We have used an Epson 9880 for the last 6 years and its still going strong. We purchased it new with no support from anyone, no one knew how or what to do to fix or how to operate it. So steep learning curve later it still runs with no servicing, no head replacement and no problems. I suppose I could say Epson build quality at its best. We print colour prints, canvas prints, posters, colour architectural plans and all our Pullup or Roll up Banners on the 9880.
We added to our equipment in November last year with a Roland Versacamm 540i VS. This has given us the ability to produce: All shapes of stickers and decals printed and contour cut, Bumper Stickers with a Contour Cut and a Perf Cut, All Outdoor signage including window signage, vehicle signage, all outdoor and indoor banners. We use monomeric, polimeric and cast vinyls, heavy duty outdoor vinyl for banners, Special Media for T-shirt and clothing decals. The Versacamm VS series I think is still the current series. We also print an SIHL 200gsm gloss paper product for large posters on the Versacamm.
Have a really good look at what your requirements are as to whether you need indoor signage and posters or you want to cover all gamuts of Wide Format printing both indoor and outdoor.
I think comes down to the Servicing of the Equipment which we have learnt to accept with all the other print gear we have to maintain in perfect running order.
The Epson 9880 is a solid build and we treat it well and it rewards us with quality prints on any media with no servicing etc.
The Roland Versacamm is a great printer and prints everything we send to it. We service this machine 6 monthly because we want it to keep producing all the printed media we give it, as it will be progressively taking over from the Epson 9880.
