Software is a key component of efficient inkjet worfklow. Buying from the OEM may be the best option, but it pays to shop around. Most software types offered as part
Make Sure It Fits and Flows
Designing the way that materials and finished products will move through the plant is as important as designing software workflow. Paper handling for inkjet may be different from what you
Inkjet and Interest Rates
Right now rates are still very low, but they are rising. The US Federal Reserve projects 3 more rate hikes in 2018. Even a small difference in terms can make
Set a Clock on Incentives.
Don’t leave money on the table by letting training, testing, professional services and business development support offered as buyer incentives expire. Make sure that the deadlines included in the contract
Paper Economics
Finding paper that will give you the quality you want at the best cost can make or break the economics for production inkjet. Choice of paper will directly impact the
Measure Wastage
The amount of paper wasted during start up can be a big differentiator for continuous devices – particularly those with a wide web. Companies that make frequent paper changes leaving partial rolls need to look carefully at paper handling options, splice detection and the ability to print full quality during ramp-up. Sheet fed devices have come on the market that may be sound alternatives when frequent paper changes are required subject to volume constraints.
Maintenance Matters
The structure of your maintenance plan is crucial to the success of your inkjet investment. Pay particular attention to how print heads are covered in terms of jet-outs or other quality issues that would require print heads to be serviced or replaced. If your quality requirements are high, you need to make sure that you are covered for the level of quality you need to deliver. How many jet-outs can you live with? Look at the break-down of self-maintenance versus OEM maintenance and the expected level of downtime.
Power Play
Energy efficiency is a big deal – particularly in application-segments with high coverage requiring intensive drying power. Some manufacturers have done an exceptional job of redirecting heat from other areas of the device to drying chambers, thereby reducing energy needed for drying and also reducing energy needed to cool the print engine itself. Many OEMs offer a standard drying option plus variations available based on need. Make sure you are asking about, and testing with, the drying options that are most suitable to your application segment.