Looking at first machine (used) what are good questions?

[dataspa]

Hi Everyone!
I am looking to buy my first machine. There is a Pro 3 XC-540 in my area for around 13,000. Before I go check it out in person is there a series of questions that I should be asking? Should I be asking for them to run a specific diagnostic test when I am there? If this has been answered elsewhere I apologize but I could not find it. This brand and model of machine has good general reviews so I am interested in hearing from you more experienced users some specific things to look for. I don't want to miss anything when I go to "kick the tires".

Thanks very much in advance!

 

[BigfishDM]

Print heads are real important, what kind of work are you doing? Are you sure your buying the right thing?

 

[Gino]

Welcome from Pennsylvania.......................

 

[dataspa]

I have been getting my printing done locally but since my items are typically custom (all small orders of different items) I tend to not get any "deals" on price. (I don't really blame the printer for this.) Plus if I am using different materials (specifically small run back light signs) the printer holds my smaller orders until they are running something bigger on the same material for someone else. So, instead of being stuck at the whim of the printer (or paying a premium to get it done sooner) I figured I would buy my own machine and then run my own stuff and work on generating some small business of my own from my home. I know that the xc-540 is a beast but I figure better to go a bit bigger and open up my options to get work than to go smaller and kick myself later. I think the price is ok but as we all know, it's what you are getting for that price that counts. The printer is coming from a sign shop that is "upgrading".

 

[dataspa]

I forgot to answer your specific question, I usually get backlight signage done (multiples of 12" x 28") and vinyl color side art (less than 36" wide x 60" long). Thanks.

 

[rjssigns]

Have them fire it up while you are there, get into service mode and run a report. There is no way to fudge what the printer says its been doing.

 

[dataspa]

Will the report give me servicing data and current diagnostic errors? Should I be looking for anything specific in that report? (I have not seen the service mode report so I am not sure what it contains.) Here's an example, if one of the heaters is not working, will that be identified or is that something I should be looking into specifically?

 

[BigfishDM]

If your doing mostly backlit applications don't buy that machine, I have 60" HP Z6100's for like $3300 and that machine does way higher quality but you only get a few years outdoor life.

 

[dataspa]

99% of my backlight is for indoor applications (light boxes). Having a print-cut seems like a better long term decision (especially if you can laminate then re-align and cut). I'll review the z6100 specs though, definitely worth looking into! Thanks for the info.

 

[BigfishDM]

99% of my backlight is for indoor applications (light boxes). Having a print-cut seems like a better long term decision (especially if you can laminate then re-align and cut). I'll review the z6100 specs though, definitely worth looking into! Thanks for the info.

PM your email address and I can fill you in on the details but this machine is going to be a much better choice I guarantee it.

 

[rjssigns]

Will the report give me servicing data and current diagnostic errors? Should I be looking for anything specific in that report? (I have not seen the service mode report so I am not sure what it contains.) Here's an example, if one of the heaters is not working, will that be identified or is that something I should be looking into specifically?

You will see things like Shot Count for each head, Feed and Scan Motor errors, Heater Voltage error, Printing Time, etc...
I would focus on the Shot Count(heads) and Printing Time(total). This will give you an indication of overall "health" of the machine. If they are unwilling to run the report they are hiding something.

 

[rjssigns]

I should have read the posts a little better before posting. Listen to BigFish since you are doing indoor work.
We do outdoor backlits for a media truck so our Roland works well for that.