is the best thing since sliced bread! The speed is decent, at 140sq ft per hour in production mode. We received our demo model about two weeks ago, and the prints have looked great on whatever media we have tried out. According to our tech, who set this machine up, he says it was the easiest machine to set up and operate, compared to the Seiko's, HP's, Mimakis, etc. The other nice thing about the ValueJet is that it comes with a 1 year parts & labor warranty, and extended service contracts can be purchased. Although my company is an authorized Mutoh service facility, I don't expect to be seeing any Mutoh's anytime soon for service. This is by far the best printer I've seen in a long, long time.

[technowolf]

very intresting.....hummmm.....héhé!

[Buddy]

Just got our ValueJet...waiting setup on Tuesday....we also got the Mutoh 48'' cutter which supposedly has firmware / software enhancements to the countour cutting portion.

Stay tuned for more........

BUDDY

[FrankenSigns.biz]

Just got our ValueJet...waiting setup on Tuesday....we also got the Mutoh 48'' cutter which supposedly has firmware / software enhancements to the countour cutting portion.

Stay tuned for more........

BUDDY

Way to go Buddy, keep us abrest.

[Buddy]

Love the printer / ValueJet. Super fast (4x8's in 20 minutes). The print quality is off the charts. Banding is a non-issue and 720 x 720 is absolutely brilliant sensational resolution with deep saturation. No need for the ultra high res 1440 x 1440 unless someone comes in and want art reproduction (hope not). I suppose we could get even faster prints at a lower resolution / banner quality ? 4 x 8's in 20 minutes at 720 x 720 absolute dazling colors and perfection..........is good enough and fast enough for us..........right now.

As for the Mutoh cutter ? That is still a work in progress. It is challenging to learn and we're still working on it.

The printer has been a piece of cake for the person using it (which is not me).

BUDDY

[dzign]

I bought a 48" ValueJet recently, including Flexi 8, Enduralam 53" laminator, Graphtec 7000-130, 54" plotter and lots of media and inks from SignWarehouse. Here's my story so far. The printer is absolutely kick A$$. I've never used a wide-format printer, much less a laminator or the high tech features of the Graphtec while contour-cutting until now. I've been able to finally output my most creative designs MYSELF! It's all very addictive like it used to be when I bought my first computer system in '93. The only problem s have been with the smart chips on the inks, only because I was shipped outdated cartridges. SW is taking care of me all the way. Great support (have to wait to get answers, but I get quality ones). I paid way more than the 18k a previous poster did, but I've gotten lots of extras along the way and generally feel satisfied. Nobody has been able to cut a better deal than SW. Although I'm not as picky as some, there are issues with media not clean and causing some fisheyes. This has occurred with one roll and I'm hoping its not something that will haunt me down the road as I buy more media. I'm pretty amazed at how much printing can be done with the inks before they run out. Haven't had a cartridge say it needs changing yet, but will let you all know how that goes. Matching colors has been a little tricky as I setup my designs in Adobe and import them into Flexi, but the spectrum is all there, and beautifully so. There's a lot to be learned. With the Graphtec's contour cutting and the printer's output, both machines running separate jobs simultaneously, I'm glad I opted for a non-hybrid printer. It's a money machine. I've lived too long without it. Anybody else relate to this, please reply.

[Buddy]

Thanks for the info....we just bought a Mutoh ValueJet and cutter.

I almost went with SW but was afraid their version of the ValueJet (PrismV) might have outdated chips or firmware. But didn't know....I was just not sure. I'm sure it's great however.

Our ValueJet is incredible. Can't say enough about it.

Our Mutoh cutter is also but you about have to go to classes to learn how to run it.

BUDDY

[tjybcy]

Hi buddy,
Is your printer still doing well?? Any concerns or problems yet? We are also thinking of getting this same package thru SignWarehouse, but I'm a nervous wreck! What size printer did you get? We were going to get the 48", but I'm concerned about not finding much media of that size out there. How do you print somehting 4 ft without having 4 ft media?? I'm just bugged by that issue & am afraid that we'll waste a lot of material or not be able to do some of the larger sign jobs due to the size limitation with a 48". What do you think?
Thanks,
Teresa

[Buddy]

Our ValueJet printer is doing great. We did not buy the 'off brand' from Sign Warehouse. Not saying the PrismJetV is not good....it's just that I was concerned going with their version. I guess it's supposed to be like GMC and Chevy or Pontiac and Buick BUT.......Mutoh clearly states on their website that they do not directly service the PrismJet and to contact the vendor for warranty support. Also, I have read on this site that some who have bought the PrismJet (SW version of Mutoh) have gotten old print head chips and have had to have them replaced / updated. It makes me wonder if there are any other out dated or funny things about the PrismJet. Sort of the Wal-Mart version perhaps ?

Anyway....as for the ValueJet ? I could not say enough good things about it. On a scale of 1 to 10 it's off the charts in quality and speed. At 740 x 740 the quality is so great I could never imagine needing the available 1440 x 1440. And it will print a 4x8 at 720 resolution in 20 minutes / blazing speed. Not to mention......no banding at all, none, nada.

As for media. You have misappropiated concerns. I'm not sure why you would think there is no media available for the machine OR in limited quantities ? That is a non-issue......at least it is with us. We buy our media from the same company we bought our ValueJet from.

HOWEVER.....I will say.

We chose a company that supports us with media and color profiles and tech support. I know SW states they can and will do that as well.

We choose Mutoh brand printer (ValueJet) and a Mutoh brand 48'' Ultima cutter and intentionally bought from a company that we have found to be rock solid in support, strength and technical know how. That is paramount unless you claim to be the world's best techno person.

Also the company we bought from writes their own color profiles and will write custom profiles for any media we might need. They include on site setup and training as well. You can contact the owner of the company anytime you might need and the sales person knows the printer inside and out from top to bottom. They have one running at their location 24/7 so if you call with questions....they simply walk you thru the question and find answers. You have questions / they have answers.........available now.

Buying a printer is easy enough. You can even buy one dirt cheap on eBay if you want. But for me.....I feel it's critical to realize before you buy that you are engaging a company with a long term relationship that involveds tech support, media profiling, media supply, and user error issues (which is most important). As for media, it's not as simple as just buying media. You need to buy media that you know has the right color profiles otherwise when you think you're printing red, you'll get orange. And you'll have a 50 yard roll of media that you can't figure out why it's orange instead of red. Not the printers fault....but the color profile for that specific media.

I would evaluate the company you are buying from FIRST and then worry about the printer and media. If you get the company right then there's no worries about the printer. If you get the company wrong then all you can say is 'good luck' if / when you need assistance (which you will need unless you're already a printer techy).

