I've been in the print industry for 16 years, and when I go to trade shows lately, people often ask me “What should I be looking for in a latex printer?”
Excellent question! A wide-format digital printer can be the basis for your business, and you need to think carefully about what each model offers before you invest.
With quick-drying prints and low VOC inks, latex printers are typically used for printing applications such as interior graphics, especially graphics intended for environmentally sensitive areas such as medical facilities and educational buildings. They are also popular for vehicle graphics, fleet graphics, indoor and outdoor signage, posters, banners, decals, and other applications.
Here are the top five considerations I mention whenever anyone asks me about selecting a latex printer.
Are the prints high quality?
I encourage people to visit their dealers and bring a file to run test prints from the printer they are considering on their preferred media. Roland DG's TrueVIS AP-640 large format latex printer offers a premium 4-color ink gamut that produces vibrant results across a wide range of media.Its True Rich Color 3 print settings help ensure accurate color production. In addition, its inks are GREENGUARD Gold certified for use in air quality-sensitive settings.
Especially when producing larger projects like wallcoverings or fleet graphics, consistently accurate printing and precise registration are important. The AP-640 offers the latest TrueVIS media feed and take-up system, enabling it to deliver stable and accurate printing over long print runs, and over long periods of time.These systems deliver vivid prints and produce consistent color, hitting specific brand colors needed for jobs like fleet vehicle wraps and retail signage.
Is the printer you are considering affordable?
One important factor in purchasing any wide-format printer is to calculate how quickly you'll be able to recover your investment. Think about your average hourly productivity, and how much that can be enhanced by the printer you are considering. For example, we've developed an ROI calculation for printing a truck wrap using the AP-640, with Avery material and laminate, that yields a profit per hour of over $1,200.
What are the operating costs?
Along with what you can produce and earn with your printer, you need to consider its running costs. The AP-640 consumes 29% less ink on average during normal production than competing latex printers. It also prints 39% faster than competing latex printers in standard mode, allowing you to be more productive.
In addition, the AP-640offers legendary Roland DG reliability. Its dependable operation, minimal upkeep, and long-lasting printheads save time and money.
What kind of service and support will you receive?
There are ever more ways to print and substrates to print on, and even the most experienced print professionals could use some guidance from time to time.All Roland DG printers come equipped with powerful and intuitive VersaWorks 6 RIP software. The AP-640 also includes the Roland DG Connect app, which provides automated maintenance and performance oversight.
In addition to the resources its dealers provide, Roland DG users have access to its online technical support and resources, along with an extensive video library.For additional peace of mind, the AP-640 is backed by Roland DG's two-year trouble-free warranty.
The choice is yours
Whether you are buying a latex printer for the first time or upgrading your current equipment, keeping these five considerations in mind will help ensure you choose the best latex printer for your business.
Have additional questions? Reach out to a Roland DG expert here.