Need advice on what digital printers to buy

[awunder2000]

Hello guys! I need your recommendations greatly, coz I'm kinda new to the printing industry.

We are a small publishing company in Europe. We are planning on publishing a local weekly magazine with classifieds (cars for sale) of about 30-40 pages A4. Circulation will be starting around 1000 per week and growing up slowly.

Right now we are debating either we should get both B/W and color printer, or just 1 color printer. We were considering starting with some B/W pages and color paged mixed.

What digital presses (used, not too expensive ones) would you recommend for this project based on this volume?
And do you think the quality of Docutech 1XXX is suitable for the magazine of classified ads?

Thanks a lot for all your advice!!

 

[lfelton]

Unless you are going to be printing B&W, then at that pagination and quantity, there's no way that you will find this cost effective printed digital and the work involved will be huge on an entry level machine. A 36PP A4 would be 18,000 clicks and if you could source (for example) a decent second hand X260 with a click rate at around 0.09 euros a click then that would cost you 1620 Euros just for the clicks and a few days to print. For comparison, our selling price (and any other decent European printer) for that INCLUDING paper, delivery, finishing etc. would be around 1300 Euros. That's at hugely better print quality, better finishing quality and zero hassle to you.

Hope that helps.

 

[awunder2000]

Thank for your reply! What is X260?
And what about DocuColor 6060 and DocuTech 6155 or 6180?
Do you think they will be able to manage my project?
thanks again!!

 

[[email protected]]

At that volume 100% outsourcing to an offset press would be best.

You'll find that if you grow, you'll need more labor just getting the publication put together and won't want to worry about printing anything.

 

[Norwegian]

X260 = Xerox Docucolor 260.
If you get a good deal with a service provider (you need a service contract) then i can also recommend the Xerox. The Docucolor 240/242/250/252 etc. also will do the job, just different speed. 260 = 60 ppm, 240 = 40 ppm etc.

My best advises:
- Visit your local Xerox, Canon and Konica Minolta dealer
- Let them know what your needs are, and ask for the best deal
- Get print samples from the machine, and if you have time for it, visit a customer using the machine.
Before we decided on a machine we visited and talked to many print shops for pros and cons on the relevant machines, that was very helpful.
- Compare the offers and off you go

Best of luck to your venture!

 

[iamgemini]

I would agree with the Xerox route, and perhaps Canon, but I've had my problems with Canon Printers. The best printer for my money is the Epson WorkForce model as it is able to handle a large workload and the quality is always great.

Most print shops will allow you to view samples and give you a suggested workload as well. Xerox is the way to go if you plan on expanding, while Epson is great if you are happy with the size of your current business.

 

[Craig]

The best printer for my money is the Epson WorkForce model as it is able to handle a large workload and the quality is always great.

Now that's funny stuff!

 

[billyinlasvegas]

If you're going strictly B&W I think a Docutech might be overkill but if you can get a cheap used one that might be ok.

But as they suggested above I believe outsourcing this would be your best bet.