Your worries about the media are okay, it's good to be cautious. But for me, I appropiated those worries towards the company I was buying from and their relationship with Mutoh and let them worry about the media and colors and tech support.

BUDDY

[dzign]

I buy 54" x 164' (almost 55 yds) Orajet 3651 or 3691 gloss and have it slit to 51" wide. You can wrap your mother-in-law up with the remnant, and it really holds well!

[tjybcy]

We chose a company that supports us with media and color profiles and tech support. I know SW states they can and will do that as well.

We choose Mutoh brand printer (ValueJet) and a Mutoh brand 48'' Ultima cutter and intentionally bought from a company that we have found to be rock solid in support, strength and technical know how. That is paramount unless you claim to be the world's best techno person.

Also the company we bought from writes their own color profiles and will write custom profiles for any media we might need. They include on site setup and training as well. You can contact the owner of the company anytime you might need and the sales person knows the printer inside and out from top to bottom. They have one running at their location 24/7 so if you call with questions....they simply walk you thru the question and find answers. You have questions / they have answers.........available now.


BUDDY

Buddy,
THANK YOU SO MUCH!! Your responses were extremely helpful! I obviously have a LOT to learn here! Anyway, I'd really like to know what company you bought your equipment from as they sound awesome. Please let me know either here or in a personal email if you don't mind.

Thanks a bunch!

[ChiefBL]

Couldn't agree with you more, Buddy. Very pleased with our first Digital printer. (Valuejet)

Just can't wait to use it more often. We're a new business and things are slow. But that's alright...because we're in the learning phase anyways...so a small job here and there is fine.

Printed my sons picture in 1440 and it was perfect! Art gallery quality. No Banding that I can see.


Bill

[Buddy]

We bought from Unica Digital

http://www.unicadigital.com/

Ask for Matt Cuellar - tell him that Buddy sent you and he'll give you a free cup of coffee when he sees you !! haaa

BUDDY

[Derf]

Hey Buddy, Does your printer have a solid fixer plate or is it broken into 3 parts like on the Falcon?

Do you get heat banding from temp change across the fixer?

If you can print a 12"x48" solid Purple or olive green and post a pick so we can check it out that would be great.

When I do a solid print like that on my Falcon I get heat banding and I'm forced to turn my heat way down. GEI came and put foil tape on it but that just helped a bit. I know where and what I can print so I work around it but it is an annoyance.

[f3rri]

I apologize that I haven't been able to give everyone a response on the valuejet. We have been in the process on divirsifying our compny to supply Sign shops, Reproduction houses, Architects and Manufacturers.

First of all, those that don't know me allow me provide a little background, I attended to Rochester Institute of Technology (this school is funded byKodak and Baush and Lomb.) I have a tremendoust of experience in the digital print realm from million dollar Heidelberg Presses to wide digital printers. After, I have attended Carnegie Mellon University for Architecture.

I will be your foremost help to guide to help you in the right direction on digitl printing. I'm not here to sell you on a commission basis as a job after college. My family has been in the signage business since the early 1930's. I am here to modernize my business as well as all of your own businesses because we need to adapt to current trends and technology change in the industry. If we don't the guy down the street will. Anyhow..

We have had our Valuejet for several weeks now. It is a no brainer it is real a money maker. The machine pretty much runs and cleans itself. The only time that you will relly need to run a major cleaning service is if you leave it unattended for more than a few days IE. a 4+day holiday where noone is prining on it. Other than that leave it on and let it be. It runs its own maintenance cycle. simple and to the point you do not need to attand any seminar to use it just 1-2 hours worth of a walk through. This machine also prints a true 48"... We base all american industries off of this size.
I feel that this is a far superior machine to the all in one unit competition. You can do a print and a cut at the same time if you elect to get the Print/cut solution. This saves your company time. 2 all print heads are expensive.... Why in the hell would you want to contaminate your printheads by cutting on the same machine. 3 you stilll have to pull your material off the machine to laminate it so there is no true benefit to having an all in one solution... "well not unless u are selling the units and can find a someone who doesn't know any better.

Several people have emailed me asking whether is is worth buying a used falcon. Here is your answer... If you have only $4000 spend. Why waste your hard earn money on someone elses machine that was put into duty and they maxed it out. The last person asking me founf a machine that the inks dried up. We that's a minor problem that may be fixed. You have to ask your self seriously how long did the guy have the machine and did he run it all day long? Did he perform the regular maintenance or did he let it go until he killed it. The new value printer is a major difference. I recommend pocking the $4000 and take a lease out. You do end up spending more in the end on a lease but you get to let your money work for you. Realistically on a Value Jet 50" you can do 1-2 banners a month and the machine will make the payment for you. At this point it doesn't get any easier than hitting the enter button to make money. Hell keep it cash it will make you a mortgage payment, a house payment, and a car payment. Yet it all depends on how much you can sell the service for. I used to outsource for $6 a sq foot. Not bad but not great. How many of you are tired of doing all the work and someone else profiting off it. I know I was. @25-30 a sq foot. it is a no brainer maybe .80-150 for material. What other business really can make that kind of a mark up??? Well as small business we know the bank can for an overdraft fee or for atm transactions. So here is my reccomendation Call cynergy data get a credit card machine call your local mutoh dealer "Notice I am not just saying my own firm" and go out and shop for the car or house that you always wanted. It seriously can get you there sooner than you think. Unless you plan on buying a US Mint printer. You cant make $$$ any faster. Well this is my oppinion love it or hate it it is worth the try. Just take me for a spin in the car you always wanted to buy. The Valuejet will make it happen. So the other thing I must say is you have to spend 30000-40000+ to get a machine that is equal or better. Personally I'd take 2 valuejets and a laminator for that kind of money. ROI (return on investment) Remember this term because it will be your next best friend. Please keep an eye out for our new website due sometime in January. WE SUPPLY ARCHITECTS, ENGINEERS, MANUFACTUERES TOP NOTCH AMERICAN, GERMAN, AND JAPANESE PRODUCTS. No Chinese crap. Stand offs, Fein powertools, Mutoh, SummaGraphics, Wacom tablets... and more on the way. I am a firm beliver of you pay for what you get. We pride ourselves on quality and craftsmenship. You should do nothing less as well. It is your name as stake

-Chris Ferri
Ferri Design + Construct
412.294.1977

...now introducing www.1440dpi.com (http://www.1440dpi.com) our new division.

Your new resource center for design and profit.

