Kodak Versa Mark VT3000

P

provident

Member

• Sep 27, 2022

• #1

Hi all,

I recently purchased a VT3000 from a vendor on his recommendation and assurances that he would provide a modified VT fit for purpose and train a press operator (he could train anyone). Well... 6 months later, the press is running largely through the efforts of another technical resource and I can't even get the vendor to go to the plant long enough to run test files (we're trying to convert our PDF files to IJPDS).

In that context, does anyone know how I might get either a contract operator or training for this system? Kodak has already said they cannot provide training (or appearently any materials, etc...)

Anyone have any thoughts I where I should look?

 

B

bcr

Well-known member

• Sep 28, 2022

• #2

can't help you with that but i'd advise lawyering up.

 

P

provident

Member

• Sep 28, 2022

• #3

Well, that may be coming soon. Doing that won't get my business off the ground though...

Is the system so unique that there are no "close equivalents", finding someone (or a contracting company) that would have similar enough skills to bring the system into operation?

As industrial equipment goes, printing equipment isn't nearly as specialized as most heavy equipment, I can't be the first person to have an older system and find a way to operate it.... am I?

 

S

Stickman42

Well-known member

• Sep 28, 2022

• #4

You may want to try a 3rd party service provider, if you can't get any assistance from Kodak or your vendor. rainbowcomputertechnology.com and TPSGinc.com are two examples I can think of.

 

P

provident

Member

• Sep 28, 2022

• #5

@Stickman42 - Thank you, I'll look into them!

 

H

Hell

Registered Users

• Sep 29, 2022

• #6

Don’t know what controller you got but if it is a CS410 or earlier you always have to convert PDF to IJP offline. The 410 has the advantage over the 400 as it can run multiple IJP files in a que. There was a newer controller that had a Fiery engine for color management etc, and could convert PDF to IJP on the fly.
They also have a newer one, the CS450, but it doesn’t support VT machines, see: https://www.kodak.com/content/produ...ODAK-CS450-System-Controller-datasheet-EN.pdf.

Kodak had software to just do conversion of pdf to IJP named Kodak Versamark Composer, but as this software is from late 90’s and they’ve discontinued those 9 inch printing heads, I doubt if anybody could help with this specific software. It also needed a serial dongle.

But there are other solutions: at work I use Quadient Inspire Designer to run different Versamark 9 inch heads. Not cheap, that’s for sure.

 

Last edited: Sep 29, 2022

P

provident

Member

• Sep 29, 2022

• #7

Hi @Hell I have a CS410 controller. I have a conversion solution for the PDF to IJPDS from Crawford. I priced the Quadient solution, but it is too expensive for my purposes. I do have the 8 - 9" heads (4 color)

What I desperately need right now is an operator. My vendor has not trained my plant manager, and keeps ghosting me for a week or 2 at a time. I can't even find a contractor, just someone to come in and get things started and show my guy the ropes. I started the company in January, paid up front for all the equipment, training and support, and production has not started. I'm paying out of pocket for everything and it's just unsustainable.

I really need to find someone with the skills to get this running.

Kodak has told me the versa mark is "sun set" so they can't / won't provide training...

Does anyone know someone with experience running one of these systems, retired perhaps, who'd be able to take on even a short term contract?

 

H

Hell

Registered Users

• Sep 29, 2022

• #8

Where is your production plant provident?
I know someone, if he is available, but he lives in Greece now…

 

P

provident

Member

• Sep 29, 2022

• #9

Las Vegas, NV.

(You’d think I’d have an easier time getting retired people to come!)

 

H

Hell

Registered Users

• Sep 29, 2022

• #10

Mmmm, think you’re right.
One should think there are loads of Versamark operators in the USA.

Sorry, can’t help you out with this, as I’m living in NL (Europe).

 

S

Shawnd

Well-known member

• Oct 3, 2022

• #11

If I was in your shoes I would go to Printing United and walk around with a Help wanted sign.

 

P

PrintKing

Well-known member

• Oct 5, 2022

• #12

provident said:

Hi all,

I recently purchased a VT3000 from a vendor on his recommendation and assurances that he would provide a modified VT fit for purpose and train a press operator (he could train anyone). Well... 6 months later, the press is running largely through the efforts of another technical resource and I can't even get the vendor to go to the plant long enough to run test files (we're trying to convert our PDF files to IJPDS).

In that context, does anyone know how I might get either a contract operator or training for this system? Kodak has already said they cannot provide training (or appearently any materials, etc...)

Anyone have any thoughts I where I should look?

Click to expand...

Regarding your post above I was wondering if you can help....

We are seeking a Kodak Versamark VT 3000 Printing System Technician.

If a qualified technician we will fly this person out to the US Location to fix it.

Would you happen to know anyone?

I can be reached at [email protected]

Thank you
Dan