Start with the biggest decal you print
| You print | Format | INEQS printers |
|---|---|---|
| Cups, plaques, small tiles, portraits | A4 | IM C300, SP C430/440 |
| Chargers, murals in tiles, multi-item sheets | A3 to SRA3 | IM C2010/3010,IM C3000, IP C8500, MP 3004, SP C840, Canon imagePress series, Xerox A3 |
| Panels, large murals, facade glass | A0 and rolls | INEQS wide-format printer |
| Flat tile or ceramic at line speed | Direct print | CTG-XC-17 and 6-colour industrial systems |
Then the volume
An A4 desktop unit is right up to a few hundred sheets a month. Daily production wants an SRA3 engine with bigger developer units, larger trays and a duty cycle to match. If you print for other people, buy the format one size above what you need today.
Then the toner sets
The printer does not care which set it runs; developer units are swapped per family. Plan for one set per printer in production, because switching sets means a developer change and a re-profile.
What to ask any supplier
- Is the printer converted and calibrated before delivery, and is a starter set included?
- Who formulates the toner, and who supports the printer? With INEQS it is the same company.
- Are developer units, drums and fusers stocked, and what is the response time?
- Is an ICC profile for my paper and set included, and can I get one for my own ware?
- Can I test with my own file and ware before buying?
New, refurbished or used?
INEQS supplies all three. The CeramPrint CP-500 is available new or refurbished. Several proven Ricoh engines, such as the SP C440, MP C3004 and SP C840, are supplied used, which lowers the entry price. Whichever you choose, the printer is converted for ceramic toner, calibrated and profiled before delivery, and supported by the same technical service.
Budget for the whole system
The printer is only part of the cost. Plan for:
- A starter toner set, then replacement toner in the family you use
- Developer changes on the schedule for your machine
- Decal paper and a coating method: spray, liquid cover coat, lamination or screen printing
- A programmable kiln that reaches your set’s firing range
- Colour management: an ICC profile, and RIP software as volume grows
- A printer room held at 20 to 25 °C and 40 to 60% relative humidity
Test before you buy
Send a file and a piece of your ware and INEQS will print, fire and return it, so you judge the quality on your own product. If your volume is still small, the decal print service uses the same toner and profiles, and everything you learn carries over when you buy a printer.