[f3rri]

If anyone is interested in a machine I can do some sample prints and make you a good deal. Now I can come really competitive to signware house but I'm offering better laminators seal to be exact.

ferri design
4122941977

[ndo]

Could somebody compare the printings from a Value Jet with the printings from Roland Sp-540.
Thanks

[ndo]

Hi again if somebody could photo for us and upload some printing from Valuejet will help me very much.

[player]

A small point but are most rolls 54"? If so, slitting them could be a pain...
maybe not for larger shops...

P

[Print-Kwik]

A small point but are most rolls 54"? If so, slitting them could be a pain...
maybe not for larger shops...
P

I just order my material slit to 51". I'm guessing as more of these come online, the suppliers will start offering rolls to fit.

[Buddy]

f3rri................What's the hold up ? People are asking for photographs of prints. Can you answer the call ?

[tjybcy]

Here are some recent pics of jobs we've done with our ValueJet. Awesome vibrant colors & NO BANDING at all---ever!

[Urban Image]

Those look great. They're at 720 dpi, right?

[tjybcy]

Those look great. They're at 720 dpi, right?

Yes, they were printed at 720 dpi, but the designs were only 150 dpi. The colors are what are blowing us away on the ValueJet. They are so much more vivid than I've seen on other printers. We are getting some awesome feedback in our area from some wholesale customers we are doing work for who were using other companies in our area before. They are saying there is no comparison to the VJ's colors & sharpness.

BUT, never, never try to print directly on magnet material with the VJ!!!! I speak from the voice of experience here! It will totally mess up the heads! The VJ is not meant to print on magnets. Just a little FYI to hopefully save someone the headache we've gone through!

[Valentino]

need some info on my ValueJet, just got it and was playing around with it today. What is the printing resolution that everyone has been commenting that the VJ is super fast?

I cant seem to figure it out, my prints are slowwwwwww.

[tjybcy]

Hey Valentino,
Ours goes very fast with 720X720. It will supposedly go even faster at 540X540. Also are you printing from a laptop? When we first got ours, we were using a laptop & it was sooooo slow! As soon as we started using a regular desktop, it went super fast. There's something about using a laptop that just doesn't work. Hope this helps.

Happy printing!
Teresa

[Sign-Man Signs]

We bought the Prism Jet Extra from Sign Warehouse and to date have had excellant results from the printer. Colors are real good for cmyk if you use 720 x 720 resoultion. What we are really having a problem with is the Graphtec vinyl cutter that they supplied with the Mutoh. For the life of us we can't get it to contour cut. It has a reader eye to follow contour line after printed but can't seam to make it do the job. We opted for the print and then send to cutter option because we didn't want to contaminate our printer head. Anyone have a suggetion on how to use the Graphtec?

[tjybcy]

Hello,

I think the following will help you. I followed exactly what it said, and did my first contour cut right off the bat.


Contour Cutting from Flexi Pro 8.0
Using the Graphtec FC-7000/CE-3000 MKII/
Vinyl Express Q-series (RMS Option installed)
1. The first Step is to add a contour line to your image. (This line shows as a light gray color and does not print. It just lets the cutter know where to cut). Select the image then select [Effects] then [Contour Cut].
http://attach.mud.mail.yahoo.com/us.f338.mail.yahoo.com/ym/us/ShowLetter?box=VJ%2d1204%20Instructions&MsgId=9817_0_159_1427_1185855_0_9038_1751061_36976 76157_oSObkYn4Ur5HQVrr2mDutIMQA8Y.vfigJ8sWuJXKxgqQ v_Eubhgjui8r3I1w_d77ThT._KpN8.qFoqKkCsHgZjNZdo3qEk HQlaaDKQBHk6LLkZnPhLhtcw2yuD.HyHlVpPn2d8lwUKmLlwy0 eq1Ni9cdzHrJ253DKDyMvg--&bodyPart=1.2&YY=83304&y5beta=yes&y5beta=yes&order=down&sort=date&pos=0&view=a&head=b&Idx=0
2. The Contour options box should open in Design Central. Different distances can be set from negative numbers to positive numbers. Negative number contours are used for setting the cut within the print a little so there is no white edge even if the cut is slightly off. Positive contour to 0.000in puts the contour right on the edge of the graphic. Any larger number contour like 0.20 gives you a white space around your graphic.
http://attach.mud.mail.yahoo.com/us.f338.mail.yahoo.com/ym/us/ShowLetter?box=VJ%2d1204%20Instructions&MsgId=9817_0_159_1427_1185855_0_9038_1751061_36976 76157_oSObkYn4Ur5HQVrr2mDutIMQA8Y.vfigJ8sWuJXKxgqQ v_Eubhgjui8r3I1w_d77ThT._KpN8.qFoqKkCsHgZjNZdo3qEk HQlaaDKQBHk6LLkZnPhLhtcw2yuD.HyHlVpPn2d8lwUKmLlwy0 eq1Ni9cdzHrJ253DKDyMvg--&bodyPart=1.3&YY=83304&y5beta=yes&y5beta=yes&order=down&sort=date&pos=0&view=a&head=b&Idx=0

3. You will see a gray contour cut line around the graphic. (Note: if the distance of the contour cut is set to 0.00 you will not be able to see the contour line because it will be on the very edge of the image). Also there is an option (With Holes) if this is checked it will also contour the insides of objects like the
insides of text . After the settings are to your liking click [Apply] (green check mark on the bottom right of design central).
http://attach.mud.mail.yahoo.com/us.f338.mail.yahoo.com/ym/us/ShowLetter?box=VJ%2d1204%20Instructions&MsgId=9817_0_159_1427_1185855_0_9038_1751061_36976 76157_oSObkYn4Ur5HQVrr2mDutIMQA8Y.vfigJ8sWuJXKxgqQ v_Eubhgjui8r3I1w_d77ThT._KpN8.qFoqKkCsHgZjNZdo3qEk HQlaaDKQBHk6LLkZnPhLhtcw2yuD.HyHlVpPn2d8lwUKmLlwy0 eq1Ni9cdzHrJ253DKDyMvg--&bodyPart=1.4&YY=83304&y5beta=yes&y5beta=yes&order=down&sort=date&pos=0&view=a&head=b&Idx=0
4. Open the Rip/Print window and go to the advanced tab. Click on the [Contour] button at the bottom right of the window.
http://attach.mud.mail.yahoo.com/us.f338.mail.yahoo.com/ym/us/ShowLetter?box=VJ%2d1204%20Instructions&MsgId=9817_0_159_1427_1185855_0_9038_1751061_36976 76157_oSObkYn4Ur5HQVrr2mDutIMQA8Y.vfigJ8sWuJXKxgqQ v_Eubhgjui8r3I1w_d77ThT._KpN8.qFoqKkCsHgZjNZdo3qEk HQlaaDKQBHk6LLkZnPhLhtcw2yuD.HyHlVpPn2d8lwUKmLlwy0 eq1Ni9cdzHrJ253DKDyMvg--&bodyPart=1.5&YY=83304&y5beta=yes&y5beta=yes&order=down&sort=date&pos=0&view=a&head=b&Idx=0

