Does anyone still use Handtop / CET / Fluid Color with Spectra Polaris 512 printheads?

[Seba]

I recently received a 10-year-old Handtop 3200UV HP12 hybrid printer with Spectra Polaris 512 15pl printheads. I was going to take it apart, but after initial cleaning, I noticed that it is still in good condition and I am wondering if it is worth repairing. I have not had any experience with hybrid printers, especially ones with such a large format.

Could you share your experience and impressions of using such devices with these print heads?

 

[MarkSnelling]

I don't think you are going to have a lot of luck finding those heads or the parts to support them. We've all moved on to the Ricoh Gen 5 and now to the awesome Gen 6 as well as kyrocera heads.

 

[Seba]

Thanks for the reply. I understand that saving this machine, which was supposed to work with Spectra Polaris 512 printheads, is not a good idea.
In that case, I need to check how difficult it is to upgrade this printer to Ricoh Gen 5/6 printheads.

 

[MarkSnelling]

Thanks for the reply. I understand that saving this machine, which was supposed to work with Spectra Polaris 512 printheads, is not a good idea.
In that case, I need to check how difficult it is to upgrade this printer to Ricoh Gen 5/6 printheads.

Where are you based? I don't know that the machine can be upgraded because of the 'head plate' where the heads fit. The different print heads are different sizes. I've got access to some incredibly smart people and can ask if there is any possibility.

 

[Seba]

I am located in Poland, near Warsaw. I can adjust the “head plate” to fit a different size of printhead on a CNC machine. That's not a problem for me.
As for the upgrade, I was thinking about an external solution, such as Hosonsoft, but if there is an easier way, I would be very happy to hear about it.