Greetings
This is my first post here - although I've been reading the forum for advice for ages - really great platform this.
Ok, Im from South Africa, run a small copy shop that has been around for 40 years. Last five years we getting into light production.
Had a Xerox Docucolour 260 - great colour - but lots of issues with jams in finishing section. We looking at a new digital press, but are stumped on way forward.
First, I have some questions, I would greatly appreciate comments…
1) Im assuming that a straight path, larger fuser roller size and getting the machine without a finisher (Moving towards offline finishing) is the best. Am I correct?
2) Why such a big difference in Fiery controller prices between manufacturers - KM & Xerox quote $600 for embedded and Ricoh $8000 for embedded. We don't need hectic power here, but I do know I need a fiery.
Ok, so heres the machines; Ive read forums and Ricoh seems to be a favorite followed closely by KM…
1) Ricoh 5100 - $55 000
2) KM Pro 6000 - $33 000
3) Xerox Docucolour XC650 - $29 000
Ive tested the machines, the Ricoh seems by far the most robust, with lots of user maintenance available, but a very expensive stand alone or embedded Fiery option. A Fairly straight path even with a finisher.
The Xerox is basically what we have, Im assuming with small internal upgrades. Perfectly straight path without a finisher option.
The KM seems very capable but the paper path bothers me, the paper is already turning up 10 degrees as it enter the fuser unit, then another fairly sharpish bend, maybe 30 degrees as it exits… I'm very nervous about this.
Print quality on all three is fine by me - colour consistency is good - The Xerox seems to be the best as far as colour control goes - but I really don't get hung up about colour - I save each job with its colour profiles and print settings at time of print, a few quick tweaks and the next job runs fine.
Our average volume is about 30 000 / month, but Im looking at getting that unto 60 000.
I don't offer a large variety of substrates - uncoated 300gsm board and laser printer approved coated 300gsm - both in 150gsm also.
I would love to hear your comments.