5. In the Contour options window you need to set a few options. On the top left of the window you need to make sure it shows the correct vinyl cutter (FC-7000 or Q-series cutter). Over on the right set the Registration mark to (Graphtec type 1 automatic). Also check the option [One set for all copies]. Make sure a check is put next to [Advance after plot]. Also put a check next to [Optimize cutting order] also set the number to 100.000in. At the bottom left of the screen make sure Send: is set to (As separate jobs).

http://attach.mud.mail.yahoo.com/us.f338.mail.yahoo.com/ym/us/ShowLetter?box=VJ%2d1204%20Instructions&MsgId=9817_0_159_1427_1185855_0_9038_1751061_36976 76157_oSObkYn4Ur5HQVrr2mDutIMQA8Y.vfigJ8sWuJXKxgqQ v_Eubhgjui8r3I1w_d77ThT._KpN8.qFoqKkCsHgZjNZdo3qEk HQlaaDKQBHk6LLkZnPhLhtcw2yuD.HyHlVpPn2d8lwUKmLlwy0 eq1Ni9cdzHrJ253DKDyMvg--&bodyPart=1.6&YY=83304&y5beta=yes&y5beta=yes&order=down&sort=date&pos=0&view=a&head=b&Idx=0

6. Next Click [Cutter Driver Options] on the bottom right of the screen. Make sure below the Before Job tab the option is set to (None). This will keep the software from overriding the cutters settings. Click [APPLY] then [OK]. Then click [Done] on the Contour Options screen.
http://attach.mud.mail.yahoo.com/us.f338.mail.yahoo.com/ym/us/ShowLetter?box=VJ%2d1204%20Instructions&MsgId=9817_0_159_1427_1185855_0_9038_1751061_36976 76157_oSObkYn4Ur5HQVrr2mDutIMQA8Y.vfigJ8sWuJXKxgqQ v_Eubhgjui8r3I1w_d77ThT._KpN8.qFoqKkCsHgZjNZdo3qEk HQlaaDKQBHk6LLkZnPhLhtcw2yuD.HyHlVpPn2d8lwUKmLlwy0 eq1Ni9cdzHrJ253DKDyMvg--&bodyPart=1.7&YY=83304&y5beta=yes&y5beta=yes&order=down&sort=date&pos=0&view=a&head=b&Idx=0

7. Go back to the General tab in the Rip & Print window. You can now see 4 registration marks around the image. Notice that by default flexi sets the image position 4 inches from the left and 1.0 inches up.This is to give room for the pinch rollers on the vinyl cutter. The rollers must be outside the registration marks.
http://attach.mud.mail.yahoo.com/us.f338.mail.yahoo.com/ym/us/ShowLetter?box=VJ%2d1204%20Instructions&MsgId=9817_0_159_1427_1185855_0_9038_1751061_36976 76157_oSObkYn4Ur5HQVrr2mDutIMQA8Y.vfigJ8sWuJXKxgqQ v_Eubhgjui8r3I1w_d77ThT._KpN8.qFoqKkCsHgZjNZdo3qEk HQlaaDKQBHk6LLkZnPhLhtcw2yuD.HyHlVpPn2d8lwUKmLlwy0 eq1Ni9cdzHrJ253DKDyMvg--&bodyPart=1.8&YY=83304&y5beta=yes&y5beta=yes&order=down&sort=date&pos=0&view=a&head=b&Idx=0

8. Go to the Panel tab. Click on the handles (little boxes around the graphic) & pull them out slightly to create more of a margin on the sides of the graphic. This helps to make sure the actual registration marks are not to close to the graphic which would cause the cutter to miss the registration marks when scanning for them.
http://attach.mud.mail.yahoo.com/us.f338.mail.yahoo.com/ym/us/ShowLetter?box=VJ%2d1204%20Instructions&MsgId=9817_0_159_1427_1185855_0_9038_1751061_36976 76157_oSObkYn4Ur5HQVrr2mDutIMQA8Y.vfigJ8sWuJXKxgqQ v_Eubhgjui8r3I1w_d77ThT._KpN8.qFoqKkCsHgZjNZdo3qEk HQlaaDKQBHk6LLkZnPhLhtcw2yuD.HyHlVpPn2d8lwUKmLlwy0 eq1Ni9cdzHrJ253DKDyMvg--&bodyPart=1.9&YY=83304&y5beta=yes&y5beta=yes&order=down&sort=date&pos=0&view=a&head=b&Idx=0

9. The image is now ready to be printed. Make sure you have all of the correct media settings for what type of material you are printing on. Click on [SEND] the print job will begin to print and the contour cut job will be holding next the cutter listed in the production manager Queue.
10. After print Job is done printing give it some time for the ink to cure enough to handle the material (About 20 minutes on gloss material). Then Cut the print off of the printer leaving about 5 or so extra inches of space after the back registration marks. Load the material so the print is facing the same way it came out of the printer. For Example" If you printed an arrow that is pointing towards you it needs to point towards you when it is loaded in the vinyl cutter".
11. Bring Production Manager to the front (Press Green and Purple Gear Icon). Highlight the Vinyl cutter listed on the left side of Production Manager. Select the cut job that is holding then click on the send icon.

http://attach.mud.mail.yahoo.com/us.f338.mail.yahoo.com/ym/us/ShowLetter?box=VJ%2d1204%20Instructions&MsgId=9817_0_159_1427_1185855_0_9038_1751061_36976 76157_oSObkYn4Ur5HQVrr2mDutIMQA8Y.vfigJ8sWuJXKxgqQ v_Eubhgjui8r3I1w_d77ThT._KpN8.qFoqKkCsHgZjNZdo3qEk HQlaaDKQBHk6LLkZnPhLhtcw2yuD.HyHlVpPn2d8lwUKmLlwy0 eq1Ni9cdzHrJ253DKDyMvg--&bodyPart=1.10&YY=83304&y5beta=yes&y5beta=yes&order=down&sort=date&pos=0&view=a&head=b&Idx=0
12. After pressing the send icon a message box pops up on the screen "Please place the pen/knife to the mark, then press Origin on control panel to set the new origin" .

