cmwyke 0 Posted August 4, 2011 So we're finally getting a printer. It's coming with UV ink. I've read about half and half it seems as to whether or not to use this kind of ink to print banners, or vinyl. I'd like to hear everyone's opinion as to why, or what to use, or just anything to help me understand what the difference in these inks are. Thanks Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jfought 120 Posted August 4, 2011 what printer are you getting? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mgraphics 14 Posted August 4, 2011 We are getting an HP Designjet 5500 with uv ink Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mopar691 281 Posted August 4, 2011 This is a fine art printer. 6 color Standard ink is a UV Pigment ink. Dye-based imaging available with upgrade kit. This was a good printer for graphic designers as it allowed easy switching from dye to pigment ink. I have used a few of these but never owned one. I preffered the epsons myself. Are you getting the 44" or 60". This will not print vinyl in the normal sence. You need a coated material to accept the water based ink. Same with banners or canvas. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mgraphics 14 Posted August 5, 2011 This is a fine art printer. 6 color Standard ink is a UV Pigment ink. Dye-based imaging available with upgrade kit. This was a good printer for graphic designers as it allowed easy switching from dye to pigment ink. I have used a few of these but never owned one. I preffered the epsons myself. Are you getting the 44" or 60". This will not print vinyl in the normal sence. You need a coated material to accept the water based ink. Same with banners or canvas. What banner and vinyl material will we need to use? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mopar691 281 Posted August 5, 2011 If your buying yhis for the reason to print banners and/or vinyl I would not purchase this imo. The vinyl you can print on is a Sihl 3988, Mactac JT1958P or simmiliar wich will give you poor results compared to a conventional solvent/ecosol printer. Your ink will also fade buch faster and this stuff is THICK. Can be laminated with spray or psa laminate but results are ok at best. It does not comform to shapes and edges after less than a year will not look good. Banner material I am not sure of for outdoor use. Everything I have ran thru these or similiar machines has been canvas strictly for indoor use and its not cheap by any means. I can imagine the outdoor stuff is going to be more than a few pretty pennies. These are good for temp POP displays, posters, Photo enlargements, Anything indoors on PAPER or any fine art canvas that it is capable of being fed. You just can not compete with this type of printer in the sign and outdoor market. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sue2 920 Posted August 7, 2011 What banner and vinyl material will we need to use? This is an older model printer.... are you buying used? We have had our HP 5500PS with UV inks since 2005. A lot depends upon what you will be using it for. It has worked well for our needs. Is it as good as a solvent printer - No But it doesn't cost as much either. We mostly print on 6 mil (or less if we can find it) white adhesive vinyl...the vinyl is water resistant but for signs and banners that are expected to last more than a couple of weeks we spray coat banners or overlaminate signs. We made a banner for the shop across the street and it held up about 18 months outside in full sun before the colors (red & navy) were noticably faded. We use it mostly for yard signs, golf hole signs, quick signage, vehicle magnets, posters, quick banners (on 10 oz white scrim). If you have the extra cash, go for an eco-solv printer. Sue2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mgraphics 14 Posted August 7, 2011 Yes we bought is used is in great condition. Can you pm me where you have to get your vinyl and banner to print in this machine? the banner that lasted 18 months what did you spray on it? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Pistonpump 6 Posted August 8, 2011 I have the canon version of the printer you bought. I have been getting my stuff from Fellers.com and Lexjet.com. If it goes outside I laminate everything! Its the only chance you will have of it lasting. I bought my printer to get me in the game. Now once I make enough money with it I am going to switch to eco solvent. Good luck and have fun! I also would recommend the big squeege for laminating. Geo Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sue2 920 Posted August 8, 2011 I have the canon version of the printer you bought. I have been getting my stuff from Fellers.com and Lexjet.com. If it goes outside I laminate everything! Its the only chance you will have of it lasting. I bought my printer to get me in the game. Now once I make enough money with it I am going to switch to eco solvent. Good luck and have fun! I also would recommend the big squeege for laminating. Geo I get my vinyl from Fellers too...their adhesive vinyl is Jexar I think. But, as mentioned earlier, Stihl and MacTac offer substrates too. Don't know about the banner material...ask the people at Fellers...they are pretty knowledgable. You want the aqueous materials and don't bother with two sided banners....just make two. You will need banner finishing stuff too...power tape, banner-ups...grommet machine. As to the spray coat...I usually use Krylon clear from Wally World. You can also use Frog Juice or there is one sold by sign supply places called Clear Shield. For over-lams, be sure it has some UV protection...otherwise the inks will fade faster. Lamex UV is one of my favorites. Good Luck! Sue2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mgraphics 14 Posted August 8, 2011 Thanks so much for the replys! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
