Looking to Get a Flatbed Printer

[mtrunz]

I apologize if I am posting this in the wrong section of the forums.

I was referred to this website by a user at overclock.net.

I have a basic background in IT and computer graphics and am looking to buy a high quality flatbed printer, to get myself started.
I have spent some time researching printers but found it hard to get solid review or information on specifically flatbed printers.

I am interested in printing on a number of varying materials including: CDs/DVDs (Polycarbonate), Trading Cards (Cardstock), Thin Wood Peices (Most likely Balsa and Plywood), as well as regular cardboard.

Is anyone able to refer me to some of the top brands for flatbeds, or point me in the direction of a specific flatbed that would be ideal for printing on the above materials?
I read through the Flatbed Printers forum, but was not able to get any solid information. I am looking for something on the "beginner" end of things, so in the range of $1000-$3000.
Some colleagues of mine mentioned there were flatbed printers similar to the "Gowe® A4".

Thank you for your time and assistance. It is greatly appreciated!

-Edited to provide a more accurate price range and include an example flatbed printer.

 

[toomeycustoms]

For small stuff like that, Roland LEF-12 or LEF-20. I think Mimaki also has a small flatbed printer. Not going to be cheap though, at least $20k for the printer unless you can find a used one and even then they are $15k+.

 

[mtrunz]

For small stuff like that, Roland LEF-12 or LEF-20. I think Mimaki also has a small flatbed printer. Not going to be cheap though, at least $20k for the printer unless you can find a used one and even then they are $15k+.

Thank you for the information and taking time to reply to my post.

Those printers are way beyond my budget. (The printers I use at work are only 10-12k.)
I was told there were some smaller flatbeds that could be used in the price-range of $1000-2000.

I also took a look at the printers you suggested and they are far too large for printing on something as small as cds or trading cards. (Unless I was printing them in masive quantities.)

 

[toomeycustoms]

There are desktop inkjets, i.e. epsons that can print on special "printable" cd's and cardstock. Don't think you would be able to print wood since it would need a special coating. What brand of printers are you working with now?

And who uses cd's these days?

 

[mtrunz]

Who told you that? I hate to be the bearer of bad news but you're not going to find a flatbed for anywhere near that, even a miniature one.

We've got that much in just ink loaded in our flatbed right now.

My apologies it seems the price range was a bit more then I initially remembered.

There are desktop inkjets, i.e. epsons that can print on special "printable" cd's and cardstock. Don't think you would be able to print wood since it would need a special coating. What brand of printers are you working with now?

And who uses cd's these days?

The flatbed that they spoke of was the "Gowe® A4". You are correct that it is more then the prices I quoted. My apologies for giving inaccurate information, and not putting this in my initial post.
I couldn't find many similarly priced flatbeds or reviews for them, which is what led me to post here.

 

[Tom Dalton]

so in the range of $1000-$3000

You won't find anything new that range. That said, CET sells an industrial machine and has a smaller one here...
http://www.cetcolor.com/q5series250

With CET you can get different configurations. So, start with 2 heads (the heads can be split so that one head does CM and one head does YK). You can upgrade to more heads in the future.

One thing about flatbed inkjets is that you must keep them running and must maintain them. So, you'll be using ink due to purging and cleaning them regardless of whether you have work for them.

 

[bilge]

This is chinese UV printer using Epson desktop printer parts. It is for African or similar market, I don't think you can get sellable quality from this. I had experience recently how hard to find Epson printhead from Chinese market, because all gone for production. If you still want Chinese desktop flatbed, you would go to forthcoming sign expo in july, Shanghai. If this trip is expensive for you you'd better to give that 1000 bucks any charity funds.