http://attach.mud.mail.yahoo.com/us.f338.mail.yahoo.com/ym/us/ShowLetter?box=VJ%2d1204%20Instructions&MsgId=9817_0_159_1427_1185855_0_9038_1751061_36976 76157_oSObkYn4Ur5HQVrr2mDutIMQA8Y.vfigJ8sWuJXKxgqQ v_Eubhgjui8r3I1w_d77ThT._KpN8.qFoqKkCsHgZjNZdo3qEk HQlaaDKQBHk6LLkZnPhLhtcw2yuD.HyHlVpPn2d8lwUKmLlwy0 eq1Ni9cdzHrJ253DKDyMvg--&bodyPart=1.11&YY=83304&y5beta=yes&y5beta=yes&order=down&sort=date&pos=0&view=a&head=b&Idx=0

13. Use the Directional Arrow buttons on the Vinyl Cutter's Control Panel to move the tip of the blade into of the front right registration mark. As Shown below:
http://attach.mud.mail.yahoo.com/us.f338.mail.yahoo.com/ym/us/ShowLetter?box=VJ%2d1204%20Instructions&MsgId=9817_0_159_1427_1185855_0_9038_1751061_36976 76157_oSObkYn4Ur5HQVrr2mDutIMQA8Y.vfigJ8sWuJXKxgqQ v_Eubhgjui8r3I1w_d77ThT._KpN8.qFoqKkCsHgZjNZdo3qEk HQlaaDKQBHk6LLkZnPhLhtcw2yuD.HyHlVpPn2d8lwUKmLlwy0 eq1Ni9cdzHrJ253DKDyMvg--&bodyPart=1.12&YY=83304&y5beta=yes&y5beta=yes&order=down&sort=date&pos=0&view=a&head=b&Idx=0

http://attach.mud.mail.yahoo.com/us.f338.mail.yahoo.com/ym/us/ShowLetter?box=VJ%2d1204%20Instructions&MsgId=9817_0_159_1427_1185855_0_9038_1751061_36976 76157_oSObkYn4Ur5HQVrr2mDutIMQA8Y.vfigJ8sWuJXKxgqQ v_Eubhgjui8r3I1w_d77ThT._KpN8.qFoqKkCsHgZjNZdo3qEk HQlaaDKQBHk6LLkZnPhLhtcw2yuD.HyHlVpPn2d8lwUKmLlwy0 eq1Ni9cdzHrJ253DKDyMvg--&bodyPart=1.13&YY=83304&y5beta=yes&y5beta=yes&order=down&sort=date&pos=0&view=a&head=b&Idx=0

14. Press the [ORIGIN] button on the Vinyl Cutter to set the new origin. You will hear 3 beeps from the machine when you do this. Next go back to the computer and click on [OK] (message show on step 12). The Vinyl cutter will now begin to scan all 4 of the registration marks. After all 4 marks are detected the vinyl cutter will begin cutting.

[Urban Image]

I'm surprised they didn't offer you the ValueJet/Ultima bundle instead.

[Buddy]

I'm surprised they didn't offer you the ValueJet/Ultima bundle instead.


I don't think Signs Warehouse offers the Ultima cutter.

[Buddy]

We print at 720x720 and it will print a 4x8 in around 20 minutes. The print quality is over the top incredibly great. I suppose it might print faster at a lower resolution ?

[Urban Image]

A couple of minutes ago I put out a 3x5 and clocked it at 11 minutes at 720x720. If I put it at 540 it runs faster than I do.

[GXSignCo]

That is pretty good, about 82 SFPH. I've got my SP-540V outputting 64 SFPH at 720x720.

[Valentino]

yeah signwarehouse give you the graphtec fc7000 with the VJ, I personally wanted the graphtec over the ultima

[Urban Image]

That is pretty good, about 82 SFPH. I've got my SP-540V outputting 64 SFPH at 720x720.

That's counting the time it took to process the file. The image was a full color shot of the interior of a cathedral.

[Buddy]

That's counting the time it took to process the file. The image was a full color shot of the interior of a cathedral.


Yea....we print a 4x8 full bleed solid color background 100% coverage in 20 minutes.

I used to be able to hand paint a 4x8 in that length of time but it would burn the hairs out of my quils when I did so now we have a printer !! :Big Laugh

[Sign-Man Signs]

Thanks for the help. We're going to try it. Thanks so much!

[kirkbedtelyon]

Hello all,

Signwarehouse gave me (I think) a great deal, end of month special, 48" Prismjet V, 54" Q130 Plotter, 60" Cold Laminator, FLEXIsign 8.0 and a complete startup package of inks, media, graphics, misc and FREE shipping, for $18K total.

Bill
Signxpress

Thanks for your help Bill. I've been comunicating with Sign Warehouse for a couple weeks now and at first felt I was being offered a pretty good deal. I "knew" the price you quoted in your post had to be a type-o. I thought for sure you meant 28K because my quote was for the same price WITHOUT the 54" cutter, auto registration mark sensor, extra vinyl, printer presence, and roll of vinyl (and you also mentoned free shipping)! My sales person wouldn't even include an additional $50 piece of software at no charge and acted as if it were a "deal breaker".

Things seem to be changing after I mentioned your deal (and had my salesman look it up). I was offered a much lower price (thousands lower)! However, at this point I'm interested in adding on the cutter and basicly getting the exact same deal you recieved and I'd be a happy camper.

I realize that SW is in business to make money (aren't we all). What gets me a little hot is the way I was presented with the deal. It was like my offer was the greatest thing since sliced bread and $50 bucks was a deal breaker.

I'll find out Monday (March 5) if Sign Warehouse will step up to the plate and match the price you recieved.

Kirk

[kirkbedtelyon]

YES! THANK YOU SIGN WAREHOUSE for stepping up to the plate and making me a very happy customer and renewing my confidence! I'll be ordering again!

Kirk

[javila]

I saw some prints from the Valujet at the SGIA(i think that's the name of the convention) here in miami. These prints are fantastic. There were at least 4 valujets being shows by different distributor, not one of them had a bad print.

I'm amazed. (I have a 545ex btw)

[ChiefBL]

Hello Kirk,

CONGRATULATIONS on your Valuejet purchase. We were very happy to assist you in your purchase. Hope it is all you expected.

$18.7K was the deal they gave me....hope you were close.

Don't feel sorry about getting a great deal....they have much deeper pockets than you and I, and we are in the trenches fighting for every little penny.

I understand how you would feel upset with them...when they were going to sell you the same products for $25-28K.

We are still very pleased with our Valuejet, Q130 and Laminator. The Contour cutting is unbelievable and 110% satisfied with the printing.

