VUTEk

Grand-format printing is typically associated with the really big players in our industry, because many of the printers are expensive and require a crew of people to operate them. We’ve been asked numerous times, "Why not just set up a room full of wide-format inkjet printers to perform the same tasks?"

This is a very good question. True, a high-quality, 60-in., inkjet printer can be purchased for under $20,000. And if you consider the $250,000 price tag for a grand-format printer, you could buy 10 inkjet printers for the same price and split up your shop’s jobs. So what if a couple of them go out of service? You can still probably deliver the jobs in a timely fashion, and the quality would still be great.

This sounds doable, but, like everything else in life, there are always obstacles. For example, what if the final product will be used outdoors? You could laminate it, but now you’re adding a finishing cost and purchasing laminating equipment. Speaking of cost, manufacturer-approved media must be used with inkjets. The same holds true with ink costs. You could easily be looking at $2.50+ per sq. ft., depending upon the media, in addition to the lamination cost. Plus, you’ll need multiple RIPs to drive the 10 printers — this means a lot of computer equipment and people to run them.

So, even if you think you can conquer such a task, you’ll probably lose jobs to larger shops. Why? Because they have specialized software to handle large print jobs using a single printer. In addition, these printers use inexpensive (less than 20 cents per sq. ft.), outdoor-durable inks and can print onto numerous, off-the-shelf substrates with no coating restrictions.

This is probably the longest introduction we’ve ever written. However, we have a good reason for doing so. This month, we discuss the features and benefits of a new product produced by a grand-format-printing leader.

Responding to customers’ demands, |2324| has created the UltraVu 150, a 60-in., entry-level, industrial-strength, solvent printer available in four- and six-color configurations. We had the opportunity to review the product at the International Sign Assn. Sign Expo 2003 in Las Vegas and can attest that the UltraVu 150 is different from other 60-in. inkjet printers available.

Environmental requirements

The four-color model costs $160,000, and the six-color model can be purchased for $185,000. But keep in mind, the UltraVu 150 isn’t a wide-format, inkjet printer that has been modified to handle solvent inks. Rather, it’s an industrial-strength, grand-format printer that has been reduced in size for professionals interested in an affordable, entry- level system. The same high-quality parts, inkjet heads and materials VUTEk uses in its larger models have been incorporated into the UltraVu 150. It’s also important to note that this ruggedly built system is designed for around-the-clock productivity.

The UltraVu 150 can’t be set up in just any signshop or office. Because it’s an industrial product, it requires special environmental conditions. For your convenience, VUTEk will install the machine for you.

Weighing 3,000 lbs. and measuring 64. in. high x 132 in. wide x 50 in. deep, the printer is no lightweight. Dry shop air is required for operation, and you’ll need to provide 80 to 150 psi at 4 cfm.

Your shop’s temperature should be 68