Help please! Printer dying, need good alternative at least A3+.

[Violetsub]

Hi, We print colour critical artwork, currently on both a Sawgrass SG400 and a 24" VJ628.

Our SG400 has a weird issue that means we can only queue one job at a time which means it's not suitable for large volumes. Our VJ628 is brilliant but is on it's last legs with a persistent nozzle blockage. So we need an alternative fast and I'm pretty sick of sawgrass.

Could anyone suggest a printer that has great colour accuracy and can print at least A3+ or up to 24".

I have an Epson SC-P900 that I could convert but I don't know how reliable that is when it's been used with non-subli inks and I would need custom ICC profiles done so prob not fast and we've got a ton of Christmas orders to get out.

I was looking at Ink Experts 6 colour EPSON Ecotank ET-18100 but they advised against it as it wouldn't be as good quality as the VJ628 with it's 8 colours. I'm tempted to go for it anyway as I can hardly tell the difference between the SG400 4 colour and the VJ628 8 colour output, certainly not on small products like mugs.

Recommendations welcome. TIA

[Justin]

You'll struggle to match the output of the VJ628, we've had a couple in the past and they are excellent. There's nothing really at that size worth having, Epson L1800 is decent but not really up to your needs.

I did once look into converting the VJ to Non SG inks and had a little success but chips caused issues. Would be a great long term project to bring the costs down.

We use the Surecolour 44" printers which are excellent, again, not sure if the 6400 might work for you as this is 6 colour? Much bigger investment though. (YPS have a used one for sale)

You really should be seeing a significant different between the 4 and 8 colour if everything is set up ok. If not and you're happy with 4 colour there are plenty of cheaper printers available. I'm surprised you sya that if your images are colour critical though.