We also thank Sign Warehouse!!! We will be long term customers!!

Bill

[ndo]

My ValueJet arrived yesterday and I am waiting the technician to install it.
I hope i made the right choice as this is the first machine coming at Greece

[Matt Cuellar]

ndo,

The set up is a breeze! You should do it yourself so you don't have to wait! It'll only take about 45 minutes! You'll be amazed at your purchase, this one of the best solvent printers I've ever worked with hands down! Kudos to Mutoh too, their support is really awesome on this product.

Matt

[Urban Image]

Have any of you tried Diamond Shield on it?

[Matt Cuellar]

Yup, but I prefer other media types. Honestly, most of the Diamond Shield line is GMI product. But still, it works good.

Matt

[ezkimo]

Just finished a 48 hrh work day, 650 square meters of graphics most of them single color circles with some slogans.
there were 1060 pieces diverted in four sizes (40cm, 60cm, 80cm and 100cm)

i printed the 40 and 60 on the VJ and the 80 and 100 on the toucan)
ValueJet:
about 250 square meters on "banner4" last couple of days.

ink use: (250cl charts)
5 magenta
3 yellow 2
2 black
cyan

About 400 square meters on the Toucan on 360x360 (bi) dpi took about 8 liters of ink

everything laminated with a kala 62" laminator

Ive got a 3rd party takeup with a heatlamp and a fan on the valueJet
and a infraread heater on the toucan.


those kind of a job's income will pay off the printer in few days.

[ezkimo]

http://www.signs101.com/photopost/showphoto.php?photo=1377&cat=500&ppuser=4409

here is one photo of the valueJet this is a 120x260 cm movie poster printed on cheap matt paper and its going to be used in a lightbox at the chinema for one or two months

[kirkbedtelyon]

Got our Valuejet and LOVE it! Got a great deal from Sign Warehouse. I was pleased with the tech support in setting it up and the prints are very nice. I also purchased the Q130 plotter/cutter and used it to contour cut prints from the Valuejet. FLAWLESS and EASY! Thanks for the great deal SW!

[creative]

1- if I knew what I know now about Mutoh, I would never buy a printer from them, but ea case is different it happens that we have awesome support for our versa540 here in phoenix.
The only bad side from Mutoh is their tech support, before, during and after the 1 yr warranty expires, then they charge a lot of money for ea. service call.

If it wasn't for sites like this one...

You all know what i mean...

Regards

[signage]

I just read a good article on inkjet printers and it said that most of the problems arise from not being maintained properly. They need cleaned and the wipers and capping stations need to be looked at regularly.

[dzign]

I've been using my Valuejet for a few months now and it's going very well. I like being able to plot on my Graphtec while printing on the Valuejet. The only problem I'm seeing is not related to the printer, but trying to keep the media clean. Anyone have experience with trying to clean the media if necessary prior to printing to avoid fish-eyes or dust and other trash? I've tried de-natured alcohol but you can see the the wiping in the print afterwards. I've had the suggestion to use tack-rags but haven't tried it yet.

[javila]

I buy most of the media I can in reverse wound, because the shop is a little on the dusty side. For media I can't find rw I have a pack of static cleaners(from a swifterjet I think) near the print to wipe down the outer layer before loading it. Though that can be a real pain with new(heavy)54" rolls.

[keithack]

Here are some recent pics of jobs we've done with our ValueJet. Awesome vibrant colors & NO BANDING at all---ever!

What setting are you using to get such vibrant color at 720x720? I recently purchased a ValueJet 1204 and Flexi Pro 8. Both are new to me. My prints at 1440x1440 on 'Quality 1' look absolutley amazing!! But when it try to do anything at 720x720 it looks washed out. The blue and the reds look like they were left out in the sun for too long.

[Matt Cuellar]

The key to any accurate output is accurate profiles. We customize all of our media profiles in house, and quite honestly, our 540x720 dpi prints look frickin' amazing! I've had to use 1440 ONCE to satisfy a customer that needed intense high quality, but our 720 dpi prints are our core and they are phenomenal. I don't think I've ever been this excited about a large format printer. Be sure that your dealer is providing you with accurate profiles (not canned junk that comes with the printer) or make sure you hook up with a company that can help in color management. It'll save you lots of time, headaches, and anything else in between.

Matt Cuellar

www.unicadigital.com
www.colormanaged.com

[John Butto]

What heater settings (now use 35) should I go with on 10oz banner material (also which banner material is best to use) and does this matter for good ink adhesion so I will not get ink chipping or scratching off. Is it better to just use the "wave" and not "fine and wave" so the ink is not as thick.

[3dsignco]

(oops Didn't bother reading the other 3 pages of posts first)

Please let us Know Buddy how it transpires. We are probobaly going to replace our old Roland this year witha larger machine.
But a few of my concerns are the print then have to reload on another machine to cut. I hear about all this speed of the printer but what is the actual time saved once you figure inUnloading it from one machine and loading it onto the other. ( I guess you have to align it) then cutting it. vs Hitting print with the countor cut on the Roland and allowing the Roland to do everything..
I guess it would not be a big deal if you have to pull out the print anyway to laminate but since we liquid Laminate all our prints we just laminate over the cuts then weed, except for vehicle wraps (which we use regular laminate but are never countor cut anyway.)

Just curious on how everything goes as It does not break my heart to get another plotter anyway for other jobs. Have been looking at the signwarehouse package. If we go that route we will sell off the Flexi program as I strictly use Signlab and Photoshop.

[Buddy]

The ValueJet prints fast with superior quality (no banding, intense saturated colors) & cheap....did I mention FAST. If you need to compete then I would say those 3 factors would be critical. The new Mutoh ValueJet is so incredible, you'll see over the next few months all others trying to measure up. Personally I feel it makes the comparable Roland obsolete if it weren't for the fact Roland has great support.

As for two seperate machines. We deliberated for months over that issue and viewed all the optins. Purposfully chose a Mutoh / Mutoh (seperate cutter, seperate printer) for numerous reasons. Not to elaborate on the two seperate machines vs. one machine print&cut......but if you do your homework I think you'll find the reasons are about 10 to 1 in favor of two machines over one machine.

BUDDY

P.S. We bought our equipment from Unica Digital...........unicadigitalDOTcom (*see Matt Cuellar above post). Matt knows color profiles.

