Mutoh hybrid printer VS Mimaki flatbed

[wavedaveprint]

My shop is currently in the market for a flatbed printer and we are looking at the Mimaki JFX600-2513 and the Mutoh 1638UH Mark II. We currently have an HP Latex 365 as our main (and only wide format printer). Most of our work is A-Frame signage and with our current work flow, it's a lot of hand work (mounting, cutting, etc). So, we are trying to minimize that by adding a flatbed printer. We are not a super heavy volume shop (we are an in-plant at a university) and all our work is internal. But the volume of work has increased in the last year or so.

What I like about the Mutoh hybrid is the hybrid part. My thinking is that if our HP goes down, we would still be able to print roll-to-roll on the Mutoh. We print a good amount of banners as well. Of course, we woudn't be able to do that with the Mimaki. I don't have any experience with either Mutoh or Mimaki other than seeing them in shows rooms and demos. Given our needs, what do you all think would be the best option for us? Also, any thoughts on reliability, quality, etc. would be great.

Thanks,
Dave

 

[SoggyWinter]

I've had some bad experiences with Mutoh and would not buy from them again. Your mileage may vary. Signs101.com is a more wide format focused forum so you might ask there too.

 

[SirSpeedyCVA]

I have a Mimaki JFX2513 Ex and love it
You probably don’t need the speed of the 600 unless you are cranking out 20+ 4x8s a day

 

[wavedaveprint]

I've had some bad experiences with Mutoh and would not buy from them again. Your mileage may vary. Signs101.com is a more wide format focused forum so you might ask there too.

Thanks for the response. I will check out sings101. What are some of the issues you've had with Mutoh?

 

[wavedaveprint]

I have a Mimaki JFX2513 Ex and love it
You probably don’t need the speed of the 600 unless you are cranking out 20+ 4x8s a day

We are definitely not doing that much work. It is quite possible that it would actually sit for days at a time.

 

[CreoleCuisine]

My shop is currently in the market for a flatbed printer and we are looking at the Mimaki JFX600-2513 and the Mutoh 1638UH Mark II. We currently have an HP Latex 365 as our main (and only wide format printer). Most of our work is A-Frame signage and with our current work flow, it's a lot of hand work (mounting, cutting, etc). So, we are trying to minimize that by adding a flatbed printer. We are not a super heavy volume shop (we are an in-plant at a university) and all our work is internal. But the volume of work has increased in the last year or so.

What I like about the Mutoh hybrid is the hybrid part. My thinking is that if our HP goes down, we would still be able to print roll-to-roll on the Mutoh. We print a good amount of banners as well. Of course, we woudn't be able to do that with the Mimaki. I don't have any experience with either Mutoh or Mimaki other than seeing them in shows rooms and demos. Given our needs, what do you all think would be the best option for us? Also, any thoughts on reliability, quality, etc. would be great.

Thanks,
Dave

I am in a very similar boat. i work for a restaurant group with an in-house print "shop" and we do more cut sheet than large format. However we are looking into being able to print our own signage and banners. We also, will not use it every day. Wondering if a flatbed or a wide format anf manual mounting would be better. Have you received any answers to your questions?

 

[jwheeler]

I am in a very similar boat. i work for a restaurant group with an in-house print "shop" and we do more cut sheet than large format. However we are looking into being able to print our own signage and banners. We also, will not use it every day. Wondering if a flatbed or a wide format anf manual mounting would be better. Have you received any answers to your questions?

If your company will pay for a flatbed/hybrid, and you have the space, then go for it! Heck, get a flatbed cutter while you're at it. You may also need a wide-format laminator depending on your client's needs. However, if you think you won't be doing that much volume (or if you don't have the space/budget), printing on rolls and manually mounting works just fine. (That's what we do at my inplant, and we do a pretty decent volume.) You will also need a large table/surface area to do the work, along with a self-healing cutting mat. Regardless of getting a flatbed/hybrid or a roll-only wide format printer, all inkjets require maintenance and need to be run somewhat regularly in order to keep it operating optimally. If you don't run it regularly, you should at least output something random each week to keep the ink moving through the lines.

 

[CreoleCuisine]

If your company will pay for a flatbed/hybrid, and you have the space, then go for it! Heck, get a flatbed cutter while you're at it. You may also need a wide-format laminator depending on your client's needs. However, if you think you won't be doing that much volume (or if you don't have the space/budget), printing on rolls and manually mounting works just fine. (That's what we do at my inplant, and we do a pretty decent volume.) You will also need a large table/surface area to do the work, along with a self-healing cutting mat. Regardless of getting a flatbed/hybrid or a roll-only wide format printer, all inkjets require maintenance and need to be run somewhat regularly in order to keep it operating optimally. If you don't run it regularly, you should at least output something random each week to keep the ink moving through the lines.

Thank you SO much for your kind, thorough answer. You wouldn't believe some of the nasty comments I get asking this question!

I have concerns about each.
-The flatbed won't be used every day and I worry the inks will dry up and that will cost us some money and/or some parts will have to be replaced if they sit idle.
-The wide format is a concern because I am a one person print shop. If I don't land that application correctly, there goes the print and the board. I could suggest a roll mounting/laminating combo machine but those aren't fool proof either. Even with extra hands.
- I looked at the flatbed cutter you suggested, that's a really neat component. Die cuts without the die!

Sigh ...

 

[jwheeler]

If I don't land that application correctly, there goes the print and the board

If you learn the proper techniques, you rarely lose a print/board when mounting manually. A flatbed will definitely be a time saver but might be overkill if you don't do much volume. If you get latex or UV inks, you won't really need to laminate.

 

[CreoleCuisine]

If you learn the proper techniques, you rarely lose a print/board when mounting manually. A flatbed will definitely be a time saver but might be overkill if you don't do much volume. If you get latex or UV inks, you won't really need to laminate.

do you use the hinge method? that's what I was taught years ago.

Yes, we definitely need something that won't fade in the sun too quickly. Weatherproof.

Just double checking, the wide-formats can print banners, correct?

 

[jwheeler]

do you use the hinge method? that's what I was taught years ago.

Yes, for dry mounting, that works great. But if I'm mounting to a metal or plastic sign material, I use a wet-mounting method.

Just double checking, the wide-formats can print banners, correct?

Yes, it's just another type of roll media. However, need to make sure to order the correct type of material that is designed for the ink type you end up with (UV, Latex, eco-solvent, etc). You'll also need hemming tape and a grommet press to finish the banners.

 

[CreoleCuisine]

Yes, for dry mounting, that works great. But if I'm mounting to a metal or plastic sign material, I use a wet-mounting method.


Yes, it's just another type of roll media. However, need to make sure to order the correct type of material that is designed for the ink type you end up with (UV, Latex, eco-solvent, etc). You'll also need hemming tape and a grommet press to finish the banners.

man, you're amazing! Thanks again, this was super helpful!