[ndo]

best buy :thumb: .I had only one problem

[waximoff]

Well I finally cracked down and went for my first printer/cutter/lam purchase.
I chose this set based on many positive things i read including this thread!
Although, I did not get quite the deal that kirk bedtelyon and chiefBL were talking about. My salesmans jaw hit the desk so hard I could hear it when i told him what kind of price I was looking for!
So I was wondering if maybe Kirk or Chief could possibly share their salespersons name with me? my guy said he'd talk to his manager and call me back, well it's been a whole weekend now. So any help would be greatly appreciated!

[tjybcy]

My rep is Robert Allen at SignWareHouse. His number is 1-800-699-5514, ext 2188. He's a great rep & will be able to give you tons of info regarding the ValueJet. It really is a great machine. We've had ours since December, & have had absolutely no problems with it at all. It prints beautifully & very fast! Also, the colors are awesome. The packages you can get for the printer & the cutter at SW are incredible too.

As far as the "extra step" of putting it in the cutter---no biggie! It takes just seconds to do it & it's very nice to be able to cut another job while printing something else. Saves time actually instead of the other way around.

Just my 2 cents!

Teresa
www.avsignshop.com

[Gene@mpls]

I read in a trade mag that Fujifilm Graphic System is now a dealer for Mutoh
ValueJet in NoAmerica- for what it's worth.

[waximoff]

awesome! thank you.
I just had a call back from my sales guy and he wanted to know what forum i was reading all this on. said he needs to show managment to see if they'll match the prices talked about in earlier posts. So fingers are crossed and hopefully they'll pull through!

[Valentino]

don't be fooled...they do that deal all the time (19k to about 20k), just stand firm and sound confident. demand it. also...some of the other may have been exaggerating in the price, 1,000 dollars worth of media and free shipping are pretty hard to believe.

[ChiefBL]

Hello all,

Been too busy to read the posts, just happened across this and thought I would put my .02 in.

Since I purchased the Valuejet package from SW, they have made the deal a few more times. I think they may regret doing so, but have no choice now, to match the price. They wouldn't have made the deal if they didn't make a good enough profit!

I would be glad to post my invoice (minus personal info) on this forum, if someone wouldn't mind teaching me how to? :)


I am EXTREMELY pleased with the whole package, the Valujet prints perfect!! The Q130 contour cuts so close you can can barely see the media....And I did detail contour cuts on 3" logos/decals. Teh laminator is great also.


Hope I can help others get this great deal!!


Bill

[waximoff]

well my guy called me back and said that 21.9k was the best they could do.
To be honest he was really making feel uncomfortable, talking about how anyone who had that deal before now has subpar equipment. According to him the Laminators are all new and the cutters have new firmware.
I know this is all just sales tactics, but I still feel a bit wierd following through the deal when I know people have paid less for the same print/cut/lam combo.

[Valentino]

new laminators? mine was manufactured on 1/06/2007, pretty new to me.

The cutter with firmware? if it's that big of a deal with bug fixes, they will post it on their support site.

the only thing that was subpar, I had to upgrade my printer firmware from 1.07 to 1.12

I dunno, it seems like you got a less then honest sales person who is really pressuring you into the deal.

[hadjersi]

I have a valueJet is a very easy to use and about ink cosumption is very low with quality

[Urban Image]

Wait until the end of the month to place the order. He'll lower what he's asking to get you to place the order and add to his numbers for this month. Always place your order on the last week day of the month and the sales person will almost always get you a few dollars off to put the order in that month's numbers.

[kirkbedtelyon]

My laminator also has the new upgrades. My opinion is they should just say "sorry, we can no longer match that price" not make up stories about how our equipment is somehow out dated.

My salesman would not go down even another $50. It was the "rock bottom" "best price ever". Things changed radically when I told him about the deal others had gotten.

Good luck to you.

Kirk

[ChiefBL]

Patience...

Wait til the end of the month.

It took a FEW months with my sales rep calling me, before he made that deal (18.7K). After the initial call...I never called him. The bidding started in the mid 20K's with the Prism jet, and they never mentioned the "Valuejet", until I read about it here(thanks all). They have room to wingle...do you have the patience? Every time they called me I mentioned the other (bogus) offers that I was entertaining from other companies. Sounds "dishonest?"... I don't think so...It's just playing on a level field with sales reps...like others have posted ..."the sales reps swear they're giving you best deal, only to find out later you could have gotten it for 5-10K less??? who's being dishonest??

The final call they made to me..went like this...."they asked me what would it take for me to "buy" today (end of month) and I made my detailed one-time only offer, which included, deleting the old prism jet and replacing it with the newer Valujet and asked them for a fax copy of my offer (confirmation) (18.7K...I think we were down to the low 20'sK with the Prism jet package), before I gave them my credit card. Valuejet, Q130, 55" Laminator, extra inks, sign presence, ARM and a few other items.

play the "sales" game in reverse.

Once again...We are very pleased with the purchase....made a few prints on it today....very happy!

Good luck

Bill

[signage]

If you are going to play the pricing game with SW just make sure you get all the information either faxed or emailed to you with the model numbers and details. I dealt with them for a while then got a great deal. They shipped me a different model then said that is what the deal was for. I said no it wasn't and that I had correspondences on the final deal. After I sent them that info the straightened it out.

[waximoff]

so during negotiations I bring up a fabricated quote that a phantom company gave me.. What should i do if they ask me to send or fax a copy of the said quote with their letterhead for a "competitive price beat"?

[Pro Signs & Graphix]

if they ask me to send or fax a copy of the said quote with their letterhead for a "competitive price beat"?

Ask yourself this - Do you like when customers try and do that you?

One thing we have learned is not to state anything that we cannot back up - and we don't. Credibility goes a long way in business. What we do differently is go to the originating source of the better quote - providing we are comparing apples to apples. (We are in the process of doing the very same as we speak.)

Admitting to tactics such as this do nothing to further OUR cause as customers - successful or not.

None of this a slam to Bill. He managed to successfully expose a situation. For others to just make bogus claims is wrong IMO.

As far as even bringing up the bogus quote....why would you even have to? The cat is out of the bag. It has already been proven that this deal can be given. Anything less on the vendor's part would be a foolish way to chase away a sale.

Just FYI - If you want a 48" ValueJet, let your fingers do the walking. Get on the phone and call around. You will find that the majority of the dealers out there will be able to match or come very close to this deal without the hassles of playing games.

[Trimtint]

Well im gonna jump into the game also. We are looking at the 64 valuejet I asked the sales person at signwarehouse if we could get one drop shipped from Mutoh that is badged as Mutoh she said no prob just take 2 weeks longer.? Ok I guess. Well they beat any Mutoh dealers price so far but what about the Enduralam laminators are they worth a poo. Also Warrenty work with the printer they mentioned Calgraph. Any bad or good views. I searched but must not have worded correctly.

Scott

[Valentino]

type in dingtec...the laminator is made by dingtec, eastsign.com.

I like it, similar to a seal but not as fancy.

[Urban Image]

Dingtec makes good laminators. They are basic but good. It's all you really need, in my opinion.

Calgraph... They are good technicians but you don't want them to be your phone support. I still say call around and see if other more reliable companies can beat SW's price.

[Ken1f]

PrismJet or ValueJet? I was just looking at SW website at these two printers and am assuming that they are the same printer with different labels on them. When you click on the specs. for the PrismJet it goes to a PDF that is for the ValueJet. My question is that if they are otherwise the same why is anyone buying the ValueJet over the PrismJet? Reading the information on SW the PrismJet has a 3 year warranty but the ValueJet has only 1.

Ken

[Derf]

PrismJet or ValueJet? I was just looking at SW website at these two printers and am assuming that they are the same printer with different labels on them. When you click on the specs. for the PrismJet it goes to a PDF that is for the ValueJet. My question is that if they are otherwise the same why is anyone buying the ValueJet over the PrismJet? Reading the information on SW the PrismJet has a 3 year warranty but the ValueJet has only 1.

Ken

Read the warranty because GEI only gives you one year support and SW gives you 3 but only by phone! Still that's not so bad.

I just bought the Prismjet it will get here Thurs. It is the same printer however you need to go through one more middle man with service 1) SW 2) GEI Calgraph 3) Mutoh.

GEI sucks so adding WS is a good thing. besides your going to need to learn how to fix it your self any way.

Parts is Parts!... LOL

They gave me a great deal and I did not beat it out of them. I have just done Biz with them before for large ticket items.

[Valentino]

the valuejet 3 warranty from SW comes with a catch. No matter what, you get an 1 year onsite warranty and free lifetime phone support for the valuejet.

if you want to extend your onsite warranty to 2 or 3 years, you have to sign a contact with signwarehouse to purchase 2,000 dollars worth every month for 12 months to extend your onsite warranty for the following year, so if you want two years, 24 months.

so if you want a 3 year warranty it will be an extra $48,000 worth of supplies.

for some this is a sweet deal because signwarehouse does have good prices and if you do alot of printing, your gonna have to buy the material somewhere. But for others 2,000 dollars worth of vinyl/supplies is a ton.

[Ken1f]

I called and told Robert what I was interested in and received a call from Tiffany the next day with their prices. Show pricing on the 48" PrismJet printer with the 54" cutter is $18,995 plus $1,000 in free supplies of your choice. You can add on a 53" laminator for $3,495. Seems quite a bit higher than I the prices I have been reading here. Where else might I find the same equipment for a better price?

Thanks
Ken

[Valentino]

gregory has the a graphtec 54" and the Valuejet for around 17K +

but seriously.....Signwarehouse just put out an email ad (at the end of may) stating that the pricing would be 21,995 for the laminate, cutter and printer.

[Urban Image]

Read the warranty because GEI only gives you one year support and SW gives you 3 but only by phone! Still that's not so bad.

I was under the impression that most companies gave free phone support without time restraints.

[dzign]

I've not been using my printer much for the last couple of weeks and now I've got clogged nozzles (two of the magenta). I'm just repeating the cleaning cycles. Any other ideas?

[studio10]

I have the same question.
http://www.signs101.com/forums/showthread.php?t=20366&highlight=1204+question

The price for Rockhopper I 62", here in Europe (www.mutoh.be (http://www.mutoh.be)) go down, so I buy Rockhopper I 62". I 'll use it for a while, then I'll byu ValueJet 1604. Rockhopper will be my second printer.
Think the VJ 1604 has better construction then VJ 1204. And there is more different media for 62" then for 48".

[studio10]

Sorry wrong answer.

[studio10]

It is OK answer, maybe on wrong place.

[Jackpine]

I've not been using my printer much for the last couple of weeks and now I've got clogged nozzles (two of the magenta). I'm just repeating the cleaning cycles. Any other ideas?
You are in the wrong thread and you have blocked email and PM's for help outside the forum. You can soak a LINT FREE cloth with cleaning solution, put it on the cap station and park the print heads on that to soak. Let it soak for a few hours. Keep it moist. Make a test print with 1.2"x2" rectangles of C, Y, M, K, R, G,B and print it. The print only has to be maybe 12" to 24". Print at bi-directional 720x720. This may force the color through the heads. Good luck.

[heyskull]

Well we had our new Lancer 64", (rebranded in the UK Valuejet 64") Plotter and cold laminator on Friday.

There is only one word

WOW

It is stunning.
I was previously using a friends Mimaki JV3 for the past 3-4 months which was good this machine blows it away.

And I had advised the friend on the mimaki as it was a full solvent machine as he has a large screen printing business and it would complement his machinery.
I am truly sorry (I haven't told him!!!) but I think I gave him wrong advice.

The mutoh has no banding issues (at least not worth talking about) is faster and much better quality than the JV3.
No nasty smells and the prints are super hard wearing in fact it looks like the print is part of the vinyl.
Printed 20' x 5' in full colour yesterday and it took no time at all.

I opted for the bigger machine as the deal was just to good, sadly they couldn't offer me the plotter and laminator the same size (was nearly doubling the price) but I am well pleased.

You all know what it is like you buy the smaller machine and in 6 months you are seriously wishing you bought the big one. Although I do not see much need for a 100" machine. Who would want to load a 50Metre Roll into one of those it must feel like you have had a work out.

SC

[dzign]

You are in the wrong thread and you have blocked email and PM's for help outside the forum. You can soak a LINT FREE cloth with cleaning solution, put it on the cap station and park the print heads on that to soak. Let it soak for a few hours. Keep it moist. Make a test print with 1.2"x2" rectangles of C, Y, M, K, R, G,B and print it. The print only has to be maybe 12" to 24". Print at bi-directional 720x720. This may force the color through the heads. Good luck.

Thanx for the info Jackpine. Will your method of cleaning the nozzles work for a Valuejet 48"? That's why I asked this question in this forum by the way. I've also ublocked my email and pms for your convenience for any help you can give me. I can get the printhead carriage to move away from the cap station to clean the wipers. At this point, is this when I lay the saturated lint-free cloth over the cap station, and do I let the cloth cover the wiper too? What cleaning solution do you recommend?

By the way, before reading your reply, and after several cleaning cycles and one last 'little charge' produced from the 'cleaning' menu on the machine's control panel, I finally cleared all my nozzles. But I still want any advice you can offer for the future, I used about half my ink cartridges with the cleaning cycles.